Airports

Hi Madbuyer,

Flights to Almeria are usually higher season, well from Manchester anyway, and usually only once a week! we use Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds airports depending on when and where we fly to. We are between Albox and Cantoria and it's a 2 HR drive to Alicante and approx 1 HR 30/40 to Murcia, Murcia flights for us from MCR are three times a week on average, and slightly more expensive, and plane usually fuller Vs cheaper flights, quieter plane as usually two flights per day, every day to Alicante for the extra half HR drive. Airport parking I e found is cheaper at Alicante, more competitive, €249 for a year. Murcia airport quicker and easier as it's much smaller, but less to do there whilst waiting for your flight, the outside bar terrace is great at Alicante for getting some last sun! Hope that helps a little.

Don't be complaining. Most of us contributing here can remember when there was no shuttle service to Mojacar Playa from Almeria, Alicante or Murcia airports and unofficial and uninsured taxi drivers charged what they liked. Be thankful for small mercies and enjoy the sun and Spanish experience. The two hour connect between Alicante airport and Mojacar Playa ain't rosy, but it is the best of what is available. Go for it!

I nearly always fly Alicante-Edinburgh when I return to see family.  It doesn't take me any longer than to get to than Murcia as the airport is actually south of Alicante and just off the motorway whereas Murcia is not so direct..  There's more choice of flights from Alicante too as Jet 2, Ryanair and Easy Jet normally fly from there and hence more choice of flights times.  It isn't a really long or difficult journey and in a car it's a doddle!

We've done Edinburgh and Aberdeen a few times, and found the best option for times & price is always Alicante.

Hi I'd like to thank you all for the advice and info on this topic. I'm not complaining Matthew so not sure of your comment, I was only looking for advice on the easiest way to travel. I'm a scotsman so very tight with money so you English say. I guess its alicante as I can fly from several Scottish Airports. All the Best Thank you All. David 

Hi Madbury, I hope you were not offended by my post. My ire is reserved exclusively for the Panama Hat Brigade (usually Brexiteer in thoughts too). Let me explain - only five years ago there was no shuttle service to Mojacar Playa from Almeríá, Alicante or Murcia airports. If you were not renting a car you had a choice (i) Pay for an official taxi and get fleeced and only God knew what they'd charge or (ii) Book an unofficial taxi and play roulette at what kind of car would be used in the transfer. I won't even mention insurance.

So you book your unofficial taxi to collect you at Almería airport. You assume Nigel (not his real name) will collect you in his BMW (well that was what he was driving last time you met him as you staggered from whatever bar). But, Tracey shows up (Nigel's 4th wife, well let's say 14th "partner" and of course new to supporting the Tories as instructed by Jed) and she apologises that Jed couldn't do the job but she felt her Opel Corsa (or what once was an Opel Corsa) - current make indecipherable. You sat with your head between your knees with your case and carry-on case on your lap before you'd be dropped off an hour later (at best) somewhere on the Playa. The brakes didn't work, neither did the lights and Tracey would remind you of the tip and of course your return trip later. Back then €80 + tip was considered a fair price.

You learn in the bar (the one from which you staggered from last time you visited) that "Nige" had a punter to collect in Alicante and Tracey filled the void out of courtesy to you (natch!).

Enter www.exclusiveairportshuttles.co.uk and suddenly you pay for what you get and the transport service is fully insured and road-worthy. If you asked me what was the one business that improved life for nearly everybody my vote would go to exclusiveairportshuttles and I wouldn't even have to think. Please note:- I have no connection whatsoever with exclusiveairportshuttles. I couldn't say a bad word about them (unless of course their driver starts wearing a Panama Hat). 

And if you want to queue to shout against the unofficial taxi people, just note they were the only people providing such a service back in the day.

No offence taken Matthew thank you for all your advice. It's good to hear from people like yourself who have experienced all the pitfalls. Thank you. 

Second vote for exclusive, used them in Nov, excellent service both ways, 1hr to huercal overa. Checked last night and ryanair are flying Manchester to murcia over winter

James