Flights to Alicante & Airport Guide
Direct flights from the UK/Europe, C-6 airport bus to the center (€4.50, 25 min), transfers to Benidorm/Torrevieja, taxis, car hire, and practical tips.
About Alicante Airport (ALC)
Alicante-Elche Airport (official name: Aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche, IATA code: ALC) is Spain's sixth busiest airport, handling over 15 million passengers annually. Located just 9 km south of Alicante's city center in the municipality of Elche, it serves the entire Costa Blanca region including Benidorm, Torrevieja, Altea, and Santa Pola.
The airport consists of one modern terminal with two main levels: Arrivals (Level 0) and Departures (Level 2). It usually takes only 5-10 minutes to walk from the gate to baggage reclaim. Facilities include duty-free shopping, restaurants, free WiFi, and car hire desks.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: ALC
- Distance to Alicante Center: 9 km (15 min car / 25 min bus)
- Distance to Benidorm: 60 km (45 min car/bus)
- Distance to Torrevieja: 45 km (40 min car/bus)
- Terminals: 1 terminal, 2 levels
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Direct Flights to Alicante
Alicante is highly accessible, with direct flights from across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Major airlines include Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and British Airways. The flight time from the UK is approximately 2.5 hours.
| From | Airlines | Flight Time | Frequency (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (LGW/STN) | EasyJet, Ryanair, BA | 2h 30min | Multiple daily |
| Manchester (MAN) | Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 | 2h 45min | Daily |
| Dublin (DUB) | Ryanair, Aer Lingus | 3h 00min | Daily |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | Ryanair, EasyJet | 3h 10min | Several times/week |
Tip: The high season (June–August) offers the most frequent flights but higher prices. Book 2–3 months in advance for the best deals. Low season (Nov-Feb) often yields incredibly cheap flights with budget airlines.
Transport from Alicante Airport to City Center
There are four main options for traveling from the airport to Alicante's center: bus, taxi, private transfer, or car hire. The bus is the cheapest and most convenient option for most travelers.
C-6 Airport Bus (Recommended)
Line C-6 is the official airport bus operated by Vectalia, running directly from the airport to Alicante city center. This is the most popular choice for visitors.
- Price: €4.50 per person (pay on board with card or cash)
- Travel Time: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes (06:20–23:00), hourly at night (00:00–06:00)
- Stops in Center: Bus Station, Plaza del Mar, Plaza de los Luceros (TRAM connection)
- Where to find the bus: Level 2 (Departures), walk out the main doors and turn right – the bus stop is at the far end of the terminal.
Website: alicante.vectalia.es (real-time departures)
Taxi
A taxi from the airport to Alicante center costs around €20–23 (daytime) and €23–26 (nights/weekends). The journey takes 15–20 minutes. The official taxi rank is located just outside the exit on Level 0 (Arrivals). All taxis use meters – do not accept any flat-rate proposals.
Tip: Uber and Cabify also operate in Alicante and are often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis. Book via the app once you have collected your luggage.
Private Transfer (Pre-booked)
A private transfer (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Civitatis) costs €40–50 for a 4-passenger vehicle. Advantages: the driver meets you with a name sign, helps with luggage, and there is zero waiting time. Ideal for families or late-night arrivals.
Car Hire
All major car hire companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Centauro, Goldcar) have desks on Level 0 (Arrivals). Prices start at around €15/day for an economy car. Parking in Alicante center costs €1.50–2.50/hour, while hotel parking is usually around €15/day.
Transfers from Alicante Airport to Popular Resorts
Many travelers fly into Alicante but head straight to Benidorm, Torrevieja, Albir, or other Costa Blanca destinations. Here are your best options:
Alicante Airport → Benidorm
- ALSA Bus: €7, 45–60 min, runs hourly directly from the airport to Benidorm bus station. Buy tickets on alsa.es or on board.
- Terravision Door-to-Door Shuttle: €10.50, drops you directly at your hotel. Book at terravision.eu.
- Taxi/Private Transfer: €60–75, 35–45 min.
- TRAM (via Alicante Center): Take the C-6 bus to Plaza de los Luceros, change to TRAM Line 1 towards Benidorm (total €7, 1h 30min). The cheapest but slowest option with heavy luggage.
Alicante Airport → Torrevieja
- ALSA Bus: €8–10, 50–70 min, roughly every hour. Some are direct, others require a transfer at Alicante bus station.
- Taxi/Private Transfer: €50–60, 40 min.
Alicante Airport → Albir/Altea
- ALSA Bus: €6–8, 50–60 min, several departures daily (via Benidorm).
- Taxi/Private Transfer: €55–70, 40 min.
