Quick Answer: There is no direct train from Alicante Airport (ALC) to most Costa Blanca resorts. The cheapest option is the bus (from €3). The most convenient is a private transfer — pre-book online to get a fixed price with no hidden extras. Hiring a car is best for exploring freely.
Every year, millions of British holidaymakers land at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) and face the same question: how on earth do I get to my hotel? The airport is well connected, but the options can be confusing if you don't know the system. After nearly 30 years of living on the Costa Blanca, I have used every single one of these options. Here is the honest, no-nonsense guide.
Getting Your Bearings: Where is Alicante Airport?
Alicante Airport sits roughly 12 km south-west of Alicante City. From there, distances to the main resorts are roughly:
| Resort | Distance | Fastest Option | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante City | 12 km | Bus C6 (20 min) | ~€1.65 |
| Benidorm | 60 km | ALSA Coach (50 min) | ~€10 |
| Torrevieja | 45 km | ALSA Coach (45 min) | ~€6 |
| Dénia | 100 km | Car or Transfer (75 min) | ~€80–€120 |
| Jávea (Xàbia) | 105 km | Car or Transfer (80 min) | ~€90–€130 |
| Calpe | 75 km | Car or Transfer (60 min) | ~€70–€100 |
Option 1: The Bus (Cheapest)
The bus is the budget champion. There are two key routes you need to know:
C6 Bus to Alicante City Centre (~€1.65)
The C6 bus runs directly from the airport to Alicante's central bus station (Estación de Autobuses) roughly every 20–30 minutes. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can walk into the city centre or connect to buses and the TRAM to reach other destinations. If you are staying in Alicante City, this is all you need.
ALSA Direct Coaches to Benidorm, Torrevieja & More (~€6–€12)
ALSA is Spain's national long-distance coach operator, and their routes from Alicante Airport are excellent value. Key routes include:
- Airport → Benidorm: Direct service, ~45–50 minutes, roughly every 1–2 hours, from around €10 each way.
- Airport → Torrevieja: Via the AP-7 motorway, ~45 minutes, from around €6 each way.
- Airport → Benissa/Calpe/Altea/Dénia: These routes exist but with very limited frequency — check the ALSA website carefully for times before relying on them.
Top tip: Book ALSA tickets online in advance — they are cheaper and you can board without queuing at the ticket desk.
Option 2: The TRAM (Scenic but Slow)
The famous TRAM Line 1 runs from Alicante City all the way to Dénia along the coast — passing through Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, and many other towns. However, the TRAM does not go to the airport directly. To use it:
- Take the C6 bus from the airport to Alicante city centre (20 min)
- Walk or take a taxi to Alicante TRAM station (Luceros)
- Board the TRAM Line 1 to your destination
Benidorm by TRAM from Alicante takes about 1 hour and costs around €3–€5. It is a beautiful, cliff-hugging coastal journey — but with luggage after a long flight, it can feel endless. Best saved for a day trip once you are settled.
Option 3: Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Most Convenient)
For families, groups, or anyone arriving late at night, a pre-booked private transfer is worth every penny. The driver will be waiting for you in arrivals with your name on a sign, load your bags, and take you directly to your accommodation — no connections, no dragging suitcases onto coaches.
Fixed-price transfers eliminate the stress of late arrivals and are often not much more expensive than a taxi when you are travelling as a group of 3 or more. [TRANSFER AFFILIATE LINK TO BE ADDED HERE]
Option 4: Hire a Car (Best for Exploring)
If you plan to explore the Costa Blanca beyond your resort — day trips to Guadalest, Altea's old town, or the Montgó natural park — hiring a car transforms your holiday. Alicante Airport has every major rental company on site, and prices are very competitive, especially if booked in advance.
Driving in Spain is straightforward once you know the basics: speed limits are clearly signed, toll roads (autopistas) are fast but have a cost, and GPS is essential. Parking in city centres can be tricky, but most coastal resorts have reasonable options.
🚗 Compare Car Hire Prices at Alicante Airport (Europcar)
Option 5: Taxi (Quick but Pricey)
Official white taxis wait outside the arrivals hall at Alicante Airport. They are metered and regulated, so you will not be scammed — but they are considerably more expensive than other options for longer journeys:
- Airport → Alicante City: ~€20–€25
- Airport → Benidorm: ~€70–€90
- Airport → Torrevieja: ~€50–€65
For a solo traveller or a couple, the bus or transfer usually makes more financial sense. For 4+ people sharing, a taxi can actually be competitive for shorter distances.
By Destination: Your Quickest Route
🏖️ Getting to Benidorm from Alicante Airport
The direct ALSA coach is your best bet — roughly every 1–2 hours, around €10, no changes. Alternatively, bus C6 + TRAM Line 1 is more scenic but takes nearly 90 minutes. Browse our Benidorm holiday rentals to sort your accommodation first.
🌊 Getting to Torrevieja from Alicante Airport
Direct ALSA coaches run to Torrevieja in around 45 minutes for ~€6. This is one of the easiest journeys from the airport. Check our Torrevieja rentals for where to stay.
🏔️ Getting to Dénia or Jávea from Alicante Airport
These are the most challenging to reach by public transport. The most practical options are a hired car or a pre-booked private transfer. Direct coaches do exist but are very infrequent. For these northern destinations, we strongly recommend sorting your own transport. See our Dénia and Jávea guides for more tips.
🪨 Getting to Calpe from Alicante Airport
Calpe sits between Benidorm and Dénia. You can take the ALSA coach to Benidorm and then change for a local bus north, but this involves multiple connections and significant waiting time. A private transfer or hire car is much more practical. See our Calpe holiday guide.
🏙️ Getting to Alicante City from the Airport
The simplest journey of all: the C6 bus (€1.65, 20 min) or a taxi (~€20). If you are staying in Alicante City, you have plenty of options.
Final Tips from a Local
- Download the ALSA app before you travel — you can book and show digital tickets on your phone.
- Arrivals late at night? Bus frequencies drop significantly after 10pm. Pre-book a transfer if you land late.
- Travelling with young children? The private transfer wins every time — car seats can be requested in advance.
- Returning to the airport: Always allow extra time. Build in at least 30 minutes buffer on top of the journey time to be safe.