Seville to Ronda to Malaga taxi vs driving

Driving is easy (with some twisty roads, and you need an IDP in Spain), and it is the only way to see some white villages (such as Zahara de la Sierra + Grazalema) on your way to Ronda. You can find a hotel there with parking, or there are parking lots.

But if you really just have one night, you might want to head straight to Ronda, in which case you might as well take the bus!

You should look up all the costs for each and compare, that's the only way you'll get a valid comparison on the cost (car rental costs may be out-of-sight this year, you need to check). Parking is typically available at low cost (sometimes free) in a lot outside the old city centers. I can't imagine that you would actually save any money by taking a taxi over these long distances, but if you're even considering that, you should check and get some real numbers.

Personally, I'd never consider a taxi for such a trip -- IMHO long distances are better in your own car, even if it costs more. It's hard to quantify the cost of having the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want, change plans, improvise and be spontaneous.

This is a very easy area to drive in (as long as you stay out of the very center of old cities).
And stop calling me Terrance. 😜

@balso, what is an IDP? Can you provide tips on bus from Seville-Ronda-Malaga?

IDP = International Driver Permit
The bus service in Spain is pretty good iny my experience
You can use this company for Seville to Ronda to Malaga
https://booking.avanzabus.com/web/index.php?lang=en

You can apply for one at AAA.

https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpc.html

Balso’s description is accurate. Since the roads are rural and go through hilly terrain, don’t expect to go faster than 70kph (42mph) most of the way. The Parador in Ronda has its own parking garage. Last time we were in Ronda we parked in a lot just before Parking El Castillo, Pl. Duquesa de Parcent, 3. It was near our hotel. There are a couple lots in that area off of Calle Armiñán (the main street that runs through town). For as little as you’d have a car, gas cost would be nominal. On my recent trip, just before turning in the car I spent 40€/$43 for a little over a half tank. E95 was just over $7 a gallon. If you take the back roads there should be no tolls. Parking can vary but assume 15€ a night, more in a large city, if your hotel doesn’t have it for free. Again, on my recent trip, we paid to park half the time, the other times it was free. Rental car price will vary depending on how early you reserve the vehicle, vehicle size, pick up and drop off locations, whether you want a manual or automatic, and insurance coverage you choose.

I normally get a rental car, but with your limited time, if there is a decent bus schedule that would work, it would probably be the better choice.

Sevilla to Ronda:
The bus is 2-3 hours, depending on the time you leave.
https://damas-sa.es/
https://comprasweb.interbus.es/venta/selection

It looks like you can take the train from Ronda to Malaga through renfe.com

(We went from Sevilla to Ronda, Granada & Nerja before Malaga, so we didn’t take your exact route.)

Has anyone taken blablacar? Google map provided this option, cost 20 Euro for 2 passengers, sounds like a good deal.

BlaBlaCar is a ride share website with non-professional drivers (in principle). Basically, if I were driving from Sevilla to Ronda tomorrow and had a free seat, I could offer it on BlaBlaCar.
As a result, it is very cheap indeed, but also not very reliable (rides get cancelled from time to time, driving standards vary, car condition varies) and usually not recommended for people with tight travelling schedules. Only for people on a super tight budget, or as a last resort when no buses or trains run the route you need.