04/09/2021
Arriving at Alicante Airport, officially known as Alicante-Elche Airport, marks the beginning of countless holidays for visitors heading to Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca. As the sixth-largest airport in Spain, it serves as a vital gateway to popular destinations like Benidorm, a vibrant resort town famous for its beaches and lively atmosphere. While the immediate question for many travellers is often about the quickest or most economical way to reach their final destination, particularly Benidorm, understanding all available transport methods is key to a smooth journey.
Benidorm is situated approximately 58 kilometres from Alicante Airport, making it a relatively short transfer. Travellers have a variety of choices, each offering different levels of convenience, speed, and cost. From public transport to private hire, selecting the right option depends entirely on your priorities, whether that's saving money, maximising comfort, or simply getting there as fast as possible. This comprehensive guide delves into each alternative, with a particular focus on taxi services, to help you make an informed decision for your transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm.
Getting from Alicante Airport to Benidorm can be a straightforward process, provided you know your options. Here, we break down the most popular methods, detailing what you can expect from each.
Taxi: The Direct Route to Convenience
For many, the thought of a taxi immediately brings to mind ease and directness, especially after a long flight. From Alicante Airport, the taxi service to Benidorm is primarily operated by Radio Taxi Elche. You'll easily spot their vehicles: they are typically white with a distinctive green stripe running diagonally across the car. This makes them easy to identify amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport's arrival area.
Choosing a taxi offers unparalleled convenience. You can step out of the arrivals hall and typically find a taxi waiting, ready to take you directly to your accommodation in Benidorm without any intermediate stops or transfers. This can be particularly appealing if you're travelling with heavy luggage, young children, or simply prefer a door-to-door service without the hassle of navigating public transport schedules or routes.
The journey duration by taxi is impressively quick, usually taking around 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your exact destination within Benidorm. This makes it one of the fastest ways to reach the resort. In terms of cost, a taxi from Alicante Airport to Benidorm will set you back approximately €70. While this is a higher price point compared to some other options, the speed, privacy, and direct service often justify the expense for many travellers.
Upon arrival at Alicante Airport, look for the clear signage directing you to the taxi rank. It's conveniently located on Level 0 of the airport, right outside the arrivals area. Always ensure you take an official taxi from the designated rank to guarantee a fair fare and a licensed service.
The Budget-Friendly Option: ALSA Bus
If cost-efficiency is your top priority, then the ALSA bus service is likely your best bet. It stands out as the most economical direct public transport connection between Alicante Airport and Benidorm. Unlike some destinations that require multiple changes, the ALSA bus offers a direct route, making it incredibly popular with budget-conscious travellers.
The ALSA bus stop is located conveniently at the airport, usually near the arrivals area, where you’ll also find an ALSA ticket counter. This makes purchasing your ticket upon arrival simple and straightforward. The buses are comfortable, designed to accommodate travellers with luggage, and provide a reliable service.
One of the main considerations with the bus service is adherence to its schedule. Buses typically depart every hour, with the first service at 06:15, followed by hourly departures from 08:00 until 23:00. While this offers frequent connections, you will need to factor in potential waiting times, especially if your flight arrives just after a bus has departed. The duration of the bus journey is comparable to a taxi, taking around 40-45 minutes to reach Benidorm.
A single return ticket for the ALSA bus costs approximately €9.65, representing significant savings compared to a taxi. Passengers are generally allowed one piece of luggage weighing up to 30 kg, which is usually sufficient for most holidaymakers. Tickets can be purchased at the ALSA counter at the airport, directly from the bus driver (though availability might be an issue during peak times), or by calling their customer service number.
For those who value comfort, privacy, and a seamless experience above all else, a premium private transfer is an excellent choice. This service offers the ultimate in stress-free travel, ensuring you arrive in Benidorm feeling refreshed and relaxed. With a private transfer, a professional private chauffeur will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, often holding a sign with your name, ready to assist you with your luggage.
You'll be whisked away in a high-end vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious ride directly to your destination in Benidorm. This option removes any concerns about navigating unfamiliar transport systems, finding taxis, or adhering to public transport schedules. It's a pre-booked service, meaning your transport is guaranteed and ready for you as soon as you land.
The cost for a premium private transfer is slightly higher than a standard taxi, typically around €80. However, for this price, you receive a personalised, high-quality service that prioritises your comfort and convenience from the moment you exit the airport. It's an ideal choice for special occasions, business travellers, or anyone simply wishing to start their holiday in the most relaxed way possible.
Flexibility on Wheels: Car Hire
For travellers who prefer the freedom to explore at their own pace, hiring a car directly from Alicante Airport is a popular and practical option. The airport boasts an extensive selection of car rental companies, making it easy to find a vehicle that suits your needs and budget.
