Alicante taxis are reliable and plentiful. For most journeys, a taxi from the rank is a perfectly valid option. The case for a pre-booked transfer is strongest for longer routes, larger groups, and those wanting certainty.
Taxis at Alicante Airport
Taxis queue outside the arrivals exit. They are metered, Valencian Community-regulated, and airport staff manage the rank. The queue during busy periods moves within 10-20 minutes. Drivers are experienced with the main resort destinations.
Typical fares: Alicante city EUR 20-30, Torrevieja EUR 45-60, Benidorm EUR 60-75, Calpe EUR 75-92, Denia EUR 90-112.
The meter does not include motorway tolls. For the AP-7 route to Benidorm and beyond, the toll (EUR 3-5) will be added at the end of the journey. This should be expected and is normal — it is not the driver adding extra charges.
For journeys of 45-90 minutes to the further resorts, metered taxis are adequate. The main uncertainties are traffic on the AP-7 and N-332 in peak season, which can extend journey times and meter costs.
Pre-booked private transfers
Driver meets you in arrivals. Fixed price agreed at booking, including tolls. Flight tracking included — the driver waits if your flight is delayed without extra charge.
Prices overlap closely with taxis for most destinations:
- Alicante city: EUR 25-35 (vs taxi EUR 20-30)
- Benidorm: EUR 65-80 (vs taxi EUR 60-75)
- Denia: EUR 95-115 (vs taxi EUR 90-112)
Comparison
| Factor | Taxi | Private transfer | |---|---|---| | Cost to Alicante | EUR 20-30 | EUR 25-35 | | Cost to Benidorm | EUR 60-75 | EUR 65-80 | | Cost to Denia | EUR 90-112 | EUR 95-115 | | Toll included | No (added at end) | Yes | | Queue wait | 5-20 min | None | | Meeting point | Outside rank | Inside arrivals | | Fixed price | No | Yes | | Child seat | No | On request | | Flight tracking | No | Yes |
When each option wins
Taxi: Alicante city and short coastal journeys. Groups of two who travel light and are comfortable queuing briefly. Arriving during the day when the rank has cars and the queue is fast.
Private transfer: Long routes to Denia, Calpe, or Javea where journey times are 75-90 minutes and a fixed price is more comfortable. Families needing child seats. Groups of four or more where splitting a transfer makes the per-person cost comparable to or lower than a taxi. Arriving late at night or early morning.
Bus (C6): For Alicante city only, if arriving during the day. EUR 3.85 beats both options on price for that specific destination.
The Benidorm calculation
Benidorm is the most visited resort from Alicante Airport. A taxi costs EUR 60-75 metered. A pre-booked transfer is EUR 65-80 fixed. For two people, the difference is EUR 2.50-5 each. For four people in a minivan transfer at EUR 85 vs four individual shares in a EUR 70 taxi at EUR 17.50 each — the transfer can be the same or cheaper per person, with the driver in arrivals and no queue.