Tarifa is a spectacular destination for kitesurf lovers, nature enthusiasts, and beach lovers. If you want to know the best way to get to Tarifa, here is all the detailed information whether you take a flight or come by car.
Our recommendation for your trip to Tarifa is to rent a car, due to the great car rental prices, especially at Málaga Airport.
With a car, you will have greater freedom to move around and enjoy and visit the nature and towns near Tarifa. Tarifa is a small, beautiful village, with stunning surroundings perfect for a visit. Also, if you want to move around to different kitesurf spots.
You can visit Valdevaqueros Beach with the Punta Paloma Dune, the beautiful Bolonia Beach, the charm of the town of Vejer de la Frontera, or the beautiful city of Cádiz.
The best way to get to Tarifa by plane
If you’re flying, the closest airports to Tarifa are:
- Gibraltar Airport (GIB) – 43 km (40 min by car)
The fastest option, but with limited flights. Ideal if you find a flight from the UK. - Jerez de la Frontera Airport (XRY) – 130 km (1h 30min by car)
A good option with national and European flights.
Usually less crowded than Málaga. - Málaga Airport (AGP) – 150 km (1h 45min by car)
The largest airport with more international connections.
The best option for flights from Europe and other continents. - Sevilla Airport (SVQ) – 215 km (2h 30min by car)
An alternative if you can’t find good options in Málaga or Jerez.
Once at the airport, here are the options to get to Tarifa from one of the airports:
The best way to get to Tarifa by car
By car (rental or own)
We recommend renting a car due to the good rental prices, especially at Málaga Airport. This is the best option if you want to move freely.
- From Gibraltar: Take the N-351 and then the N-340 to Tarifa.
- From Jerez: Take the A-381 to Algeciras and then the N-340.
- From Málaga: Take the A-7 highway to Algeciras and then the N-340.
- From Sevilla: Take the A-4 and then the AP-4 to Jerez, then follow the same route as from Jerez.
The best way to get to Tarifa by bus
Buses are an economical option, though slower.
- From Málaga: Direct bus with Avanza to Algeciras (2h 30min), then another bus to Tarifa (30 min).
The company operating the bus route from Málaga to Tarifa is Avanza. You can check schedules, prices, and buy tickets on their official website:
Avanza – Buses from Málaga to Tarifa.
- From Jerez or Sevilla: Bus to Algeciras and then a connection to Tarifa.
The company operating the bus route from Sevilla to Tarifa is Transportes Generales Comes. You can check schedules, prices, and buy tickets on their official website:
Transportes Generales Comes.
- From Gibraltar: Walk across the border to La Línea, take a bus to Algeciras, and then another bus to Tarifa.
The best way to get to Tarifa by Blablacar
An economical and flexible option.
There are usually many options from Málaga, Sevilla, and Jerez.
Check the Blablacar app to find carpooling options.
Here’s the link to Blablacar to search for shared rides to Tarifa from different cities:
Blablacar – Rides to Tarifa
Which is the most recommended option for my kitesurf trip to Tarifa?
If you plan to visit places near Tarifa, renting a car is the best option since the price difference between renting a car and taking the bus is not that large. If you are traveling with others, you’ll share the costs and it will be even more economical.
Here’s why:
Car rental: the most recommended option
✅ Total flexibility: You can move at any time and visit places that are less accessible by public transport.
✅ Faster: You avoid waiting times and bus connections.
✅ Ideal for exploring: Places like Bolonia (Dunes and Roman Ruins), Zahara de los Atunes, Vejer de la Frontera, or the Los Alcornocales Natural Park are more accessible by car.
✅ Shared costs: If you’re traveling with friends or family, rental + fuel might be cheaper than several bus tickets.
Bus: only if you have a very tight budget
✔️ Cheaper if you’re just staying in Tarifa.
✔️ No need to worry about parking (though parking in Tarifa is generally not a problem outside the high season).
❌ Slower and with limited schedules.
❌ Hard to explore places outside of Tarifa without relying on taxis or Blablacar.
Conclusion
If you’re traveling solo to Tarifa, the bus is a good and slightly cheaper option. If you’re traveling with a friend or family, the price difference between taking the bus and renting a car is negligible. However, if you want to explore the area comfortably and without restrictions, renting a car is the best option.
