Car rentals in Torrevieja

Part of our guide to car hire in Spain.

Reviewed by the eCarBookers Editorial Team. Last updated 25 October 2026.

Driving and Parking in Torrevieja: What You Need to Know

• Getting here: Torrevieja is reached by the AP-7 (E-15) Mediterranean motorway, which has direct exits to the town, and by the N-332 along the coast. The town is about 50 km from Alicante and about 60 km from Murcia, and both Alicante Airport and Region of Murcia International Airport are about 40 minutes away by road.
• The N-332: The N-332 is the only continuous road without a toll between the southern coast and Alicante Airport, and it carries the traffic to match. One report puts the yearly average at more than 42,600 vehicles a day, with over 52,000 a day in July and August. The worst stretch runs between the CV-905 and the CV-95, the road to Torrevieja University Hospital, and in summer the congestion lasts from early morning until late at night.
• Routes from the south and inland: From Cartagena, Los Alcázares and San Javier the N-332 leads to the Villamartín exit (AP-7 San Miguel de Salinas). From Orihuela the CV-95 runs to San Miguel de Salinas and then Villamartín. Check the exit name on the signs, because several exits serve the Orihuela Costa area.
• The AP-7 toll: The AP-7 charges a toll between Los Montesinos and Villamartín–La Zenia, a section described as the only toll stretch in the Valencian Community. Coming from Murcia or Cartagena, drivers who want to avoid it leave the AP-7 at the Campoamor exit and continue on the N-332.
• Low emission zone: Torrevieja's low emission zone (ZBE) covers the urban centre and seafront, around Calle Ramón Gallud and Paseo Vistalegre. In 2026 it is in an information phase with no fines, and one listing gives 1 January 2027 as the date enforcement begins, with a fine of 200 euros. Vehicles without a DGT environmental label are restricted, so if you plan to drive in the centre after that date, check with the supplier that your car carries its label.
• Parking in the centre: Paseo Vista Alegre is a public plaza of about 13,000 square metres that hosts many of the town's events, with the main tourist office a few metres away and the port areas behind it. The underground car park beneath the plaza has a 2.10 m height limit. The Paseo del Mar car parks are listed with 575 spaces. A new public car park on the edge of the centre, between Avenida de la Estación, Calle Ciudad de Barcelona, Camino del Acequión and the N-332, opened on 1 August 2026.
• Taller vehicles: The port areas behind Paseo Vista Alegre are listed with space for high-topped vehicles and camper vans, which suits a roof box or a larger people carrier that will not fit under the garage limit.
• Best time to drive: In July and August the N-332 and the roundabouts into town are congested for most of the day, so allow extra time for airport runs and leave the town drives for the evening or the early morning.

Top Places to Visit from Torrevieja by Car

• The salt lakes and La Mata Natural Park — north of the town on the N-332, where you leave at km 64.5 and follow about 400 m of paved path to the visitor centre. The lagoon gets its pink colour from salt-loving microorganisms, and flamingos and other birds use it. Swimming is prohibited, visits follow marked routes, and the salt pans can be seen by tourist train. The official visitor site sets out the types of visit and the opening times.
• La Zenia Boulevard and Orihuela Costa — from Torrevieja take the Orihuela Costa Town Hall exit, or leave the AP-7 at exit 763. Zenia Boulevard is an open-air shopping centre with more than 150 shops and about 30 restaurants and bars, open from 10 am to 10 pm and until 11 pm in July and August. The beach at Orihuela Costa is about a 15-minute walk from it, and Torre Cabo Roig, a 16th-century watchtower, and Punta Prima beach are on the same coast.
• Orihuela — about 32 km inland, in roughly 35 minutes. The historic centre holds the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo convent and the Palmeral de San Antón palm grove, and a short climb leads to the castle and its views. The Archaeological Museum and the Miguel Hernández house museum are also in the old town. Leave the car outside the historic centre and walk.
• Cartagena — about 50 km south, in roughly 45 minutes. The port car park on Paseo de Alfonso XII is the closest to the Roman Theatre Museum. It is listed with 600 spaces and a 2 m height limit, and the Plaza del Rey car park on Calle Real, nearby, has 179 spaces and a 1.8 m limit. Plaza del Par, also on Calle Real, has 558 spaces and sits slightly further from the main sights.
• Murcia — about 60 to 70 km west, in roughly 55 minutes. Allow a half day, and use a car park at the edge of the centre.

When is the Best Time to Hire a Car in Torrevieja?

Peak season: July and August are the busiest months, with the highest prices and the heaviest traffic on the N-332. The Habaneras and Polyphony competition, held in July at the Eras de la Sal on Paseo Vistalegre, adds visitors to the centre, where parking is already limited. Zenia Boulevard stays open until 11 pm in those months, which suits an evening trip after the heat of the day. Plan to arrive for the collection with extra time.

Shoulder season: April to June and September to October bring lighter traffic, easier parking and good conditions for the longer drives to Cartagena and Murcia.

Low season: November to March is the quietest period. Daylight is shorter, so plan inland drives to leave and return in daylight.

Advance booking: Book several weeks ahead for the summer, and earlier for automatic cars or larger vehicles. Free cancellation means booking early carries no penalty.

How Payment Works for Car Hire in Torrevieja

A rental prepayment confirms your booking online with Instant Confirmation, and you pay the balance directly to the supplier on arrival, when you collect the car. The price and vehicle class shown at booking are the terms you receive at the desk, and cancellation is free. The supplier may place an excess hold on the main driver's credit card, so check that the card in the driver's name has enough available limit.

Car Hire Pick-Up Locations in Torrevieja

Surprice supplies car hire in Torrevieja through eCarBookers. Your booking confirmation from eCarBookers locks in your price and your vehicle class before you arrive. You pay the balance at the car rental desk on collection, and the terms confirmed at booking are the terms you receive. Zero-excess cover is an option you can select from the supplier at the desk, and you should always confirm your hire in advance to guarantee your price from the moment you collect the keys. Photograph the vehicle thoroughly at collection and again at return, so that you hold a dated record of its condition.

• Torrevieja — your booking voucher shows where and when the car is collected and returned, and it is the definitive source for the meeting point.