Getting from Alicante Airport to your hotel with kids

The Costa Blanca is heavily visited by families — British, German, and Scandinavian family holidays dominate much of the Benidorm and Torrevieja markets. Alicante Airport handles this well in terms of infrastructure, though child seats remain a planning point.

The terminal with children

Alicante Airport is a single terminal, well-organised, with clear signage. Baby changing facilities are available and maintained. The walk from arrivals to the taxi rank and bus stop is short. Baggage trolleys are available throughout.

The terminal can feel crowded during peak charter flight arrivals in July and August. Baggage reclaim during busy summer slots can take 30-40 minutes. Plan for this and ensure children have water and a snack.

Child seats

Alicante taxis do not carry child seats. Spanish law requires appropriate restraint for children under 135 cm. If you need a child seat, you must either bring your own or book a private transfer and specify the requirement at booking.

For families coming from the UK or northern Europe where child seats are standard practice, a pre-booked transfer with the seat arranged is the practical solution. Specify the child's age and weight when booking so the correct seat type is provided.

Transport for families

Pre-booked private transfer or minivan: The strongest option for families going to Costa Blanca resorts. Driver meets you in arrivals, vehicle is sized correctly, child seats arranged, and luggage is managed. The fare is per vehicle, not per head, so a family of four splits one price four ways — which is what makes a transfer competitive against per-person fares once you are past two people.

Taxi: Works for families with older children who do not need car seats. The rank queue is manageable. Request an estate car or MPV at the rank for more luggage space. A standard saloon fits two adults and two children with two large suitcases.

Bus (C6): Practical only for Alicante city and with minimal luggage. A family with luggage and young children on a bus is possible but not ideal.

Reaching family resort areas

• Benidorm (55 km north): The Costa Blanca's most famous resort, extremely popular with British families. Large hotels, waterparks, beaches. 45-55 min via the tolled AP-7.
• Torrevieja (50 km south): Popular with families and longer-stay visitors. Lower-key than Benidorm. 35-50 min via the N-332.
• Calpe / Calp (75 km north): Beautiful family resort with the famous Peñón d'Ifac rock. 60-75 min.
• Altea (65 km north): Charming white village with a relaxed family atmosphere. 55-65 min.
• Guardamar del Segura (35 km south): Quiet beach town popular with Spanish families. 25-35 min.

Taxi fares to all of these are metered on the Generalitat Valenciana's regulated intercity tariff plus the EUR 4.25 airport supplement (Aena), and no official price list by destination is published — the Radio Taxi Elche desk in arrivals will quote your route, or book a fixed price in advance.

Practical tips

• Book a transfer with a minivan for families of five or more. Standard saloons struggle with larger families and full holiday luggage.
• Child seat booking must be done in advance. Specify type (infant, toddler, booster) when booking. Availability is not guaranteed for same-day requests.
• Pack a car snack. The journey to Benidorm or beyond is 45-75 minutes. Children who have been on a flight benefit from having something to eat.
• The AP-7 toll to Benidorm is fast and smooth — good for families as the motorway is a direct route with no sharp bends or mountain driving.