Málaga-Álora Train Disruption: Essential Alert for Caminito del Rey Visitors

For thousands of locals and international visitors, the C2 Cercanías train line is the gateway to the lush Guadalhorce Valley and the spectacular Caminito del Rey. However, if you are planning a hiking trip or a countryside escape this season, a major transport update requires your immediate attention.

Starting in late May 2026, a significant section of the Málaga-Álora train line will be temporarily suspended to accommodate essential infrastructure works.

The Route Cut: Las Mellizas to Álora

According to recent reports from Diario Sur, track upgrades will halt all train traffic on the final stretch of the C2 line, specifically between the Las Mellizas station and the Álora terminus.

This interruption is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the railway infrastructure in the province, ensuring safer and more efficient travel in the long term. However, in the short term, it means travel times and logistics will change for anyone heading towards Álora or using it as a transit point to reach the Caminito del Rey.

Renfe’s Replacement Bus Service

To minimize the impact on daily commuters and tourists, Spain’s national railway operator, Renfe, is implementing a substitute transport plan.

• Train to Las Mellizas: Passengers traveling from Málaga (Centro-Alameda or María Zambrano) will take the standard C2 Cercanías train until it terminates at Las Mellizas.
• Bus to Álora: Upon arriving at Las Mellizas, a fleet of designated replacement buses will be waiting to transport passengers for the remainder of the journey to Álora.
• The Return Trip: The same system applies in reverse. Travelers leaving Álora will board a bus to Las Mellizas, where they will transfer to a Málaga-bound train.

Crucial Restrictions: Leave the Bikes and Pets Behind

If you are an active traveler planning to cycle through the Guadalhorce Valley or hike with a furry companion, take careful note of this critical rule: Bicycles and pets are strictly prohibited on the replacement buses.

While standard Cercanías trains are generally accommodating to cyclists and pet owners, the spatial constraints and safety regulations of the substitute bus service mean these allowances have been temporarily revoked for the Las Mellizas-Álora transfer.

If your itinerary relies on bringing a bike or a pet, you will need to seek alternative transportation, such as renting a car or booking a private transfer directly from Málaga.

How This Affects Your Caminito del Rey Visit

The Caminito del Rey is one of Andalusia’s most sought-after attractions. While the official train station for the trail is El Chorro – Caminito del Rey (served by Media Distancia trains), many budget-conscious travelers and guided tour groups utilize the C2 Cercanías to Álora, connecting from there via local shuttle buses or taxis.

If you are using the Cercanías route to reach the area in May 2026 or beyond, here is how to adapt:

1. Add Buffer Time: Bus transfers inherently add time to a journey. Plan to leave Málaga at least one train earlier than you originally intended to ensure you do not miss your slotted entrance time for the Caminito.
2. Check Media Distancia Options: Look into the direct Media Distancia trains from Málaga María Zambrano directly to El Chorro. While less frequent and slightly more expensive than the Cercanías, they may offer a more seamless journey if they remain unaffected by the local C2 line works.
3. Confirm Shuttle Schedules: Double-check the departure times of the local buses that run from Álora to the Caminito del Rey visitor center, as they may have adjusted their schedules to align with the new bus-train transfer arrivals.

Navigating public transport changes can sometimes feel like a hurdle, especially when you are visiting a new country and trying to reach a timed attraction. However, these infrastructure upgrades are a positive step toward a better, more reliable transit network for the Málaga province. With a little extra planning and an early start, your journey into the breathtaking landscapes of the Guadalhorce Valley will remain a memorable highlight of your trip.