Once you finish your walk at Caminito del Rey, you can take the return bus (shuttle) service which runs approximately every 30 minutes. The cost of the bus service is 2.50 Euros. However, make sure that you have the correct change as the drivers do not accept credit or debit cards. It’s also important to note that paying with a 100 or 50 euro note may cause some frustration to the drivers who run the bus services for the Caminito del Rey.
Book a guided tour through Viator
An alternative is to book a guided tour ticket for the Caminito del Rey at the Viator website here. Then you don’t have to worry about the shuttle buses as all will be arranged for you.
See if you can get the “combined” ticket when you book your tickets
Alternatively you should be able to buy the combined entry and shuttle bus ticket when you reserve on the official online booking system at 12,50 euros per person…
Remember that you will need to get the return bus journey if you have parked your car at the starting point as the Caminito del Rey can only be walked in one direction from Guadalhorce reservoir / Kings chair / Kiosko bar side to the El Chorro / train station side.
Bus services for the Caminito del Rey start from El Chorro at 08:30 and run every 30 minutes (on weekends) and hourly on weekdays until 17:30 . The buses run from Tuesday to Sunday as the Caminito del Rey is closed on Mondays. (Check the official website when you buy your entry tickets as timetable are liable to change.)
NOTE: In summer the bus service is scheduled from 07:40 to 20:00. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the car park at the visitor centre and another 5 minutes if you are parked somewhere near the restaurant “el Kiosko”.
The car park at the information centre for the Caminito del Rey.
More information on how to get your entrance permit here.
Get your guide for the Caminito del Rey
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Caminito del Rey Shuttle Bus: Complete FAQ Guide for Hikers
The Caminito del Rey is a stunning cliffside trail in Málaga, Spain. Because the route is linear—from the northern entrance near the Guadalhorce reservoir (El Kiosko) to the southern exit at El Chorro—a shuttle bus service connects the trail ends. This service is essential for those who park at the start and need a ride back after completing the walk.
The fare is €2.50 per person. Payment is made directly to the driver in cash only, and you must have exact change. Large bills like €50 or €100 are not accepted, and card payments are not available.
The bus runs Tuesday to Sunday, as the Caminito del Rey is closed on Mondays. On weekends, buses run every 30 minutes from 08:30 to 17:30. On weekdays, service is hourly. During summer (high season), hours extend from 07:40 to 20:00. Always confirm updated schedules when booking tickets.
The journey from El Chorro back to the northern start point takes around 15–20 minutes. If you park at the information centre, the shuttle first stops at the Kiosko area, followed by a 15- to 20-minute walk to the trailhead. Plan your arrival accordingly to avoid missing your timed entry.
Yes. You can buy a combined ticket that includes trail access and shuttle transport via the official website for €12.50. This guarantees your shuttle access and saves time on the day.
Visitors can book guided tours via platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, which often include full transport. Alternatively, if you travel by train to El Chorro, take the shuttle before your hike to the trailhead, then walk back to the station after finishing.
The shuttle is a basic minibus and accepts both adults and children. While it’s not wheelchair-accessible, most people with moderate mobility can board with assistance. Keep in mind that the trail itself includes stairs, bridges, and narrow walkways.
Independent guides like this one and other regional tourism websites provide helpful planning tips, including info on transport, parking, and accommodation.
✔ Confirm your trail start location, especially if there are detours or repairs.
✔ Arrive early to account for parking, shuttle wait times, and walking to the entrance.
✔ Bring exact change for the bus fare.
✔ Pack water, sun protection, and wear sturdy footwear.
✔ If staying locally, consider nearby guesthouses or hotels listed on trusted guides.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Hello, I am going on the guided tour on friday the 3 of february, 9:50 o’clock:
Question 1:
I have read, that the starting point on thirsday (2.2.2023) will be at the south end. And on friday (3.2.2023) the starting point will be at the north end. Now i am not sure, where the starting point is, because it depends on the fact if the repair of part of the route will be finished in time on thursday?????
I have to be at the starting point at 9:50 o’clock. And i come by car from camping torremolinos near Malaga. I wanted to parc at the south end (el chorro), but i think that’s not possible, because the shuttle bus starts at 8:30 and on friday only drives once an hour?
Question 2:
When i am sure that the starting point is at the north end, where can i park my car there?
Question 3:
Where can i find the shuttle bus there?
Question 4:
Where is the meeting point?
Question 5:
What time should i be there, parking my car, to be in time for my start?
Sorry for the many questions, thanksfor answering them, with kind regards, Jolanda
Hi Jolanda. These questions need to be directed at the people you booked a guided tour with. Was it the official site or a third party site?
Re where to start the walk, the official site is stating that all will return to normal on the 2nd of February but really, you need to confirm this with the people you bought your guided tour from…..
Please let us know how you get on….
Hi Clive,
What’s bus schedule for November 2024. I am staying at El Chorro the day before the hiking day (11/5/2024). When is earlies time of ticket I can book? 9:00? 9:30? 10:00?
Thank you so mcuh!
I want to come to El Chorro from Malaga by train. Where is the M-347 bus stop that will take me El Sillon del Rey?