The process of collecting your rental car is straightforward. You don't even need to leave the airport building to reach the car rental parking areas. A convenient interior bridge connects the terminal directly to the multi-storey car park where most rental companies are located. Simply follow the signs within the terminal after exiting arrivals to find your chosen provider.
Having a car gives you immense flexibility to visit not only Benidorm but also the surrounding areas of the Costa Blanca at your leisure. It’s perfect for day trips to charming coastal towns, exploring the countryside, or simply having the convenience of personal transport throughout your stay. However, remember to factor in fuel costs, parking fees in Benidorm, and the potential for navigating unfamiliar roads. While the upfront rental cost can vary significantly, the overall expense needs to consider these additional factors.
The Less Direct Routes: Train & Tram via Alicante City
While direct connections from Alicante Airport to Benidorm are plentiful, some travellers might consider alternative routes involving trains or trams. It's important to note that there is no direct train or tram connection from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. Instead, these options require an initial transfer to Alicante city centre.
To utilise the train or tram, you would first need to take the C6 bus line from Alicante Airport to Alicante city. This bus journey typically takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately €12. The C6 bus will drop you at Luceros Station in Alicante city, which is a key hub for train and tram services.
From Luceros Station, you can then take Tram Line 1 (L1) directly to Benidorm. The tram journey from Alicante city to Benidorm takes approximately 25 minutes. If your final destination is further along the coast to towns like Altea, Calpe, or Denia, you would need to transfer to Tram Line 9 (L9) in Benidorm.
While this multi-leg journey is an option, it is generally not recommended as the most efficient or comfortable way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. It involves transfers, can be time-consuming (at least 1 hour, assuming perfect connections), and is not necessarily the most economical once you factor in the bus fare to Alicante city plus the tram ticket. It’s often chosen by those who specifically wish to spend time in Alicante city before heading to Benidorm or are perhaps reliant on rail networks for onward travel.
Comparative Overview of Transport Options
To help you quickly weigh up your choices, here’s a comparative table summarising the key aspects of the most common transport methods from Alicante Airport to Benidorm:
| Transport Option | Approx. Cost | Approx. Duration | Convenience & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | €70 | 35-40 mins | Direct, door-to-door, private, good for luggage. |
| ALSA Bus | €9.65 (return) | 40-45 mins | Most economical, direct public transport, fixed schedule. |
| Premium Private Transfer | €80 | 35-40 mins | Luxury, pre-booked chauffeur, high comfort, personalised. |
| Car Hire | Varies (daily) | 35-40 mins | Maximum flexibility, explore at leisure, additional fuel/parking costs. |
| Train/Tram (via Alicante City) | €12 (bus) + Tram fare | 1 hour + (incl. transfers) | Multiple transfers, not direct from airport, less recommended for direct travel to Benidorm. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a taxi cost from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
A taxi from Alicante Airport to Benidorm typically costs around €70. This price can vary slightly depending on the exact destination within Benidorm, time of day, and any additional luggage charges, but €70 is a good estimate for budgeting purposes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
The cheapest way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is by taking the ALSA bus. A return ticket costs approximately €9.65, making it significantly more economical than other options.
How long does a taxi take from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
The journey by taxi from Alicante Airport to Benidorm usually takes between 35 and 40 minutes. This makes it one of the quickest methods of transport, offering a direct route to your accommodation.
Where do I find taxis at Alicante Airport?
Official taxis at Alicante Airport are located on Level 0, just outside the arrivals hall. Look for the clear signage directing you to the designated taxi rank. Always use official taxis to ensure a safe and fairly priced journey.
Is there a direct train or tram from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
No, there is no direct train or tram service from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. To use the train or tram, you first need to take a bus (C6 line) from the airport to Alicante city centre (Luceros Station), and then catch Tram Line 1 (L1) to Benidorm from there.
Conclusion
Choosing the right transport from Alicante Airport to Benidorm depends entirely on your individual travel style and priorities. If budget is your primary concern, the ALSA bus offers an unbeatable price point, albeit with fixed schedules. For those prioritising speed and convenience, a taxi provides a direct, door-to-door service that gets you to Benidorm quickly and without fuss, justifying its higher cost. If you seek the utmost in comfort and a seamless, personalised experience, a premium private transfer is well worth the investment. Lastly, car hire offers unparalleled freedom to explore the wider Costa Blanca region at your leisure.
Regardless of your choice, Alicante Airport provides well-organised and efficient connections to Benidorm, ensuring your holiday starts on the right foot. Plan ahead, consider your needs, and enjoy your journey to the lively shores of Benidorm!
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