Date Published: 02/03/2026

Murcia remains Spain's most car dependent region

More than 70% of people in Murcia rely on their car every day, and public transport still lags behind the rest of Spain

One of the most frustrating things about living in Murcia is just how isolated it feels. Even within the region, getting from city to city can be difficult. The statistics confirm this, with 72% of residents relying on their car as their main mode of transport, making Murcia the most car-dependent city in Spain.

Getting to the local airports can be a challenge, to say the least. Although there have been some improvements in recent years, with a limited bus service now in place to Corvera Airport and Alicante Airport. Many still remember landing at the old San Javier Airport only to find there was no public transport at all! And at least Ryanair eventually changed the name from ‘Alicante South’ to Murcia Airport. Before that, families would often arrive thinking they were in Alicante, only to discover they were in Murcia and then face the added surprise that there were no buses or public transport. Many had no choice but to spend hundreds of euros on a taxi just to reach their destination.

Even with these improvements and the new high-speed rail connections under construction, Murcia still feels behind other regions when it comes to connectivity. Existing buses can take a long time to reach their destinations. For example, a journey that should take 25 minutes from Cartagena to Los Arcos Hospital can often last around an hour and a half.

Because of this reliance on private transport, cars remain central to life in Murcia. The recent survey also found that more than half of residents walk regularly, and bus and tram use is limited, at 30% and 13% respectively. At the same time, car-sharing is becoming more common. Around 38% of people share their cars, which is above the national average of 31%.

The survey also provided some interesting insights about electric vehicles. They are not widely used in Murcia yet either. Only 8% of residents drive them, even though 36% believe they would be ideal for city transport. Diesel continues to be the preferred choice, and concerns about battery range are holding back many potential buyers.

Small electric vehicles such as electric scooters are used by 22% of residents, a slight decrease from last year. Most residents feel Murcia’s streets are generally safe for cars, pedestrians, and other personal transport vehicles, but 78% support plans to limit scooters in some areas to keep public spaces better organised.

Overall, Murcia has made some progress in improving links and transport options, but for those without a car or in a hurry, the region still feels far from fully connected.

Read also:Murcia's Local Police to patrol on electric scooters to tackle e-scooter misuse

Image: Archive

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Shuttle bus connecting Corvera Airport with key destinations

Airport Buses Murcia Airport transfer service

Started on May 22, 2025, Airport Buses has a daily shuttle transfer service connecting the Region of Murcia International Airport with key destinations across Murcia, southern Alicante and Almería, every time there is a direct flight between Corvera Airport and a destination in the UK or Ireland, plus selected European flights.

Three initial routes serve:

La Manga route: Murcia Airport, Cabo de Palos, Playa Honda, Capfun, Mar de Cristal, Los Belones, La Manga Club, Cartagena and La Manga Strip (€12.99-€19.99/adult each way)
Torrevieja route: Murcia Airport, Torre Pacheco, Las Terrazas de La Torre Golf Resort, La Torre Golf Resort, Roldan, ONA Mar Menor Golf Resort, Los Alcázares, Los Narejos, San Javier, Santiago de Ribera, Lo Pagán, San Pedro de Pinatar, Pilar de Horadada, Campoamor, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Mil Palmeras, Cabo Roig and Torrevieja (€8.99-€19.99/adult each way)
San Juan route: Murcia Airport, Condado de Alhama, Camposol, Mazarrón Country Club, Puerto de Mazarrón, Mazarrón, Águilas, Calarreona, San Juan de los Terreros and Mar de Pulpí (€13.99-€25.99/adult each way)

Airport Buses aims to offer affordable, reliable transport while considering future expansions, including routes to Alicante Airport and additional stops across Murcia.

Children’s tickets are half price and there are also group discounts available.