Getting around Orihuela
Orihuela is a compact city, and the old town and city centre sit on opposite banks of the River Segura. For most visitors, the simplest and most enjoyable way to get around is simply on foot: the centre is small enough to cover without any problem, and the parks and plazas along the river make convenient places to pause and rest between sights.
Walking
Because the historic core is walkable, you can base yourself in the city and reach the main monuments, churches and the medieval town centre on foot. The river divides the centre from the old town, so expect to cross it as you move between the two sides. If you are staying in the city rather than out on the coast, walking will likely cover most of your needs.
Rail
Orihuela is one of the few cities on the Costa Blanca with its own rail service, and Orihuela Miguel Hernández railway station sits just south of the town centre, with the bus station right next to it.
- Long-distance AVE trains connect Orihuela with Madrid (Atocha or Chamartín) via Albacete, Villena, Alicante and Elche, and continue on to Murcia.
- Regional trains run between Alicante, Orihuela and Murcia.
- Two broad classes of service call at the station: faster trains that stop only at the major Costa Blanca cities such as Elche, Alicante and Murcia, and slower trains that also serve intermediate towns.
- Tickets can be booked at the station, including for onward national and international destinations.
There is no metro or tram network in Orihuela; the train is the rail option, and it is the practical way to reach Alicante, Elche and Murcia without a car.
Buses and coaches
Orihuela City has a regular local bus service, and local buses are the cheapest public transport option. The main bus station is on Avenida Estación, next to the train station, and it serves all the local routes as well as national coaches to other Spanish cities and international coaches to France. Bus stops are found throughout the city.
One practical tip: drivers may have limited English, so it helps to know a little Spanish and to identify a nearby landmark when telling the driver where you want to go.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Orihuela, with ranks at the main bus station and the train station. Radio Taxi Orihuela has an office and taxi rank on Calle Cristo de Zalamea, north of the river and parallel to the CV-921. Taxis are relatively costly if you intend to use them for sightseeing, so they are most useful for elderly visitors, people with disabilities, or those travelling with young children. Ride-hailing apps are not covered in the available information, so plan around the local taxi ranks and phone booking.
Getting there from the airport
The nearest airport for Orihuela is Alicante, and Murcia-San Javier Airport is also an option for arrivals and departures. Both airports offer buses, taxis and car hire, so you can choose between public transport, a taxi, or picking up a rental car on arrival.
Many visitors who plan to do extensive sightseeing pre-book car hire for airport pickup, which gives them the flexibility to explore the wider municipality, including the coastal area of Orihuela Costa, which lies some distance from the city itself. If you are staying in Orihuela city, though, you can leave the car behind and explore on foot.
Practical summary
- On foot: best for the city centre and old town; the river, parks and plazas structure your route.
- Train: Orihuela Miguel Hernández station, just south of the centre, links to Alicante, Elche, Murcia and Madrid; buy tickets at the station.
- Bus: local city routes plus national and international coaches from the station on Avenida Estación.
- Taxi: ranks at the bus and train stations and on Calle Cristo de Zalamea; best for specific needs rather than general sightseeing.
- Airport: Alicante is the nearest airport, with Murcia-San Javier as an alternative; both offer buses, taxis and car hire.