Car rental in Murcia

Murcia is the capital of the eponymous region in southeastern Spain. The city is renowned for its baroque architecture and authentic festivals. However, the most memorable experiences come from exploring its surroundings, making car rental in Murcia the best way to travel around the region.

With a car, you can explore hard-to-reach areas such as the Sierra Espuña Regional Park and the beaches of Calblanque. Or visit villages to discover local cuisine, cheeses, and wines. Food tours are particularly relevant in Murcia, as the region is considered Europe's main "vegetable garden."

A car provides freedom that public transport cannot match. Taxis prove expensive for out-of-town trips—a 30-minute journey from Murcia to Cartagena can cost as much as a full day's rental of a mid-size crossover.

Where to Rent a Car in Murcia: Localrent Service Advantages

In Murcia, Spain's seventh-largest city, finding affordable car rental is straightforward. However, choosing a rental company requires care, as attractive offers sometimes have hidden pitfalls. Initial prices may sound appealing, but final costs often exceed the advertised rates.

Localrent aggregator partners with small local companies that have proven their reliability and honesty.

Service advantages:

1. Transparent pricing. During booking, you see the rental cost, additional options, and available insurance types. No hidden fees, extra charges, or tax surcharges.
2. Low deposit and down payment. For some vehicles, the deposit is no more than €300—this information is indicated in the catalog. When booking, you pay only a small advance of 15–20%; the remainder is paid on-site.
3. Range of choice. The website features vehicles of various models, brands, and classes—from economy to luxury. Convenient filters significantly reduce search time.
4. Customer support. Localrent managers provide informative and prompt responses to questions related to rental in Murcia.
5. With Localrent, the process is simple: just select a car and place your order. Local rental in Murcia offers better value and terms than chain companies.

Required Documents for Car Rental

For rental in Murcia, the document list matches Spain's general requirements:

• Passport
• Valid Category B driving license
• Bank card

You can add a second driver to the contract by selecting the corresponding option with your order. Car rental in Murcia typically includes this service free of charge.

Age and driving experience restrictions depend on the specific vehicle and are indicated in its listing.

Driving Conditions in Murcia

Murcia features excellent roads with minimal traffic congestion outside the city, except on certain sections during peak season. Spanish drivers rarely exhibit reckless behavior, and most observe proper road etiquette.

Important considerations:

• Spain has right-hand traffic—at unregulated intersections, the "right-hand rule" applies
• Overtaking is permitted only on the left
• Roundabouts are common. When entering, yield to traffic already circulating. Move to the outer (right) lane before exiting
• Phone use while driving is permitted only through hands-free devices
• Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle passengers
• Children under 12 must ride in the back seat. If a child is less than 135 cm tall, a restraint device is required
• Dipped headlights are needed in tunnels and during poor visibility
• Driving in flip-flops or barefoot is considered dangerous and strongly discouraged, even in summer
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside city limits, up to 120 km/h on motorways

Murcia police treat tourists tolerantly and overlook minor infractions but impose strict penalties for drunk driving.

Fuel Stations in Murcia

Whether traveling in the city or countryside, you can always refuel your vehicle. However, in remote areas, not all stations operate 24 hours—some close for breaks and don't operate on Sundays.

Most stations are self-service. First, refuel independently, then pay at a terminal or through a cashier-operator.

Parking in Murcia

The city has both free and paid parking. Free parking is marked with white lines; paid parking with blue or green lines and special signs. Yellow zones prohibit parking.

Blue paid parking predominates in the historic center and commercial districts. Here, you can leave your car for a maximum of 2.5 hours. At night on weekdays, Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays, most street parking is free. Check signs for precise information.

Green "business parking" and orange zones are designated for local residents. Rates are low and available to non-residents during daytime hours, but limited to 1.5-2 hours.

Most paid parking areas have payment machines where you can pay for parking time. Display the ticket from the machine visibly under your windshield.

How to Book a Car in Murcia: Step-by-Step Instructions

On the Localrent website, you can rent a car in literally 5 minutes:

1. Select a location in the city where your vehicle will be delivered and set your dates
2. Use advanced filters. Specify transmission type, deposit and payment method, insurance type, and other options
3. Among available options, choose the optimal one and review the model's specifications and rental terms
4. Indicate pick-up and return times. Returning the car a few hours late requires payment for an additional rental day
5. Check the rental cost calculation. The stated amount is final
6. Enter the main driver's details, then proceed to advance payment
7. You'll receive a voucher via email confirming your reservation, which must be presented to the rental company when signing the contract

Now you can confidently embark on your trip—your car will be waiting at the specified location.

What to See with a Rental Car

Murcia itself has relatively few attractions, but the city serves as an excellent base for day trips throughout the region. Here are our top 5 recommended routes:

1. Cartagena. A historic site just 35 minutes south of Murcia. Built 2,000 years ago, this former Carthaginian fortress carefully preserves monuments from the past, including the Roman Theatre and Casa de la Fortuna villa, once owned by an influential patrician family.
2. El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park. Known as Murcia's "green lungs," this nature reserve impresses with its biodiversity and wild beauty of mountain landscapes.
3. Caravaca de la Cruz. An hour's drive takes you to this popular pilgrimage site. From the parking area, climb to the castle on a steep hill for stunning city views. Attractions include the Santuario de la Vera Cruz rock basilica and Fuentes del Marqués park with mysterious caves.
4. Abanilla. Want to be transported to a completely unfamiliar world in 30 minutes? Head to Abanilla, nicknamed "Palestine" for its desert landscapes and Moorish heritage. Walk through narrow medieval streets to absorb the Moorish atmosphere and admire the distinctive architecture of that period.
5. Lorca—another popular route. The city is famous for its historic center in Spanish baroque style. Above this architectural splendor rises Lorca Castle—a medieval fortress worth visiting. If time permits, also visit the Roman Baths or stroll through the San Cristóbal district.

Murcia sits at the center of a motorway network, allowing quick access to all corners of the region. For relaxation, visit the coast and Murcia's fertile gardens.

Where to Rent a Car in Murcia

Rental companies typically offer pick-up at their office, train station, or airport. In Murcia, you can choose any convenient location and return the vehicle there at the end of your rental period.

The most convenient option is ordering a car to your arrival point in the city, which may be:

• Región de Murcia International Airport
• Murcia del Carmen railway station

Collecting your car at the rental office is convenient—you can take your time and review all terms with the manager. You can also arrange delivery to your hotel or another address. The city center is an excellent option, allowing you to begin your regional journey immediately.

Rental Tips

If you lack rental experience or are visiting Murcia for the first time, these recommendations will help you choose the right vehicle and avoid unpleasant situations during your trip.

Determine vehicle type

For city driving, choose a compact model to navigate traffic and parking easily. For extended trips to mountainous areas and countryside, a crossover is advisable, while large families or groups need a minivan. A convertible is ideal for those preferring beach resort holidays.

Choose diesel

If you plan extensive driving, select diesel vehicles—they're more economical. Automatic transmission is preferable since the area is unfamiliar and minimizing driving distractions is advisable.

Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before taking the keys

Examine the car for scratches and chips, document all defects in the contract, and preferably take additional photos.

To prevent new damage, use paid underground parking facilities—they offer maximum protection against vandalism.

Avoid unpaved roads

Since Murcia's main attractions lie outside the city, proper route planning is essential. Insurance doesn't cover unpaved roads, so avoid such routes.

Frequently Asked Questions