Why the tolls just dropped
Since 1 October 2026, the Costa del Sol’s AP-7 has been charging its normal (low-season) tariffs again. As Área Costa del Sol reports, special-season prices ended and the 2026 normal rates took effect for both concession sections — Málaga–Estepona and Estepona–Guadiaro — run by Autopista del Sol. WHAT-s ON notes that a full light-vehicle trip from Málaga to Guadiaro falls from €19.55 to €12 each way, a saving of €7.55.
That matters if you are collecting a rental car at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and heading west toward Marbella, Estepona or beyond. The AP-7 runs parallel to the toll-free A-7 along much of this coast, so knowing which tariff applies helps you decide when paying for the motorway is worth it — and when the free autovía is the better choice.
What light vehicles pay now
Official figures for light vehicles (cars, most vans and minibuses in the “ligeros” class) come from the Ministry of Transport 2026 table for AP-7 Málaga–Estepona and the Estepona–Guadiaro table, and match the rates published on the Autopista del Sol tariffs page.
Useful normal-season prices (light vehicles, one way)
- Málaga–Calahonda: €3.55
- Málaga–Marbella: €5.70
- Málaga–San Pedro de Alcántara: €7.90
- Málaga–Estepona: €9.55
- Marbella–Estepona: €3.85
- Estepona–Guadiaro: €2.45
- Málaga–Guadiaro (both sections): €12
La Noción explains that the Calahonda lateral (entry/exit) toll is €3.55 under the normal tariff, down from €5.75 in high season. All of these amounts include VAT and apply until the next special-season window.
AP-7 or A-7: how to choose
The A-7 (Autovía del Mediterráneo) is the free alternative that runs alongside the AP-7 for most of the Costa del Sol. From Calahonda toward Fuengirola and Málaga — including the airport — you can stay on the A-7 without paying a toll, as La Noción notes. West of Calahonda, toward Marbella and Estepona, the AP-7 is often smoother when traffic is heavy on the coastal autovía, but it is never compulsory.
A practical rule of thumb for visitors: use the A-7 for short hops and when you are not in a hurry; choose the AP-7 when you want a clearer run on a longer westbound day, especially between Málaga and Marbella or Estepona. Check live traffic before you leave — a broken-down vehicle or incident on either road can erase the time benefit of the toll.
When special tariffs return
According to Autopista del Sol and the ministry tables, the special (high-season) tariff applies in June, July, August and September, plus a 17-day window around Easter (from the Friday before Holy Week through the Sunday after Easter Sunday). The normal tariff applies for the rest of the year — so from October through May, including this autumn and winter stretch.
Frequent users who complete at least 60 journeys in the previous four months on a recorded payment system can keep the normal tariff year-round, including in high season. Autopista del Sol stresses that the two concessions are separate, so loyalty rules apply independently on Málaga–Estepona and on Estepona–Guadiaro.
Practical tips for rental drivers
Keep a card ready. Toll plazas accept common payment methods; if you prefer cashless travel, confirm what your rental agreement allows before you leave the desk. Budget for a return trip if you are doing an out-and-back day to Marbella or Estepona — the published figures above are one-way.
Do not assume summer prices still apply. Signs and barriers charge the current season’s rate automatically. If you are comparing costs with a sat-nav ETA, remember that the cheaper A-7 can be slower in peak hours, while the AP-7’s time saving is only useful if traffic is flowing. For current official amounts, use the Autopista del Sol tariffs page or the ministry PDFs linked above rather than a screenshot from last summer.
By car
Central Málaga to Marbella’s old town is about 59 km and roughly 45–50 minutes by car via the MA-20 and the coastal motorways (approximate route data from OSRM). On this stretch you choose between the AP-7 and the toll-free A-7. At the normal 2026 rate, Málaga–Marbella on the AP-7 is €5.70 for a light vehicle, per the Ministry of Transport toll table; the special-season figure for the same trip is €9.25.
If you are continuing to Estepona, the normal Málaga–Estepona light-vehicle toll is €9.55. For Guadiaro, add the Estepona–Guadiaro section (€2.45) for a combined €12, matching the low-season total reported since 1 October. Park once you arrive and explore on foot — coastal town centres are easier without circling for spaces on the main through-roads.