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If you're exploring the Costa del Sol without a car, buses are one of the most practical tools in your kit — and the M-120 and M-121 are two routes that most tourists find genuinely useful. They're comfortable, affordable, and between them they connect the main coastal towns and one of the most popular inland villages on the coast.
This guide focuses specifically on these two routes, plus a few others worth knowing about, so you know exactly what to expect before you travel.
The M-120 is the main coastal bus route between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, running the full length of the coast road and stopping at beaches, resorts, and attractions all the way along.
The route runs from Terminal de Torremolinos through Torremolinos Centro, then along the coast through Carihuela and into Benalmádena — passing stops at Puerto Marina (for the Sea Life Aquarium and the marina itself), Selwo Marina, and Sunset Beach Club. From there it continues along Torrequebrada, Carvajal, and into Fuengirola.
In total the route makes 34 stops, which means it's a slow but comprehensive way to travel the coast. If you're heading from one specific town centre to another, the train is faster. If you want to stop at a beach or specific resort along the way, the bus is often more convenient.
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 06:55 | 22:45 | Regular service throughout the day |
| Weekends & Holidays | Check CTMAM website | varies | Check CTMAM website |
The last bus at 22:45 makes this a viable option for an evening out — unlike some routes that end in the early evening.
The M-120 is most useful for:
Mijas Pueblo is one of the most visited whitewashed villages on the Costa del Sol — and it's not on the train line. The M-121 is how you get there from the coast without a car or taxi.
The route starts from Terminal Torremolinos, passes through Benalmádena, and climbs up to Mijas Pueblo — making around 45 stops along the way.
| Day | First Bus | Last Bus | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 08:45 | 19:40 | Approximately hourly |
Important note: service ends at around 19:40, which means this is a daytime-only route. If you're planning a day trip to Mijas Pueblo, be back at the bus stop well before the last departure — missing it means a taxi back down the hill.
Check the return timetable before you head up — the frequency is roughly hourly, and with service ending before 8pm, it's easy to misjudge the timing. Mijas Pueblo itself is small enough to explore thoroughly in a few hours, so a morning departure gives you plenty of time before the last bus back.
Benalmádena has its own local bus network running through the town and up to Benalmádena Pueblo (the historic hilltop village, distinct from the coastal resort). These routes pass attractions including the Butterfly Park, the Buddhist Stupa, and the Museo Precolombino. Worth checking if you're based in Benalmádena and want to explore without walking uphill.
For a day trip east along the coast to Nerja, the M-362 is the main CTMAM-network bus connecting Málaga city with Nerja via the eastern stretch of the coast. If you're already further west (Torremolinos, Fuengirola), you'll need to head into Málaga first to pick it up.
There's no direct train to Marbella, so the Avanza and Portillo intercity bus services fill that gap. Around 15 buses daily make the journey from Málaga, with the trip taking 45 minutes to around 1.5 hours depending on the service. Prices start from around €8 for a single. Note that these intercity routes are not part of the CTMAM network, so the Consorcio card doesn't apply — you buy a separate ticket.
All of the CTMAM routes above accept cash, paid directly to the driver. Keep small notes and coins — drivers don't always have change for larger notes.
If you're spending more than a day or two on the coast and planning to use buses or the C1 train regularly, the Tarjeta Consorcio (Consorcio card) is worth getting. It gives you roughly 50% off on all CTMAM buses and the C1 Cercanías train, and costs just €1.50 to issue.
The discounted fares make a significant difference if you're travelling several times a day — and the transfer discount (€0.33 for a connecting journey within 60 minutes) rewards multi-leg trips.
A full guide to the Consorcio card is included in Getting Around the Costa del Sol: Trains, Buses, and the Consorcio Card
Information correct as of early 2026. Always check ctmam.es for the most current timetables and prices before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
