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Travelling with Pets in Nerja
🇪🇸Nerja, Spain·Updated 19 June 2026
Nerja has no train station, so most pet owners arrive via Málaga Airport (about 60 km west) and the ALSA coach, or by car. ALSA only carries small pets in a rigid carrier in the hold, while the Málaga Cercanías commuter trains are far more generous, so plan your transfer around your dog's size.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Coach (ALSA, Málaga–Nerja) | Small pets up to 10 kg only, carried in a rigid, leak-proof, lockable carrier supplied by the owner and stowed in the hold, not the cabin. The animal must be over 12 weeks, microchipped and vaccinated with documentation. Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin on a leash. | 💡 Board early so you can load and unload the carrier yourself. Confirm the pet fee when you buy your ticket, as it is not published |
| Commuter train (Cercanías Málaga) | If you arrive via Málaga, the Cercanías commuter trains carry dogs of any size for free with no weight limit. The dog must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. No carrier is required, which makes Cercanías the easiest leg for a larger dog. | 💡 Carry a muzzle even if your dog is gentle. Cercanías requires one for all dogs regardless of breed |
| Taxi / pet transfer | In Spain, ordinary taxis and ride-hailing can refuse pets at the driver's discretion; only assistance dogs have a guaranteed legal right to ride. For airport transfers, pre-book a pet-specialist service such as Taxiguau or Taxi Pets Costa del Sol, which cover the Málaga area. | 💡 Book a pet taxi in advance for the airport run and ask for a carrier or harness so your dog travels safely |
Useful transport links
ALSA coaches: alsa.com. Book Málaga Airport and Málaga city to Nerja services and check pet-transport conditions before travelling. Renfe Cercanías Málaga: renfe.com. Plan commuter-train connections from Málaga, where dogs travel free on a leash and muzzle. There is no rail link to Nerja itself, so the last leg is always by coach, taxi or car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Nerja with a dog?
Nerja has no train station. Most travellers fly into Málaga Airport, about 60 km away, then take an ALSA coach, a pre-booked pet taxi, or a rental car. ALSA only carries small dogs up to 10 kg in a carrier in the hold, so larger dogs usually need a car or pet-taxi transfer.
Can I take my dog on the bus from Málaga to Nerja?
Only small pets up to 10 kg in a rigid, lockable carrier, which travels in the hold rather than the cabin. The animal must be microchipped, vaccinated and over 12 weeks old. Assistance dogs travel free in the cabin on a leash.
Are dogs allowed on trains near Nerja?
There is no train to Nerja, but if you arrive via Málaga the Cercanías commuter trains carry dogs of any size for free, on a leash and muzzle, with no carrier needed. That makes the Málaga rail network the friendliest option for larger dogs.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Nerja
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Coco Stay Nerja
★★★ · 9.2/10
€55/night
Carmen Rooms
★★★ · 9/10
€68/night
Hotel Paraíso del Mar
★★ · 8.7/10
€85/night
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