Car hire in Murcia at the best price

Murcia is a picturesque baroque city in south-eastern Spain, famous for its beautiful architecture with traces of the ancient Arabic culture, plus a traditional university dating back to the 13th century. This lovely city is the seventh largest in Spain by population, offering a wide range of tourist attractions, dining options and exciting local festivities. The entire region is embedded in a rich local heritage, and the best way to explore it all is with a car hire in Murcia.

Our dedicated team of experts at Auto Europe is prepared to help you organise your journey around Murcia and relax on your holiday. With over 60 years of experience in the industry, we offer the most affordable car hire rates paired with an outstanding customer support service. We are present at more than 24,000 pick-up locations worldwide, so why not give us a call on +44 123 3225 114 to learn more?

How is the traffic in Murcia?

Murcia is quite simple to reach no matter what direction you are driving from - Madrid, Alicante or Malaga. You can expect fluid traffic on modern roads, which only get congested during the rush hour. The city's authorities proposed an initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions several years ago, with the main idea being that citizens could exchange their cars for a lifelong tram pass in return.

One of the most popular roads in Murcia, especially on weekends, is the Mediterranean Motorway A-7. Drive carefully and avoid it on Saturdays. Another important road is the A-30, which connects Murcia with the airport. Read more about driving in Spain in our online guide.

Where can I park my car hire in Murcia?

Murcia has over 6,000 parking spaces spread throughout different parts of the city. Paid parking on the street is regulated by ORA and different rates apply to each area, costing up to 2-3 euros per hour. Paid parking is marked by blue zones from Monday to Friday (9 am to 2 pm and 4.30 pm to 8 pm) and on Saturdays (9 am to 2 pm). During the summer months of July and August, on-street parking is free of charge on Saturdays. Please keep in mind that orange-coloured parking spaces are reserved for residents with official badges. You also have at your disposal more than a dozen car parks and underground garages, which are a safe option especially if you wish to leave your car rental in Murcia parked overnight. In addition to these options, just outside the old town, you will find numerous park-and-ride spaces. They are usually free of charge or very inexpensive and located within a short walk of the city centre.

Murcia Airport

Located in Corvera, a few kilometres (and a short drive) south of the city, Murcia Airport opened at the beginning of 2019, replacing the existing one at San Javier. With capacity for three million passengers and 23,000 movements each year, the city's new state-of-the-art air transport hub has 9 boarding gates, 25 check-in desks and 4 baggage-reclaim belts, plus a wide range of modern conveniences. A growing number of airlines fly to and from Murcia International Airport, including easyJet, Ryanair and TUI, along with some seasonal services operated by Flybe, Jet2, Norwegian, SmartWings and Volotea.

Murcia International Airport (RMU)
Address: Avda. de España 101, 30154 Valladolises y Lo Jurado, Murcia, Spain
Telephone: (+34) 91 321 10 00
Website: www.aena.es

What to do in Murcia

Murcia, the city of the eternal spring, is friendly and vibrant, with numerous interesting places to visit and festivities to help you get acquainted with the local culture. The heart of the city a pulsating dynamism that invites you to explore every monument, museum and street corner with curiosity and excitement. Murcia offers a number of different tours to suit your tastes, from archaeological routes that explore the city's origins and culinary circuits to a tour through Valle Perdido and Carrascoy where you can see nature in all its splendour. Please continue reading for some of the most indispensable experiences to have when you rent a car in Murcia:

• Plaza Cardenal Belluga: This is a gorgeous place to visit and grab a bite while enjoying the atmosphere in the square, especially during early evening. That's when the plaza comes to life with street performers and the comings and goings of the many locals and tourists. There are plenty of restaurant options from which to choose, be it al fresco or indoors, filling the air with a mouth-watering aroma. Our suggestion? Have some tapas or churros at one of the charming cafes whilst taking in this wonderful view!


• Cathedral de Santa Maria: While strolling around Plaza Cardenal Belluga, you might notice a beautiful architectural structure with a very commanding presence right in the heart of the city. That is the Catedral de Santa Maria and its splendid façade and stonework. Inside the cathedral, the arches and exquisitely-detailed glasswork never fail to surprise its visitors. The scale of the building is stunning and we recommend staying there until dusk when you will be able to catch a mesmerising glimpse through the windows of the fading light outside. Murcia's cathedral dates back to 1394 with Gothic and Baroque influences. The belltower, built between 1521 and 1791, also combines a mixture of interesting architectural styles. It is open from 7 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm from September to June, with extended hours in July and August.


• Real Casino de Murcia: This magnificent establishment, home for those wishing to try their luck gambling, was built over between 1847 and 1892. However, those days are long gone, as in 2007 the building was restored and transformed into a museum and private club. Here you can wander around listening to the audio guide and admiring this place in all its glory. Explore the dazzling Moorish-style patio, a big library, the golden ballroom with sparkling chandeliers and parts of the ceiling that are beautifully decorated with frescos of delicate cherubs and angels. There's also a sophisticated restaurant with exquisite dishes to enjoy. The entrance ticket only costs a few euros and visiting hours are from 10.30 am to 7 pm.


• Santa Clara la Real Monastery Museum: It's not every day that one has the opportunity to walk inside a cloistered monastery to unveil its secrets. This is why visiting the Santa Clara Monastery is an amazing and unique experience. With the free guided tour, it is possible to take a stroll through the houses and catch a glimpse into the history of this place and the changes from Islamic to Christian doctrines in Murcia. All the information relating to the exhibits is in Spanish, but English-speaking staff are on hand to help you. There is an incredible amount of relics and antiquities preserved here, including the remains of the original arches and the preserved ancient Arabic inscriptions detailing the crucifixion. Opening hours vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking their website prior to your visit.


