Malaga commuters face six-month rail headache as C1 closure causes ire among Costa del Sol mayors

Thousands of Costa del Sol commuters could face a significant transport disruption when the C1 Cercanias line between Malaga and Torremolinos is set to close for six months due to works. Local town hall leaders are expressing strong discontent over the decision, citing potential issues for daily journeys as people return to work and school routines after the summer.

In 2024, Malaga's Cercanias lines transported over 17.1 million passengers, with numbers increasing from 10 million in 2019 to 15 million in 2024. This indicates the considerable strain already on the railway network. The closure raises questions about how regular C1 passengers will travel during this period. Additional demand may shift to the A-7, already a heavily trafficked route connecting Malaga, Torremolinos, and the wider Costa del Sol.

Buses are planned to compensate, but details are scarce. Driving this route, many commuters understand that thousands of extra cars could worsen morning traffic. Earlier reports from EWN have covered the planned six-month C1 closure, expected to occur from late 2027 through early 2028. Renfe, the railway operator, acknowledges the pressure on the C1, stating it handled a significant portion of Malaga's 15.5 million Cercanias passengers in 2025, with peak services reaching up to 150 percent of seated capacity.

Seven new high-capacity trains are set to be introduced along the Malaga-Fuengirola route in 2028, as part of a €66.7 million investment to accommodate more passengers. Station improvements are also underway, including at Torreblanca and other C1 stops. However, commuters awaiting the temporary closure will need to know what alternative transport will be available.

Replacement buses may become necessary, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours. With the return of schools, universities, and regular working patterns in September, pressure on Malaga's transport network is already mounting. For residents of the Costa del Sol, the critical question remains: where will all those passengers go when the C1 line is closed?