I’ll be honest, before I worked on this cycling retreat, I’d never heard of Mojácar before. So maybe like me, you’ve booked your Mojácar escape, but now comes the confusing part: actually getting there.
Unlike flying to Barcelona or Málaga, where direct flights land you close to the action, getting to Mojácar Spain requires a little more planning. Nestled along the Costa de Almería between rugged mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Mojácar doesn’t have its own airport, so you’ll need to choose the best route from the UK.
The good news? Once you know your options, getting there is surprisingly straightforward.
And now I’ve actually travelled there myself, I’ve learned that choosing the right airport can make a huge difference to both your travel time and overall experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Mojácar from the UK.
What Is The Nearest Airport To Mojácar?
The nearest airport to Mojácar is Almería Airport (LEI), located approximately 80km away.
Travel time from Almería Airport to Mojácar Playa is typically around 50 minutes by car, making it the closest airport and often the most convenient option for UK travellers.
However, depending on where you’re flying from and your travel date, Murcia Airport and Alicante Airport can sometimes offer better flight availability and lower ticket prices.
The three main airport options are:
- Almería Airport (LEI) – approximately 50 minutes drive from Mojácar
- Murcia Airport (RMU) – approximately 90 minutes drive from Mojácar
- Alicante Airport (ALC) – approximately 2 hours drive from Mojácar
While Almería Airport offers the shortest travel duration, Alicante Airport often provides the widest choice of flights from UK airports.
Flying To Almería Airport
If you can find a direct flight to Almería Airport from your local airport, this is usually the best option.
The shorter transfer means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your holiday.
During peak season, direct connections are often available from airports including London, Manchester and Birmingham. Airlines such as Jet2, easyJet and British Airways regularly operate routes, although schedules vary throughout the year.
In my experience, flying into Almería Airport makes the journey feel far more manageable. By the time you’ve collected your luggage and jumped into a transfer, you’re usually arriving in Mojácar Playa within an hour.
For many travellers, that convenience is worth paying a little extra for compared to flying elsewhere.
Flying To Murcia Airport
Murcia Airport sits roughly 120km from Mojácar, with a travel time of around 90 minutes by road.
This is often a great middle-ground option if direct flights to Almería Airport aren’t available.
You’ll typically find a growing number of routes from UK regional airports, often at competitive prices.
The transfer is longer than from Almería Airport but considerably shorter than travelling from Alicante Airport.
Flying To Alicante Airport
Alicante Airport is the busiest airport serving the region and offers the greatest number of flights from the UK.
You’ll find direct flights from most popular cities including London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Birmingham. The downside is the greater distance.
Expect a drive of around two hours minimum, although traffic during peak times can easily add extra time to your journey.
If flight prices are significantly cheaper or departure times are more convenient, Alicante Airport can still be an excellent choice.
Just remember to factor transfer costs into your calculations before booking the cheapest flight.
My Experience Travelling To Mojácar
I visited Mojácar for a cycling retreat, and one thing I’ve learned is that the cheapest flight isn’t always the best option.
On my first visit, I was struck by how different this part of Spain feels compared to other Spanish resorts. As you leave the airport and head towards the coast, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. The landscape around the Costa de Almería has a rugged, almost desert-like feel, with mountains, winding roads and spectacular views across the Mediterranean Sea.
One of my favourite moments is seeing Mojácar Pueblo appear on the hillside for the first time.
The whitewashed buildings seem to cling to the mountainside above Mojácar Playa, creating one of the most distinctive skylines in southern Spain.
It’s easy to understand why the area has become such a popular destination for cyclists, runners and outdoor enthusiasts looking for year-round sunshine.
How To Get From The Airport To Mojácar
Once you’ve landed, there are several available options for completing your journey.
Private Transfer
A private transfer is often the easiest and most stress-free option. Drivers meet you at arrivals and take you directly to your accommodation without additional stops. This is the option I opted for after an early flight with minimal sleep. I figured trying to drive for the first time ever in Spain, on no sleep was not the best idea.
Typical prices range from £60 to £90 depending on the airport, vehicle size and specific conditions.
