Once known as “the most dangerous path in the world”, the Caminito del Rey has transformed into one of southern Spain’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors every year. If you’re considering visiting this spectacular footpath just an hour from Málaga, take this as your sign: it’s absolutely worth it. Between dramatic cliffside views and an easy yet thrilling walk, it’s an experience that stays with you.
There are several ways to get there: booking a guided tour (for example via GetYourGuide), renting a car, or – my personal choice – taking the train. Here’s my experience with what is probably the cheapest and most relaxed way to spend a day at Caminito del Rey.
El Caminito del Rey by train
The train from Málaga María Zambrano Station runs a few times a day, though not very frequently. I’d strongly recommend checking the schedule in advance and booking your Caminito time slot accordingly. We had tickets for 15:10 and chose an early morning train, which turned out to be a great decision, as you’ll need some extra time to reach the actual starting point.
The journey to El Chorro Station takes around 45 minutes and costs between €3.50 and €5 one way. Once you arrive, you’ll notice that El Chorro is quite small and quiet. Still, it has its charm. If you have time, grab a coffee at Bar Isabel or pick up water at the small local shop – you’ll definitely need it. The area is also popular with climbers, so don’t be surprised to see ropes and gear everywhere.
Read more here: Caminito del Rey – Visiting Spain’s most breathtaking walkway from Málaga
From there, you can take the shuttle bus to the northern entrance of Caminito del Rey. Officially, it runs every 30 minutes, though in my experience, it came more often. It takes you either to the parking area or to Restaurante El Kiosko, which is where most people begin their walk toward the entrance.
Side note: If you’re an experienced hiker, Caminito del Rey might feel more like a scenic walk than a challenging hike. If you’re up for more, consider getting off at the parking area and hiking around the nearby reservoir first. For a bit of a challenge, you can also climb the so-called “Arabic stairs” located close to the trail.
A breathtaking experience for just 17 €
Once you arrive at El Kiosko, it’s about a short walk to the entrance. You’ll pass through a tunnel and continue for a few minutes until you reach the official starting point. That’s where the experience truly begins: helmets on, quick briefing (and guide introduction if you booked one), and off you go.
The views along the narrow paths high above the gorge are simply breathtaking – honestly, no photo can do them justice. Despite its reputation, everything is extremely well secured. Even with a slight fear of heights, I felt completely safe throughout.
The only moment that might get your heart racing comes toward the end: crossing the suspension bridge. There’s currently an even larger bridge under construction, which is expected to create a shortcut for those who want to skip the roughly 2-kilometre walk back to the exit. When exactly it will open? Still unclear. When asked, one guide jokingly replied: “November 2025.”
We completed the entire path in about two hours without a guide. At the exit, you’ll find several small shops selling drinks and snacks, perfect for a quick break. From there, it’s an easy walk back to El Chorro station.
All in all, Caminito del Rey is surprisingly easy to reach by public transport. There’s really no need to book an expensive tour or rent a car. If you plan ahead, you can easily enjoy this unforgettable day trip for as little as 17 €.
