Transport to Alicante, Valencia & Málaga
Flights from Europe, train and bus connections between the cities, and airport car hire. Distances, routes, and practical travel tips for 2026.
Flights to Spain
Direct flights from the UK and major European cities to Alicante (ALC), Valencia (VLC), and Málaga (AGP) are operated by Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, and British Airways. London to Alicante takes around 2h 30min. Prices vary greatly depending on the season: return tickets can range from €40 (low season) to over €250 (summer peak).
| From | To | Direct? | Flight Time | Price from (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LGW/STN) | Alicante (ALC) | ✅ Yes (EasyJet/Ryanair) | ~2h 30min | €40–200 Return |
| Manchester (MAN) | Alicante (ALC) | ✅ Yes (Ryanair/EasyJet) | ~2h 45min | €50–220 Return |
| London (LGW) | Valencia (VLC) | ✅ Yes (EasyJet/Ryanair) | ~2h 25min | €50–200 Return |
| Dublin (DUB) | Málaga (AGP) | ✅ Yes (Ryanair/Aer Lingus) | ~3h 00min | €60–250 Return |
Find the cheapest flights
Compare all departures and prices from multiple airlines at once.
Search flights (Skyscanner)Tip: Book 2–3 months in advance for the best prices. For detailed info on airport transfers, see Alicante: Flights & Airport and Valencia: Flights & Airport.
Trains and Buses Between Cities
Trains (Renfe) and buses (ALSA) are the most common transport options between Alicante, Valencia, and Málaga. Renfe operates high-speed trains (AVE, EUROMED) as well as regional trains. Buses are often cheaper but take a bit longer.
Alicante – Valencia
Train: The fastest direct train takes 1h 55min, covering a distance of 125 km. Renfe EUROMED and Intercity offer 6–8 departures daily. Prices start at €9 when booked in advance.
Bus: ALSA has several daily departures, taking 2.5–3 hours, with prices starting from €15.
→ Alicante Transport Overview
Alicante – Málaga
Distance: Approx. 478 km.
Train: No direct high-speed train; a change in Antequera-Santa Ana or Madrid is required. Total travel time is 5–7 hours, prices €40–70.
Bus: ALSA operates direct buses taking 7–9 hours, prices from €45.
Car: Driving takes about 4.5–5 hours via the AP-7/A-7 motorways.
→ Málaga Transport Overview
Valencia – Málaga
Distance: Approx. 650 km.
Train: No direct AVE train; transfer in Madrid or Córdoba, takes 5–6 hours, from €50.
Bus: ALSA direct bus, 9–11 hours, from €50.
→ Valencia Transport Overview
Car Hire at the Airports
Renting a car is flexible and often cheaper than you might think – especially if you are traveling as a group. All three airports (ALC, VLC, AGP) feature major rental companies (Centauro, Goldcar, Hertz, Avis, Europcar) right in the terminal. Prices start around €10–15/day for a small car.
| Airport | Price from/day (2026) | Popular Car Class | Link (internal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante (ALC) | €8–15 | Opel Corsa, Seat Ibiza | Guide: Alicante Flights & Airport |
| Valencia (VLC) | €10–18 | Citroën C3, Peugeot 208 | Guide: Valencia Flights & Airport |
| Málaga (AGP) | €9–16 | Ford Fiesta, VW Polo | Guide: Málaga Flights & Airport |
Search Car Hire (Compare Prices)
Check multiple rental companies simultaneously to find the best price and customer ratings.
Search Car Hire (Rentalcars)Remember: Choose full coverage (CDW/SCDW) for peace of mind. Many companies require a deposit (€500–1500 reserved on your credit card). Fuel policy: usually "full-to-full" (best), or "full-to-empty" (more expensive).
Distances and Driving Routes
Here are the main distances if you're planning a road trip or wondering about driving times between the cities.
| Route | Distance (km) | Driving Time (approx.) | Main Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante – Valencia | 170 km | 1h 45min | AP-7 (motorway, toll) |
| Alicante – Málaga | 478 km | 4h 30min–5h | AP-7 / A-7 |
| Valencia – Málaga | 650 km | 6h–6h 30min | AP-7 / A-7 |
| Alicante – Barcelona | 520 km | 5h 15min | AP-7 (toll) |
| Alicante – Madrid | 430 km | 4h 15min | A-31 / A-3 |
Tip: The AP-7 has toll sections (peajes) but saves a lot of time. The A-7 is a free national highway but can be slower due to local traffic and roundabouts. Use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the flight from London to Alicante?
Direct flights from London to Alicante take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is roughly 1,500 km. EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways fly this route daily.
How do I get from Alicante Airport to the city center?
You can take the C-6 Airport Bus (€4.50, 30 min to Luceros), a taxi (€20-25, 20 min), Uber/Cabify, or rent a car at the terminal. The bus runs every 20 minutes during the day.
Are there trains between Alicante and Valencia?
Yes! Renfe EUROMED and Intercity operate 6–8 departures daily. The fastest train takes 1h 55min, and tickets start at around €9 when booked in advance. You can book via Trainline or Renfe.com.
How long is the drive between Alicante and Málaga?
The distance is about 478 km, and driving takes around 4.5–5 hours via the AP-7/A-7 motorways. By bus (ALSA), it takes 7–9 hours.
Which is best: train, bus, or car hire between the cities?
Train: Comfortable and the fastest option for shorter routes (like Alicante–Valencia).
Bus: The cheapest option, but the slowest.
Car Hire: Best for a road trip, groups, or if you want to make stops along the coast (Benidorm, Nerja, Ronda, etc.).
Updated: February 2026. Prices, timetables, and routes are subject to change – always verify with the official provider (airlines, Renfe, ALSA) before booking. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them – at absolutely no extra cost to you.