How to Get to Benidorm from Alicante Airport
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the main airport for Benidorm. It stands outside Alicante city and there is no train or TRAM station inside the terminal. Your practical options are the direct coach, a pre-booked transfer, an official taxi, car hire or a slower public-transport connection through Alicante.
The right choice depends on arrival time, group size, luggage and where you are staying. In normal road conditions, the journey usually takes around 45–60 minutes, although traffic, intermediate stops and peak season can add time.
Ways to travel from Alicante Airport to Benidorm
| Option | Main advantage | Drawback | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct coach | Price and simplicity | Fixed timetable and stops | Solo travellers and couples |
| Private transfer | Door-to-door journey | Advance booking required | Families and groups |
| Taxi | Immediate departure | Higher cost | Time-sensitive arrivals |
| Hire car | Freedom during the holiday | Parking and rental conditions | Exploring the Costa Blanca |
| Bus plus TRAM | Useful if visiting Alicante | Slow, with connections | An Alicante stopover |
Direct coach: the best all-round option
ALSA operates a coach service between Alicante Airport and Benidorm. It is normally our recommendation for a solo traveller or couple arriving during operating hours who does not require a hotel drop-off.
Coaches leave from the signed bus area outside the terminal. Frequencies and stopping points can change by date and season, so check the exact journey on the official ALSA website.
Before buying your ticket
- Check the exact Benidorm arrival stop.
- Allow for a possible flight delay.
- Read the conditions for changes or a missed departure.
- Plan the final journey from the coach stop to your accommodation.
Benidorm coach station is not beside the beach. Depending on your hotel, you may need to walk, take a local bus or use a taxi. Some services may use different stops, so never assume every coach finishes at the same location.
Private transfer: practical for families and groups
A driver meets you at the airport and takes the party directly to the accommodation. When the total is divided between several passengers, the price difference compared with individual coach tickets may become relatively small.
This is particularly useful with children, several suitcases, sports equipment or a passenger with reduced mobility. It also removes the need to find the bus stop and arrange a second journey within Benidorm.
What to check before booking
- Whether the quoted price is per vehicle or per passenger.
- How long the driver waits after a delayed flight.
- Whether child seats are included and how to request them.
- The cancellation policy.
- The meeting point inside or outside the terminal.
Do not book purely on the lowest price. Make sure the provider is clearly identified and supplies a working contact for delays or problems.
Taxi from Alicante Airport
The official taxi rank provides the simplest immediate journey: leave the terminal, follow the signs and travel directly to your destination. The fare depends on the applicable tariff, time and possible supplements, so check the displayed information before setting off.
For three or four passengers, the cost per person may be reasonable, particularly when the accommodation is far from the coach station. Use vehicles from the official rank and request a receipt.
Hiring a car
Car hire makes sense if Benidorm will be your base for exploring Guadalest, Altea, Villajoyosa, Calpe or other parts of the Costa Blanca. If your stay is focused on the central beaches and nightlife, a car can become an unnecessary expense.
Before booking, check the insurance excess or deposit, fuel policy, additional-driver charge and the actual office location. Some firms operate inside the airport; others use a shuttle to premises outside the terminal.
Parking in Benidorm
Do not hire a car without knowing where you will leave it. Many hotels have parking, but it may cost extra or require a reservation. Finding a space in central areas can be difficult during busy periods. Include parking in the true cost comparison.
Can you take a train or TRAM?
There is no direct railway or TRAM connection from Alicante Airport. To use the metropolitan light railway, you must first travel into Alicante and then take the TRAM towards Benidorm. This adds a connection and normally takes considerably longer than the direct coach.
The combination can make sense if you want to spend several hours or a night in Alicante. For a direct airport-to-hotel journey with luggage, it is rarely the most convenient choice.
Arriving late at night
If your flight lands late, check the actual last-coach time for your date. Do not organise the trip on the assumption that public transport runs throughout the night.
A pre-booked transfer provides more certainty when timings are tight. If using a taxi, remember that the tariff can vary by time. Save the complete address of your accommodation rather than relying only on a building or apartment name.
Children, reduced mobility and heavy luggage
Airport assistance should be requested through the official channels and within the notice period specified by the airline or Aena. Check current facilities on the official Alicante Airport page.
Families should confirm child seats before booking a transfer or taxi. For wheelchairs or bulky equipment, provide actual dimensions and explain the required assistance; merely selecting “reduced mobility” does not guarantee the vehicle is suitable.
Which option suits your trip?
- Solo traveller: direct coach unless arriving after service hours.
- Couple: coach for value; transfer for door-to-door convenience.
- Family: compare a private vehicle with the total coach cost and final hotel connection.
- Group: a private transfer can be competitive once divided between passengers.
- Touring the province: hire car, provided the accommodation has parking.
- Benidorm-only break: you normally do not need a car.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the airport with Alicante city and underestimating the journey.
- Expecting a direct TRAM from the terminal.
- Buying a ticket without checking the arrival stop.
- Forgetting the final transfer from the coach station to the hotel.
- Hiring a car without checking parking, excess and fuel policy.
- Trusting old online prices or timetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Alicante Airport to Benidorm take?
By road, around 45–60 minutes is typical, although traffic, intermediate stops and your final address can make it longer.
What is the cheapest option?
The direct coach is normally the most economical straightforward choice for one or two passengers. Always check the current fare for your date.
Are Uber and similar apps available?
Platform availability can change. Do not rely on finding an app-based vehicle as your only plan after a late flight; keep a confirmed alternative.
Should I book the coach in advance?
It is sensible during busy periods or when you require a particular departure. Advance purchase also forces you to verify the current timetable and conditions.
Our recommendation
For most visitors, the direct coach is the logical choice. We would choose a private transfer for a family, group, late arrival or accommodation far from the stop. We would hire a car only when exploring the wider Marina Baixa and Costa Blanca is part of the holiday plan.
