Alicante International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Alicante International Airport ALC

Spain

Alicante-Elche Airport is the main gateway to the Costa Blanca, a destination historically beloved by Northern European travelers for its beaches and mild climate nearly year-round.

Located approximately 9 km south of Alicante city, it is strategically positioned to reach Benidorm, Torrevieja, and other coastal towns in the province.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

How to get to Alicante International Airport

Alicante-Elche has no direct railway connection: buses and taxis remain the main solutions for reaching the city centre and coast.

By Car

Those arriving by car follow the AP-7 motorway or the N-338, with clearly marked exits to the terminal. The expressway allows rapid access to both Alicante and Benidorm further north.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport: the nearest station is Alicante city, accessible by bus or taxi.

By Bus

Line C-6 connects the airport to Alicante city centre and the city railway station, from which you can continue by train to other destinations in the region.
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Tips If you are heading to Benidorm or other Costa Blanca locations far from Alicante city centre, you will often find taxis or car rentals more convenient than direct public transport.

Average travel time to ALC

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus30-40 minutes
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Alicante International Airport

P1 parking, a short walking distance from the terminal, is designed for short stays or for those accompanying passengers, while P2 and P3 areas offer lower rates for long stays, with free shuttle connection.

Given the strong seasonality of tourist traffic, booking parking in advance during summer months allows you to get better rates compared to last-minute purchases on site.

P1 (2026 rates) costs 19 euros/day for the first 4 days, then 15 euros/day from the fifth onwards.

How to get to Alicante from ALC

By Train

Since there is no station at the airport, anyone wanting to take the train must first reach Alicante station by bus or taxi.

By Bus

The C-6 line stop is located in the terminal's arrivals area, with tickets available on board.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; the meter is standard for trips to the center, approximately 19-25€ (15-20€ plus the airport supplement of 4.25€) for the approximately 12 km separating the airport from the city.

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Car rental at Alicante International Airport

Given the strong tourism appeal of the Costa Blanca, car rental is very widespread: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Goldcar all have dedicated desks in the terminal.

Booking online in advance during summer months generally allows better rates compared to last-minute rental on-site.

Bring your driver's license, identity document, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; always check the fuel policy before returning the vehicle. Spanish citizens and those from other EU/EEA countries can drive with just their national license; for all others an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required.

 

Hotels near Alicante International Airport

El Altet airport is 9 km from Alicante, and line C6 connects it to the center (Luceros) in about 20 minutes, round the clock: for those staying in the city, that's all it takes, no taxi needed. Those who prefer to stay away from the traffic of the center, perhaps near the university or the hospital, can choose San Juan de Alicante, about twenty minutes by car or a slower bus with a change. Those traveling instead toward the beaches in the south of the Costa Blanca, far from Alicante city, find in Orihuela Costa a convenient base by car, about 40-45 minutes from the airport along the AP-7.
Neighbourhood

San Juan de Alicante, town center

C6 to Luceros (about 20 minutes), then a local bus or taxi to San Juan de Alicante

Best for: those who want to stay away from the traffic of Alicante's center but close to shops and the main square

Pros
  • Central square with bars and small-town shops
  • Quieter than the center of Alicante
Cons
  • Requires changing transport to get there from the airport
  • Few tourist attractions in the area itself
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

San Juan de Alicante, university and hospital area

C6 to Luceros (about 20 minutes), then a local bus or taxi to San Juan de Alicante

Best for: those with an appointment at the hospital or the university, or looking for a quiet residential area

Pros
  • Quiet residential area
  • Nearby urban bus stops
Cons
  • Far on foot from the sea and Alicante's historic center
  • Few restaurants besides those of the hospital/university
See more hotels in this area
Nearby town

Orihuela Costa and Villamartín

about 40-45 minutes by car from the airport along the AP-7; a rental car or a private transfer is worthwhile

Best for: those flying in for a beach holiday in the south of the Costa Blanca, far from Alicante city

Pros
  • Close to the golf courses and Villamartín's square
  • Free private parking on site
Cons
  • Far from the airport and from Alicante city
  • Tourist area, not very connected to local life
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

Recently modernized, the terminal offers services appropriate for the substantial seasonal tourist traffic arriving primarily from Northern Europe.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers an extensive selection of fragrances, alcoholic beverages, and turrón, the nougat specialty of Jijona typical to the region.

Lounges & relaxation

A VIP lounge located beyond security screening offers pay-per-visit access or is accessible via major travel credit cards.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free WiFi managed by Aena covers the entire terminal area. For a local SIM, national carriers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) often have a counter or ATM at the airport—convenient if you'd rather not search the city. All offer eSIM activation with an ID document.

Families & Children

Dedicated diaper changing and nursing areas are available in high-traffic zones of the terminal.

Terminal guide

The airport features a single terminal that underwent a major renovation and expansion completed in the last decade, significantly modernizing check-in areas and the security control zone.

Flow between arrivals and departures is well separated on distinct levels, which simplifies navigation even on peak summer days.

Walking from check-in to gate typically takes 8–10 minutes, with queues increasing during summer months.

Map of Alicante International Airport

Map of Alicante International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the C-6 line cost from Alicante airport to the city centre?

Roughly 3.85-4.60 euros per journey (fare updated for 2026, well above the old price of 1.50-2.50 euros), with a 10-trip Bono available for 8.10 euros until 15 July 2026; one of the cheapest options for reaching both the city centre and the train station.

Q. How do you get to Benidorm from the airport?

There's no direct bus: the most practical options are a taxi, a private transfer, or a car rental.

Q. What is the cheapest way to get to downtown Alicante?

The C-6 bus line, which connects the airport to the city centre and the train station.

Q. Is it worth renting a car on the Costa Blanca?

Yes, especially for those who want to visit several towns along the coast: all the major rental companies are present at the airport.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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Things to do in Alicante

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