• Jardin de Floridablanca: Take a break from the hot temperatures and bustling city life and head to Floridablanca Gardens, an enchanting green area in Murcia. It's the oldest public park in the city, inaugurated in the mid-19th century. You will be able to sit on a park bench, munch on a well-deserved paparajote (made with Murcia lemons, eggs, flour, sugar and cinnamon) and enjoy the spectacular buttress roots of the ancient trees surrounding the garden. Besides the old ficuses, with prominent roots, flowerbeds also adorn the place. Nearby you can find the Museum of Science and Water and the Puente de los Peligros or Puente Viejo bridge.

Best day trips with my car rental in Murcia

The region of Murcia is lively, diverse and full of surprises. Here, visitors can experience two separate seas, beaches with crystal-clear water, deep lakes, mountains and valleys. Some of the major points of interest include the warm Mediterranean coast, the fine sandy beach of Costa Calida and the lovely saltwater lagoon. Inland, large grasslands and deserted areas are interspersed amoong numerous towns and villages, all of which still preserve their history. From Roman, Carthaginian and medieval, to art nouveau and contemporary structures, this region is ideal for an epic road trip with your car hire in Murcia!

Torrevieja

Just an hour east of Murcia lies Torrevieja, a charming city distinguished by two large natural salt water lakes which form the "Salinas de Torrevieja". These beautiful lakes attract a wide variety of bird life and make for a perfect holiday picture. Torrevieja is known for its salt production, but tourism and fishing also are strong industries and economic contributors to the city. In fact, its harbour houses 300 fishing ships and over 900 private sports boats, providing a delightful view, especially during sunset.

Cartagena

With more than 3,000 years of history, this idyllic coastal city is a sunny paradise with a plethora of historical and cultural activities to offer. Just by strolling around Cartagena you will come across a Roman theatre, several important museums, lavish palaces, sculptures and monuments meaningful to the region's heritage. We recommend an evening walk around the harbour area, where visitor are able to enjoy the best local gastronomy with stunning views of the shore. Sample a typical caldero, a fish stew served with rice and garlic, or the asiatico cafe, and indulging coffee mixture with condensed milk, cinnamon, lemon and whole coffee beans.

Alicante

North of Torrevieja, you can easily reach the sun-splashed city of Alicante. Gifted with amazing beaches, historical landmarks and exceptionally exquisite cuisine, Alicante is a great day trip destination for the entire family. For a spectacular vista, we recommend paying a visit to the Castle of Santa Barbara, sitting atop Mount Benacantil. Moreover, explore the old town and make your way towards the famous beach promenade. You are guaranteed to enjoy a pleasant afternoon discovering every single charming street in Alicante.

Parque Natural Sierra de María-Los Vélez

In case you need a break from the ocean, head west to the Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park. Here, the landscape is full of impressive contrasts, from arid, moon-like plains to rocky summits, which are white with snow in winter. This vast park also has an incredibly diverse fauna, with over 100 bird species. You can find information about hiking and driving routes at the visitor's centre, open from 10 am to 2 pm from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays. In August, it also opens from 6 pm and 8 pm every day. A second visitor's centre is available at more restricted hours.

Geographic Information & History

Murcia is located in the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula and is also the capital of the autonomous community with the same name. The Segura River runs northwest to southeast through the centre of Murcia, irrigating the rich grasslands in the valleys of the Baetic Cordillera. Close to the sea, the city has a Mediterranean climate with around 325 sunny days a year! The average yearly temperature is 19.3°. While summers are hot and dry, winters are mild with occasional rain. The wettest month is October. In spite of the rain, autumns are quite pleasant and inviting for a memorable visit.

Founded in 831 by Abd-Al-Rahman II, Murcia was considered an attractive region due to its strategic location in the Valley of the River Segura. Under the Arab rule, the city developed extensively, and it's still possible to see remains of the wall that surrounded it to this day. Under Christian leadership, the city continued to grow in terms of urban physiognomy, culminating in the golden era of the 18th century and onwards, when Murcia became a true metropolis and expanded beyond the city walls. Numerous investments were made in the construction of churches and roads, alongside with the artistic and architectural design of the landscape. Commerce and agriculture flourished. The autonomous community of Murcia was established in 1982, nominating Murcia city as its capital. Currently, Murcia is home to more than 441 thousand inhabitants.

How to get around Murcia

The old centre of Murcia is an interesting area to explore on foot or by bike. To help, the city has designed a number of routes to make your visit even more enjoyable and organized, as well as invested in designated bike lanes. Public transportation is another option to reach most points of interest in the city, as bus and train lines are quite frequent and safe.

Bus

Murcia has an extensive fleet of buses, operated by two different companies, TM and Latbus, which provide complementary services and connect the centre and the suburbs. A single ticket costs 1,05 euros, but there are a few "bono" options available, allowing you to combine bus and tram journeys. Bus lines generally operate from 7 am until 11 pm with restricted timetable during weekends and holidays.

Tram

A single V-shaped line constitutes the tram network in Murcia, covering a little more than 11 miles. It connects the northern area of Murcia to the city centre. The operating company, Tranvía, also offers a shuttle service, travelling from the Terra Natura stop to the Catholic University of San Antonio.

Taxi

The city has a large fleet of taxis that operate 24 hours a day on every day of the week. The rates are official and are measured with a taximeter. The average cost of taking a taxi from Murcia Airport to the city centre 55 euros, including the 3,50 euros pick-up fee and the 0,50 cents luggage fee.

Useful links

Tourism Information

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