This is often the best way to travel if you’re arriving late, carrying sports equipment or travelling as part of a group. I booked with Airport Taxi Transfers and (purposefully) booked a people carrier that could fit about 6 people which costed around £200 return from the airport to my hotel. Obviously with 6 people splitting the cost, that’d be £30-£40 each.
Car Rental
Car rental gives you the greatest flexibility, but I did find it took up more time. A friend on the same retreat ended up spending over 2 hours queueing to pick up her car, and then when returning the car had to go and fill up with petrol to avoid extra charges.
All three airports offer car hire facilities, with daily rates often starting from around £25 to £35 for a small vehicle.
Fuel costs are relatively low and roads are generally easy to navigate.
Having a car does allow you to explore nearby areas though such as Cabo de Gata, Los Gallardos, Mojácar Macenas and Mojácar Sopalmo.
If you’re planning day trips or want to visit both Mojácar Playa and Mojácar Pueblo regularly, hiring a car can be excellent value.
Shared Shuttle Services
Shared shuttle services operate from Almería Airport, Murcia Airport and Alicante Airport. Prices are usually lower than private transfers, making them a good option for solo travellers.
However, travel duration can increase significantly due to multiple hotel drop-offs. During summer, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Transfer between Alicante Airport and Mojácar is offered by various shuttle service providers. I was recommended the shuttle service of Exclusive Airport Shuttles. They serve the route between Alicante Airport and Mojácar twice a day, for around £30 per person each way (incl. 1 x piece of luggage & 1 x hand luggage). Additional luggage or a bicycle can be booked for an additional fee. They also do routes from the other airports so check them out.
I’ve not personally tried this myself and I do believe availability may be quite limited / restrictive.
Public Transport
Public transport is available but generally takes much longer. Several bus companies operate routes connecting Alicante Airport, Almería city centre and nearby towns.
Depending on your route, you may need to change buses in Los Gallardos before continuing to Mojácar. Bus ticket prices are generally affordable, with a one-way ticket often costing between €15 and €30.
However, journey times can exceed three hours from Alicante Airport. For most holidaymakers, especially if you are travelling with a bike, public transport isn’t the most convenient option unless budget is your primary concern.
Car Hire Tips For Mojácar
If you’re considering car rental, there are a few things worth knowing. The roads are generally excellent, with modern motorways connecting the airports to the coast. Most routes avoid toll road charges, helping keep overall costs down.
Choose the size of your car hire carefully, particularly if you’re travelling with bikes, golf clubs or multiple suitcases. Parking is generally straightforward around Mojácar Playa, although finding spaces can be more challenging in the narrow streets of Mojácar Pueblo. The hotel I stayed in offered free parking and had a pretty sizeable car park.
How Much Does It Cost To Get To Mojácar?
The average price of your journey depends on when you travel and which airport you choose.
As a rough guide:
- Economy ticket to Almería Airport: £60–£200 return
- Economy ticket to Murcia Airport: £50–£180 return
- Economy ticket to Alicante Airport: £40–£150 return
- Private transfer: £60–£90 each way
- Car rental: £25–£35 per day
- Bus ticket: €15–€30 one way
The best price offer isn’t always the cheapest flight. And once you start adding luggage, sports equipment etc, the prices do start creeping up.
Always look at the total cost of flights, transfers and travel time before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Almería Airport is the closest airport to Mojácar, located approximately 80km away.
Not at all. Alicante Airport is around a two-hour drive away and remains a popular choice thanks to its extensive flight network.
Not necessarily. If you’re staying near Mojácar Playa, you can manage without one. However, car rental gives you more flexibility to explore the surrounding area.
Absolutely.
With beautiful beaches, a charming old town, fantastic food, year-round sunshine and easy access to outdoor activities, Mojácar is one of Andalucía’s most underrated coastal destinations.
Getting to Mojácar from the UK takes a little more planning than some Spanish destinations, but it’s well worth the effort.
If possible, fly into Almería Airport for the shortest overall journey. If flight availability or pricing doesn’t work, Murcia Airport offers an excellent alternative, while Alicante Airport provides the greatest choice of routes from UK airports.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the beaches of Mojácar Playa, wandering the cobbled streets of Mojácar Pueblo and discovering why this corner of the Costa de Almería continues to win over visitors year after year.
