Flights to Alicante & Airport Guide
Direct flights from the UK, Ireland and Europe, the C-6 airport bus to the city (€4.70), transport to Benidorm and Torrevieja, taxis, private transfers, car hire and practical airport information.
About Alicante Airport (ALC)
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (IATA: ALC) is around 9 km southwest of Alicante city centre, in the municipality of Elche. It handled 19.95 million passengers in 2025, making it Spain's fifth-busiest airport that year.
The airport has one passenger terminal. Arrivals are mainly on Level 0, while check-in and departures are on Level 2. ALC serves the wider Costa Blanca, including Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Altea and Santa Pola.
Quick facts
- IATA code: ALC
- Distance to Alicante centre: about 9 km
- Distance to Benidorm: about 58–60 km
- Distance to Torrevieja: about 44–45 km
- Terminals: 1 passenger terminal
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year
Direct flights to Alicante
Alicante has an extensive network of direct flights from the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe. Routes and frequencies change seasonally, so always check the current schedule for your dates before booking.
| From | Airport(s) | Examples of direct airlines currently listed by Aena |
|---|---|---|
| London | Gatwick (LGW) | BA Euroflyer, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, Vueling |
| London | Luton / Stansted | easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz Air UK |
| Manchester | MAN | easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI |
| Edinburgh | EDI | easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair |
| Dublin | DUB | Aer Lingus, Ryanair |
Tip: Airline schedules are seasonal. Compare your exact travel dates with the airlines or a flight-search service before booking.
Transport from Alicante Airport to the city centre
The main options are the C-6 airport bus, taxi, a pre-booked private transfer or car hire. For most visitors staying in central Alicante, the C-6 is the cheapest and simplest public-transport option.
C-6 airport bus
Route C-6 connects the terminal with Alicante city centre every day of the year and links with the TRAM network at stops including Plaza de los Luceros.
- Fare: €4.70 for a single ticket
- Journey time: typically around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
- Central stops: including Alicante railway station, Alfonso X El Sabio and Plaza de los Luceros
- TRAM connection: change at Luceros or Alfonso X El Sabio; there is no train or TRAM directly from the airport terminal
- Airport stop: at Departures level (Level 2)
Timetable: See alicante.vectalia.es for current departures and fares.
Taxi
The airport's official taxi service is provided by Radio Taxi Elche and Servitaxi Elche. Regulated fares apply, with a €4.25 airport surcharge. A trip to central Alicante normally takes around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Tip: Radio Taxi Elche allows you to check a price and pre-book online. App-based services may also be available; compare the final quoted price before booking.
Private transfer (pre-booked)
A private transfer is particularly useful for families, larger groups, lots of luggage or late arrivals. It takes you directly to your accommodation without a change of transport. Check a price with Welcome Pickups.
Car hire
Car hire makes most sense if you are staying outside central Alicante or want to explore the Costa Blanca independently. Compare the total price, deposit, fuel policy, collection point and insurance terms before booking.
From Alicante Airport to Benidorm, Torrevieja and Altea
Many passengers landing at ALC travel straight on to other Costa Blanca resorts. These are the main options.
Alicante Airport → Benidorm
- ALSA: direct airport-to-Benidorm bus with no intermediate stops. Check ALSA for the current fare and timetable.
- Taxi or private transfer: door-to-door and convenient for families, late arrivals and heavy luggage.
- Car hire: useful if Benidorm is only the first stop on a longer Costa Blanca trip.
Alicante Airport → Torrevieja
- Costa Azul: direct bus with no intermediate stops. Aena states a journey time of around 40 minutes.
- Taxi or private transfer: direct to your hotel or holiday rental.
- Car hire: useful if you also plan to visit Orihuela Costa, La Zenia or other places south of Alicante.
Alicante Airport → Albir / Altea
- ALSA: northbound services towards destinations including Alfaz del Pi and Altea. Check the current route for stops and any changes.
- Private transfer or car hire: easiest if you want to go directly to your accommodation or continue along the coast.
Car hire at Alicante Airport
You usually do not need a car if you are staying in Alicante city and using the TRAM to Playa San Juan. A hire car is much more useful for Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, smaller coastal towns, Torrevieja and beaches that are difficult to reach by public transport.
What to compare
- Total price: not just the advertised daily rate
- Deposit and excess: these can differ substantially between suppliers
- Fuel policy: full-to-full is often the easiest to manage
- Collection point: check whether the vehicle is in-terminal or reached by shuttle
- Insurance: read exactly what is included before paying
🚗 Compare car hire
To compare several suppliers in one search:
- DiscoverCars – compares prices and conditions from multiple car-hire suppliers.
Driving and parking
Traffic drives on the right in Spain. Speed limits and any tolls depend on the road and area, so follow current road signs and use up-to-date navigation. In central Alicante, a car park is often easier than searching for an on-street space.
Alicante Airport facilities
The main passenger services are located within the single terminal:
- Shopping and food: duty-free shops, other retail outlets, cafés and restaurants
- Wi-Fi: free access via Airport Free Wifi Aena
- Left luggage: PV21, Level 2 Departures, public area; luggage storage normally operates 09:00–15:30
- Pharmacy: Level 0 Arrivals, public area; normally open 07:30–23:00
- VIP lounge: Costa Blanca VIP Lounge, Level 1 in the boarding area; normally open 04:00–23:00
- ATMs and other services: available within the terminal area
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at Alicante Airport?
Aena's general guidance is 2 hours before domestic and Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen flights. Allow extra time during busy periods or if your airline recommends it.
How do I get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
ALSA operates a direct bus with no intermediate stops. Taxi, private transfer and car hire are alternatives if you want to travel straight to your hotel or need more flexibility. See the detailed Benidorm guide.
Are there direct flights from the UK and Ireland to Alicante?
Yes. Alicante has direct routes from many UK airports and from Dublin, with airlines including easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, BA Euroflyer, TUI and Aer Lingus depending on the airport and season.
How much is a taxi from Alicante Airport to the city centre?
The fare depends on the time, traffic and exact address. Official airport taxis use regulated tariffs and a €4.25 airport surcharge applies. Radio Taxi Elche also provides online price information and pre-booking.
Can I use public transport from Alicante Airport?
Yes. The C-6 bus runs directly to Alicante city centre and a single ticket costs €4.70. There is no train or TRAM directly from the terminal; the C-6 connects with the TRAM network at stops including Luceros.
Do I need a hire car in Alicante?
Not if you mainly plan to stay in Alicante city and Playa San Juan. A car is more useful for inland villages, smaller coastal towns, Torrevieja and beaches that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Is there duty-free shopping at Alicante Airport?
Yes. Alicante Airport has duty-free shops, but tax-free eligibility depends on your destination. Travellers to destinations outside the EU, such as the UK, may be eligible under different rules from passengers travelling within the EU. Check the allowances for your destination before purchasing.
Can I sleep at Alicante Airport?
The airport is open 24 hours a day but is not designed as an overnight facility. For a very early flight or a long wait, a nearby hotel may be more comfortable. The VIP lounge is not an overnight option.
Updated: October 2026. Fares, timetables, flight routes and opening hours can change. Information has been checked against sources including Aena, Vectalia, ALSA and Costa Azul. Always confirm with the relevant operator before travelling. Some links are affiliate links; Solrute may receive a commission if you book through them at no extra cost to you.