How to get to the island
From Murcia to Tabarca
From Murcia, Tabarca makes for a highly recommended day trip thanks to the good motorway links. The two most practical options are to take the A-30 to Alicante and catch the ferry, or to continue on to Santa Pola and board the Tabarquera (which is quicker and cheaper).
Your journey, step by step
What is the route like from Murcia
From Murcia, the most direct route is to take the A-30 motorway to Alicante and continue on to Santa Pola. From there, you board a boat to Tabarca and in 20 minutes you’ll be on the island. Alternatively, you can stay in Alicante and take the regular ferry.
Total journey time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes via Santa Pola · Alternative route: 2 hours 15 minutes via Alicante (regular ferry service all year round)
Book your tour online
Trips to Tabarca near Murcia
The best option from Murcia is to board the ferry at Santa Pola: a short crossing, affordable fares and more departures each day. Book online with free cancellation and secure your place during the high season.
Quick guide to prices and times
Comparison of options from Murcia
There is no direct ferry service from Murcia to Tabarca. Here are the two available routes, with their approximate journey times and prices, so you can choose the one that best suits your budget and preferences.
| Port of departure | Mode of transport | Journey duration | Approximate price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Pola | Tabarquera (water taxi) | 15–20 mins | €15–€25 | All year round · every 30 mins in summer |
| Alicante | Regular ferry service | 50 mins | €21 – €22 | All year round · reduced fares in winter |
The quickest and most economical option
Vía Santa Pola. Drive along the A-30 and AP-7 to the port (1 hour 10 minutes, 80 km) and take the ferry in 20 minutes. The journey is shorter by boat and the ticket is cheaper.
Option without a car
Vía Alicante. Murcia–Alicante C-1 commuter train (~1 hour), then a short walk or a taxi to the port (15 minutes) and a regular ferry service. Perfect if you don’t want to drive.
Discounts and special rates
- Children aged 4 to 12: standard reduced fares apply. Children under 4 usually travel free of charge.
- Groups: please check with the shipping company for special rates if you are travelling with a group.
- Over-65s: some companies offer discounts without advertising them, so ask when booking.
Practical tips
Things you should know before travelling to Tabarca from Murcia
Murcia has excellent motorway links to Alicante and Santa Pola. Before you start planning, decide whether you want the quickest and cheapest option (Santa Pola) or the most convenient option without a car (Alicante by train).
Santa Pola via the A-30
From Murcia, take the A-30 towards Alicante and then the AP-7 south to Santa Pola. It’s a total of 80 km, taking approximately 1 hour 10 minutes in light traffic.
Murcia–Alicante commuter service
The C-1 commuter rail line connects Murcia with Alicante in around an hour. From the station, the port is about a 15-minute walk or taxi ride away.
ALSA buses as an alternative
ALSA offers several daily bus services between Murcia and Alicante (~1 hour 15 minutes) at competitive prices. Ideal if you’re looking for flexibility without a car.
Parking at the port
There are pay-and-display car parks near the ferry terminal in both Santa Pola and Alicante. In August, it’s a good idea to arrive 30–45 minutes early to avoid any surprises.
Combine with Elche or Alicante
On the way to Santa Pola, you’ll pass near Elche (the UNESCO-listed Palm Grove). If you’re heading via Alicante, make the most of it and visit Santa Bárbara Castle or El Postiguet.
Book in advance during the summer
In July and August, the ferries fill up quickly. The journey from Murcia is a long one, so booking online guarantees you a place and ensures you don’t end up turning back without having boarded.
Frequently asked questions about
how to get to Tabarca from Murcia
How do I get to Tabarca from Murcia?
From Murcia, you have two options. The quickest and cheapest option is to drive along the A-30 and AP-7 to Santa Pola (80 km, 1 hour 10 minutes) and board a local ferry (20 minutes). The alternative, if you don’t have a car, is to take the C-1 commuter train to Alicante and board the regular ferry.
How long does it take to get to Tabarca from Murcia?
Via Santa Pola: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in total (1 hour 10 minutes by car + 20 minutes by boat + boarding time). Via Alicante: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (1 hour by train + 50 minutes by ferry + time spent changing transport).
What is the cheapest way to get to Tabarca from Murcia?
If you have a car, driving to Santa Pola and boarding the ferry there is the cheapest option. A return ticket from Santa Pola costs around €15–25. Add to that the cost of fuel and tolls on the AP-7.
Is it possible to get to Tabarca from Murcia by public transport?
Yes. There is a Renfe Cercanías service (line C-1) between Murcia and Alicante with several daily departures (journey time approx. 1 hour), and affordable ALSA buses between Murcia and Alicante. From Alicante station, the port is a 15-minute walk away.
Is it possible to drive from Murcia to Tabarca?
You cannot reach Tabarca by car (it is a car-free island). However, you can drive from Murcia to Santa Pola (A-30 + AP-7) or to Alicante (A-7) and leave your car at the port there to board the ferry.
How much does it cost to travel to Tabarca from Murcia?
A return ferry ticket from Santa Pola costs around €15–25. From Alicante, it’s €21–22. If you’re travelling by car, factor in the cost of fuel and any AP-7 tolls. A ticket on the Murcia–Alicante commuter train costs around €6–8.
When is the best time to visit Tabarca from Murcia?
May, June and September are ideal: the weather is good and it’s less crowded than in July and August. In winter, there are fewer boat trips, so it’s best to check with the shipping company before you go.
Experience Tabarca to the full
Don’t just stick to the tour
Once in Tabarca, you can go snorkelling in the Marine Reserve, dive amongst seagrass beds, hire a jet ski or take a private boat trip. Book online to get the best deals.
SEE ACTIVITIES IN TABARCA →