Quick answer
Alicante Airport (ALC) is 12 km southwest of Alicante city centre and serves the Costa Blanca — one of the most popular British and northern European holiday coasts in Spain. The airport has a direct bus connection to Alicante city (C6, EUR 3.85) and to other towns. Taxis are available at the rank. For the major resort areas of Benidorm (55 km north), Torrevieja (50 km south), Calpe (75 km), or Denia (95 km), a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is the practical option since no direct bus connects these destinations.
What actually happens after landing
Alicante Airport has a single terminal building with good signage in English. EU passport holders from Schengen countries skip immigration and go directly to baggage claim. Non-EU passengers queue at passport control, which is efficient outside peak periods.
Baggage claim can be slow in peak summer (July-August) when multiple charter flights arrive simultaneously. Waits of 25-40 minutes have been reported during busy summer slots. The arrivals hall has ATMs, a currency exchange desk, car rental counters, and a café.
Free Wi-Fi is available. The terminal is modern and air-conditioned. From arrivals, the bus stop is a short walk to the left outside the terminal, and the taxi rank is directly outside.
There is no train connection from Alicante Airport.
Transport options explained honestly
Other buses - Buses to other towns (Elche, Santa Pola) exist but the main resort destinations of Benidorm, Torrevieja, Calpe, and Denia do not have convenient direct airport bus connections. Reaching these places by public transport involves going to Alicante bus station first and changing — adding significant journey time.
Metered taxi - Taxis queue outside the arrivals exit. They are regulated and metered. An airport supplement applies. Typical fares: Alicante city EUR 20-30, Torrevieja EUR 45-60, Benidorm EUR 60-75, Calpe EUR 75-90, Denia EUR 90-110, Altea EUR 70-85. Taxis are the default option for anyone not going to Alicante city directly.
Pre-booked private transfer - Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, variety of vehicle sizes. Particularly useful for the longer Costa Blanca routes and for larger groups.
Car rental - All major companies operate at the airport. The Costa Blanca is a popular self-drive destination. Roads are good: the AP-7/A-7 motorway runs north along the coast to Benidorm and beyond, and the N-332 serves the southern coast towards Torrevieja.
Realistic pricing expectations
Bus to Alicante city: EUR 3.85.
Taxi fares:
- Airport to Alicante city: EUR 20-30
- Airport to El Campello: EUR 25-35
- Airport to Torrevieja: EUR 45-60
- Airport to Benidorm: EUR 60-75
- Airport to Villajoyosa: EUR 50-65
- Airport to Calpe: EUR 75-92
- Airport to Denia: EUR 90-112
- Airport to Altea: EUR 70-85
- Airport to Alicante Port: EUR 22-32
Private transfer prices:
- Sedan to Alicante city: EUR 25-35
- Sedan to Torrevieja: EUR 48-65
- Sedan to Benidorm: EUR 65-80
- Sedan to Denia: EUR 95-115
- Minivan (up to 7) to Benidorm: EUR 85-105
Late night arrivals
The C6 bus to Alicante city stops running around midnight. For flights landing after that, taxis are the option.
Taxis at Alicante Airport are available 24 hours. Late-night queues are generally short — this is not Ibiza, and the taxi supply is adequate relative to demand. Night supplements increase fares from 10 PM.
For late arrivals going to Benidorm (55 km) or Denia (95 km), the roads are quiet at night and the journey is faster than during the day. A taxi to Benidorm at midnight takes around 45-50 minutes on the AP-7.
Pre-booked private transfers are the comfortable option for late-night arrivals, particularly for longer Costa Blanca routes.
Serving the Costa Blanca
Alicante Airport is the main gateway to the Costa Blanca. Key distances and journey times:
- Torrevieja: 50 km south, 35-50 minutes via N-332
- Benidorm: 55 km north, 45-55 minutes via AP-7 (toll EUR 3-4)
- Villajoyosa: 45 km north, 35-45 minutes
- Altea: 65 km north, 55-65 minutes
- Calpe: 75 km north, 60-75 minutes
- Denia: 95 km north, 75-90 minutes
- Javea / Xàbia: 90 km north, 70-85 minutes
- Guardamar del Segura: 35 km south, 25-35 minutes
- Orihuela Costa / Campoamor: 60 km south, 45-60 minutes
Decision helper
Take a taxi if: you have moderate luggage or are in a small group heading to any coastal resort, arriving during the day or early evening, and comfortable with the metered fare.
Book a private transfer if: you are going to Benidorm, Denia, Calpe, or other distant resorts; you have a large group; you need a child seat; you are arriving late at night; or you want a fixed price for a longer journey.
Rent a car if: you plan to explore the Costa Blanca independently and your accommodation is not on a bus route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bus from Alicante Airport to the city?
Yes. The C6 airport express bus runs to Alicante city centre (Luceros) for EUR 3.85. Journey time is about 25-35 minutes. It runs regularly during the day but stops around midnight.
How do I get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
There is no direct airport bus to Benidorm. A taxi costs approximately EUR 60-75 and takes 45-55 minutes via the AP-7 motorway. Pre-booking a private transfer gives you a fixed price and a driver in arrivals.
How much is a taxi from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja?
Approximately EUR 45-60 by metered taxi. The journey takes 35-50 minutes via the N-332 south coast road. Night supplements apply from 10 PM.
Is there a train from Alicante Airport?
No. Alicante Airport does not have a train connection. The bus (C6) and taxis are the main public transport options.
How long is the taxi journey from Alicante Airport to Denia?
About 75-90 minutes via the AP-7/N-332 north coast route. The distance is approximately 95 km. Taxi fare is EUR 90-112.
Alicante Airport is efficient and well-positioned for the Costa Blanca. The bus to Alicante city is excellent value, but for the main resort destinations you will need a taxi or transfer. Distances to the northern resorts (Benidorm, Denia) are substantial, so plan for 45-90 minute journey times and budget accordingly.