Drivers on the Costa del Sol are facing a sharp increase in toll charges from today as the AP-7 officially switches to its more expensive summer pricing structure.
The annual ‘special season’ tariffs have now come into force on the toll motorway between Malaga and Guadiaro, meaning motorists will pay significantly more to avoid the often-congested A-7 coastal road.
For many drivers, the increase is substantial.
A standard car travelling the full Malaga–Estepona stretch via the Calahonda and San Pedro toll points will now pay €15.50, compared to €9.55 during the normal season.
Extending the journey to Guadiaro pushes the total cost to €19.55.
The summer rates apply throughout the peak tourism period, when traffic levels across the Costa del Sol surge due to holidaymakers, second-home owners and visitors arriving from Malaga Airport.
New AP-7 summer toll prices for cars
The following rates now apply to light vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, vans and two-axle minibuses:
- Malaga–Marbella (Calahonda main toll): €9.25
- Calahonda exit: €5.75
- Marbella–Estepona (San Pedro main toll): €6.25
- San Pedro exit: €3.60
- Estepona–Guadiaro (Manilva main toll): €4.05
- Manilva exit: €2.00
This means a driver travelling the entire route from Malaga to Guadiaro will pay €19.55.
Heavy vehicles face even higher charges
Lorries, coaches and larger commercial vehicles face much steeper costs.
Heavy vehicles with four or more axles can now pay up to €15.25 at the Calahonda main toll alone, while the Estepona–Guadiaro section rises to €6.95.
Why do prices increase?
The AP-7 operates on a seasonal tariff system.
Every year, tolls rise during periods of highest demand, particularly across the summer months when the Costa del Sol experiences its busiest tourism season.
The motorway operator argues the pricing reflects increased traffic volumes and maintenance costs during peak periods.
The increases have already sparked political criticism.
Malaga PP president Patricia Navarro described the latest rise as an infernal toll hike and accused the central government of failing to reinvest the growing revenues into improving local infrastructure or reducing costs for frequent users.
The AP-7 remains one of the most controversial roads on the Costa del Sol, with many drivers choosing between paying the toll or facing frequent congestion on the free A-7 coastal motorway.
For regular commuters between Marbella, Estepona and Malaga, the return to summer pricing means daily journeys just became considerably more expensive.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
