Getting To The Caminito Del Rey - Maps & Directions

North entrance

The starting point to Caminito del Rey is the North Entrance, near El Kiosko restaurant. Here, you have a choice of two paths to reach the official entrance. The quicker option is a 20-minute walk through a well-lit pedestrian tunnel. The other path is a scenic 50-minute hike along the Gaitanejo trail. Whichever you choose, both lead to the same starting point for the Caminito walkway itself.

South exit

The exit for everyone is at the South Exit, near the El Chorro dam. This final part of the Caminito involves a climb up many stairs and a hanging walkway. Once you finish this section, you'll arrive at the exit where you can catch a shuttle bus back to the North Entrance parking area (if you parked there) or continue on foot or by car to El Chorro town.

By train

Best For: Budget-friendly and convenient public transport

Travel time: 2 hours

Closest stop: El Chorro train station (10.7 km)

Timings: 

• Trains usually depart from the Málaga María Zambrano Train Station between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. 
• You must board the train operated by Renfe from the Málaga María Zambrano Train Station and get down at the Estación de tren El Chorro {El Chorro train station). 
• Take a bus from El Chorro to Camping Ardales, which is the furthest accessible point by public transportation. 
• Walk for around 1.3 kilometres before reaching the Caminito del Rey entrance. 

By bus

Best For: Budget-friendly transport, offering scenic views throughout the journey

Travel time: 3-4 hours

Closest stop: Camping Ardales (1.3 km)

Timings: 

• Hop on to the bus M-231 from the Malaga bus station, which drops you at Piscina. 
• Now, you need to take the bus M-340 from Piscina to the El Chorro bus stop. 
• You need to switch buses again and board bus M-347 to Camping Ardales.
• Walk for just over a kilometre till you reach the entrance to the Caminito del Rey. 

Driving route

Best For: Fastest way to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga

Travel time: 1 hour

• Caminito del Rey is around 60 kilometres from Malaga, and the drive takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the road and traffic conditions. 
• Start your journey from Malaga and take the A-357 highway. 
• Drive on the A-357 highway enjoying the enchanting rolling hills and countryside till you reach Ardales, which serves as the gateway to Caminito del Rey.  
• Take the MA-5403 exit shortly after crossing Ardales and continue driving until you reach the Parking Ardales Caminito del Rey.
• Walk for about 20 minutes till you reach the entrance to the Caminito del Rey

Parking facilities

• Parking Ardales Caminito del Rey: A safe, reliable, and the closest parking space to the Northern entrance of the Caminito del Rey. Book your slot online for a hassle-free experience. 
• Parking Gratis Caminito del Rey: A small free parking facility, which belongs to the El Mirador restaurant, located around 1.5 kilometres from Caminito del Rey’s entrance. You can reserve parking online for the date of your visit.
• Aparcamiento municipal: While you cannot reserve parking online, this parking lot is recommended for those entering Caminito del Rey through the Northern entrance.