- TRAM (via Alicante): Take the C-6 bus to Plaza de los Luceros, TRAM Line 1 to Benidorm, then transfer to the line heading to Altea (total 1h 45min, €7).
Tip: The ALSA bus is the most popular choice. Book via alsa.es or buy your ticket from the driver. If you are traveling with large luggage or arriving late, a private transfer is highly recommended.
Car Hire at Alicante Airport
Renting a car is a great idea if you plan to explore the Costa Blanca (Guadalest, Algar Waterfalls, the white villages) or stay outside the city centers.
Car Hire Companies at ALC
- International: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise
- Spanish: Centauro, Goldcar, Record Go, Firefly, OK Rent a Car
- Prices: From €15/day (Economy), €25/day (Mid-size), €40/day (SUV)
- Insurance: Basic coverage is included, but we recommend full coverage (CDW without excess) for €10–15/day extra for peace of mind.
- Fuel Policy: Full-to-full (pick up full, return full) is always the fairest and most economical choice.
Tip: Book online at least 1 week in advance for the best prices (often 30–50% cheaper than walk-in rates). Use Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com to compare prices across all agencies.
Driving Rules and Parking
In Spain, driving is on the right-hand side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90–100 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on motorways (autopista). Tolls: The AP-7 motorway (Valencia–Alicante–Murcia) has been toll-free since 2020. Parking in Alicante: street parking with meters (€1.50–2.50/hour), indoor parking garages around €15–20/day.
🚗 Our car rental recommendations
To avoid long queues and hidden fees at the desk, we highly recommend booking in advance through our trusted picks:
- Rentalcars.com – Best for comparing prices. We always use this to find the cheapest option from reliable companies.
- Wiber – A local favorite! Choose their "All Inclusive" rate to skip the deposit and desk fees entirely.
- Hertz – The safest choice for premium cars and fast service directly in the terminal building.
Airport Facilities
Alicante Airport features modern amenities for both short and long layovers.
- Shopping & Duty-Free: Duty-free stores (perfume, cosmetics, alcohol), Spanish delicacies (turrón, olive oil, wine), fashion (Zara, Mango), and electronics. Note: Since Brexit, UK travelers can take advantage of tax-free shopping prices!
- Food & Drink: 10+ restaurants and cafés including Starbucks, Burger King, Panaria, Costa Coffee, and Lizarran tapas bar.
- WiFi: Free, unlimited WiFi throughout the terminal (Network: "Alicante_WiFi_Free").
- Luggage Storage: Available on Level 0 (Arrivals) near the baggage claim area (€5–8/day).
- Pharmacy: Located on Level 2 (Departures), open 08:00–22:00.
- VIP Lounge: "Sala VIP Alicante" (Level 2, near the gates) – €25 per person, includes snacks, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating. Bookable via loungepass.com.
- For Children: Baby changing rooms and a small play area on Level 2.
- ATMs: Multiple cash machines located on both floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How early should I arrive at Alicante Airport?
For EU/Schengen flights: 1.5 hours before departure. For UK/Non-Schengen flights: 2 hours before, as passport control adds extra time. Peak season (July–August, Easter): Add an extra 30 minutes for security queues.
How do I get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
The ALSA bus is the easiest option: €7, 45–60 min, departing hourly directly from the airport to Benidorm bus station. You can also use the Terravision door-to-door shuttle, or take a taxi (€60–75).
How much does a taxi from Alicante Airport to the center cost?
Approximately €20–23 during the day, and €23–26 at night/weekends. The journey takes 15–20 minutes. Uber and Cabify are available and often slightly cheaper (€18–22). For a budget option, the C-6 bus is only €4.50.
Is there a train station at Alicante Airport?
No, there is no train station directly at the airport. You must take the C-6 bus (€4.50, 25 min) into Alicante city center to connect to the TRAM (light rail) or Renfe (national trains).
Do I need to hire a car in Alicante?
No, if you plan to stay in central Alicante or Playa San Juan (the bus and TRAM system is excellent). Yes, if you want to take day trips to Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, Altea, or visit golf courses.
Can I shop duty-free at Alicante Airport?
Yes! If you are traveling to a country outside the EU (such as the UK, Norway, or Switzerland), you are eligible for duty-free prices on alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes. Passengers traveling within the EU will pay standard Spanish retail prices.
Can I sleep at Alicante Airport?
Yes, the airport is open 24/7. There are benches and seating on Level 2 (Departures), though there are no dedicated sleeping pods. For long layovers, consider the VIP Lounge (€25) or a nearby hotel (e.g., Hostal La Finca, a 5-minute walk from the terminal).
Updated: February 2026. Prices, timetables, and transport options are subject to change. Always check official sources (alsa.es, vectalia.es, airlines) before traveling. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.