Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by Lija Scheiman, CEO, leading the TaxiBambino Content Audit Team
Spain does let taxis carry small children without a seat, but only in city traffic. The drive from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella is about 50 km of motorway, so that exemption never applies on this route. Every family arriving at AGP with a child under 135 cm needs a seat for the trip to Marbella, Puerto Banús or Estepona.
The second decision is the road. The toll motorway is quicker in summer, and the 2026 toll prices are below.
Spanish law on child seats
Under Article 117 of the General Traffic Regulations (Real Decreto 1428/2003, as amended in 2015):
Anyone 135 cm or shorter must travel in an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. There is no age cut-off, only height.
In cars with up to nine seats, these children ride in the back. The front is allowed only in narrow cases, and a rear-facing seat in front only with the airbag switched off.
The taxi exemption, and why it doesn't cover AGP to Marbella
The exemption is in Article 119.2, which was rewritten by Real Decreto 518/2026, in force since 1 October 2026. The new text keeps the same rule: taxis may carry children under 135 cm without a restraint only in urban traffic or urban areas of large cities, and only in a rear seat.
The AGP to Marbella route runs on the A-7 or AP-7 motorway, which is interurban driving. So the exemption doesn't apply, and an approved seat is required for the whole journey. The same goes for hire cars, which never had an exemption.
Fines
Carrying a child without the correct restraint is a serious offence: €200 per child, reduced to €100 if paid within 20 days. For a driver with a Spanish licence, it also costs 4 points.
AP-7 toll or A-7: choosing the road
The coast has two parallel roads between Málaga and Marbella:
A-7 (free): runs along the coast through the resorts. In July and August it is badly congested, with long 80 km/h stretches.
AP-7 (toll): run by Autopista del Sol, with toll plazas at Calahonda, San Pedro and Manilva. The stretches from Málaga to Fuengirola and from Marbella to Puerto Banús are toll-free.
2026 car toll (single trip) | Normal season | High season (June to September and Easter) |
Calahonda plaza (towards Marbella) | €5.70 | €9.25 |
San Pedro plaza | €3.85 | €6.25 |
With a tired toddler in August, the AP-7 is usually worth the toll.
Distances and fares from Málaga Airport
From AGP to | Distance | Drive time without traffic |
Marbella centre | about 50 km | about 30 min |
Puerto Banús | about 58 km | about 36 min |
San Pedro de Alcántara | about 61 km | about 38 min |
Estepona | about 77 km | about 53 min |
Metered taxi: this is an interurban fare under the Andalucía tariff (2026 rates: €0.71 per km on weekdays from 06:00 to 22:00, €0.82 per km at night, at weekends and on holidays), plus any toll. In practice, families should expect roughly €75 to €100 to central Marbella, depending on the address and time.
Bus: Avanza runs from the airport to Marbella about 32 times a day (06:20 to 21:20), taking around 40 minutes from about €8. It's good value but no use for a child who needs a seat.
What we see at Málaga Airport
Málaga is one of our busiest airports, with 471 completed family transfers in the past 12 months across the Costa del Sol. Two patterns stand out for families landing at Málaga:
Groups are large: 49% of bookings were for four or more passengers. With two or three child seats, a standard saloon fills up fast, so tell us everyone's age when you book.
People book late: 57% booked within two days of travel. May, October and April were our busiest months, not high summer.
Marbella with children: practical notes
Beaches: Marbella has 8 Blue Flag beaches in 2026, including Cabopino, El Cable, La Fontanilla, Nagüeles-Casablanca and Guadalmina in San Pedro.
Selwo Aventura: the safari park near Estepona is about 23 km from Marbella on the A-7. That's a short hop, but still interurban, so the seat stays in.
Old town: the Plaza de los Naranjos was laid out from 1485, and the narrow lanes around it are best explored on foot, so ask to be dropped at the edge of the old town.
Puerto Banús: a local taxi from central Marbella runs to roughly €10 to €15.
The right seat for your child
Infant carrier: rear-facing, from birth to around 13 kg.
Toddler seat with harness: roughly 9 to 18 kg.
High-back booster: until 135 cm, Spain's threshold.
Seats we arrange are approved to R129 or R44. Bigger groups can choose from our vehicle fleet.
Staying closer to the airport? See our Málaga family taxi guide. Heading to the islands next? Read our Mallorca airport transfer guide. Browse all our car seat options or see every city we serve on our destinations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car seat legally required in a taxi from Málaga Airport to Marbella?
Yes. The taxi exemption only covers urban traffic, and this route is motorway driving. A child under 135 cm needs an approved seat.
Did the October 2026 rule change remove the taxi exemption?
No. Real Decreto 518/2026 rewrote Article 119.2, but taxis may still carry children under 135 cm without a seat in urban traffic, in a rear seat.
Is the AP-7 toll worth it with kids?
In summer, usually yes. The free A-7 is very congested in July and August, and the toll to Marbella is €9.25 in high season.
How long is the transfer from Málaga Airport to Puerto Banús?
About 58 km, roughly 36 minutes without traffic. Allow much longer on a summer Saturday.
Can my 9-year-old use a normal seat belt in Spain?
Only if they're taller than 135 cm. The Spanish rule is based on height, not age.
Travel Safely with TaxiBambino
Knowing the law is one thing; having the right seat ready when you land is another. TaxiBambino.com connects families with certified child-seat taxis and airport transfers in Marbella and 150+ destinations worldwide. Infant seats, forward-facing seats and boosters for all ages, booked in advance so nothing is left to chance on arrival.
About this page
TaxiBambino (Avaren Group AB, org. nr 559536-5247, Nacka, Sweden) arranges family transfers on the Costa del Sol with child seats fitted before pickup, through vetted local partners. Contact: [email protected].
Sources: Real Decreto 518/2026 (BOE) · Real Decreto 667/2015 (BOE), amending Article 117 · DGT: child restraint enforcement and points · Junta de Andalucía: 2026 interurban taxi tariffs (BOJA) · Autopista del Sol: 2026 tolls
This page is reviewed and updated regularly. For the most current official rules, always check your destination country's government transport authority.