Quick Answer: There is no direct train from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. The fastest and easiest option is the direct ALSA coach (~45–50 mins, ~€10). Alternatively, take the C6 bus to Alicante city centre and connect to the TRAM Line 1 to Benidorm — scenic but slower (~1 hr 20 mins, ~€6 total).
The province of Alicante is home to some of the most spectacular beach destinations in Europe, and for the vast majority of British holidaymakers heading to the Costa Blanca, the journey begins at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC). If Benidorm is your destination, you have several excellent options for getting there — and the right choice depends entirely on your budget, group size, and how much luggage you are dragging behind you.
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After almost 30 years of living on the Costa Blanca, I have personally used every single one of these transfer options. Here is the honest truth about each one.
At a Glance: All Your Options
| Transport Option | Direct? | Travel Time | Est. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALSA Direct Bus | Yes | 45–60 mins | ~€10 | Budget travellers & solo trips |
| Taxi / Private Transfer | Yes | 40–50 mins | €60–€90 | Families, groups & late arrivals |
| C6 Bus + TRAM Line 1 | No (1 change) | ~1 hr 20 mins | ~€6 total | Scenic travel & the budget-conscious |
| Rental Car | Yes | 40–50 mins | €25–€40/day | Exploring the Costa Blanca |
How Far Is Benidorm from Alicante Airport?
Benidorm is approximately 55 kilometres north of Alicante Airport. By road, the journey takes around 40–50 minutes via the AP-7 motorway, depending on traffic. During peak summer months (July and August), the final stretch into Benidorm can add an extra 15–20 minutes, particularly on Saturday changeover days.
Option 1: The ALSA Bus — Best for Budget Travellers
The cheapest and most straightforward way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is the ALSA coach service. Modern, air-conditioned coaches run directly from the airport terminal to Benidorm bus station, with departures roughly every hour throughout the day.
Key details:
- Price: Around €10 one way (children under 4 travel free)
- Journey time: Approximately 50–60 minutes
- Where to catch it: Follow signs to the bus stop outside the arrivals hall, ground floor
- Book tickets: At the ALSA counter in the arrivals hall, or online
My honest take: This is genuinely the best option for couples or solo travellers without mountains of luggage. The coaches are comfortable, have USB charging ports, and drop you right in the centre of Benidorm. The only downside is the wait if you just miss one — check the timetable before you fly.
Option 2: Private Transfer — Best for Families and Groups
If you are travelling with young children, elderly relatives, or simply want zero stress after a flight, a pre-booked private transfer is worth every penny. A driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, help with your luggage, and drive you directly to the door of your holiday rental in Benidorm.
Key details:
- Price: €60–€90 for a standard car (up to 4 passengers), €80–€120 for a minivan (up to 8 passengers)
- Journey time: 35–45 minutes door-to-door
- How to book: Companies like Solhop, HolidayTaxis, and BeniTransfer are all reliable options. Book online at least 48 hours before your flight.
My honest take: For a family of four or more, the per-person cost is only marginally more than the bus — and the convenience of being driven straight to your villa or apartment, especially with tired children and holiday luggage, is genuinely transformative. This is what I recommend to friends visiting from the UK.
Option 3: Hire Car — Best for Exploring the Region
If your holiday plans extend beyond Benidorm — perhaps you are planning day trips to Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, or the charming towns of Jávea and Dénia further north — then hiring a car at the airport makes excellent sense.
Key details:
- Price: From around €25–€40 per day depending on season and vehicle type
- Where to collect: All major hire companies have desks in the arrivals hall with car parks connected via a short shuttle bus
- Important: Book in advance online. Walk-up prices in summer can be double or triple the pre-booked rate.
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My honest take: A hire car gives you extraordinary freedom on the Costa Blanca. However, if you plan to spend most of your holiday on Benidorm's beaches and in its restaurants, a car is genuinely unnecessary — parking in central Benidorm is expensive and stressful in summer. Consider hiring a car for just two or three days mid-holiday for day trips, and using the bus or transfer for the airport journey itself.
Option 4: The TRAM — Scenic but Slower
The famous TRAM light railway connects Alicante city with Benidorm along one of the most scenic coastal rail routes in Europe. However, it does not run directly from the airport. You would need to take a bus or taxi from the airport to Alicante city centre (Luceros station), then catch the TRAM north to Benidorm.
Key details:
- Price: Around €4–€6 for the TRAM portion (Alicante to Benidorm)
- Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes on the TRAM, plus 20–30 minutes to reach Luceros from the airport
- Frequency: Trains roughly every 30 minutes
My honest take: I would not recommend this as your airport transfer — the extra connection makes it impractical with luggage. But as a day-trip option during your holiday, the TRAM journey from Benidorm along the cliffs to Alicante is absolutely unmissable. Do it at least once.
Option 5: Taxi — Quick but Expensive
Standard taxis are available outside the arrivals hall 24 hours a day. The journey to Benidorm is metered.
Key details:
- Price: Approximately €70–€90 (higher at night, weekends, and with extra luggage)
- Journey time: 35–45 minutes
My honest take: Unless you arrive very late at night when buses have stopped running, a taxi offers no real advantage over a pre-booked private transfer — and will usually cost you more. If you do take a taxi, always confirm the approximate fare before setting off.
Summary: Which Option Should You Choose?
Whatever option you choose, remember that Benidorm is one of the easiest destinations to reach from Alicante Airport. You will be on the beach with a cold drink in your hand before you know it. And if you still need to sort your flight, don't forget to compare prices first: