Flights to Benidorm: Which Airport Should You Fly To?

Planning a holiday in Benidorm and searching for flights? The most important thing to know is that Benidorm does not have its own airport. For almost all international visitors, the correct airport to fly into is Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, usually shown as ALC when booking flights. Often called simply Alicante Airport, ALC is the main gateway for Benidorm, the Costa Blanca and much of Alicante province. It is well connected to the UK, Ireland and many European cities, making it the most convenient choice for beach holidays, family breaks, winter sun trips and short stays in Benidorm. If you are ready to compare routes, airlines and dates, visit our Flights to Benidorm page to begin your search.

What airport do you fly to for Benidorm?

The nearest and most convenient airport for Benidorm is:

• Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport
• Airport code: ALC
• Common name: Alicante Airport
• Distance from Benidorm: approximately 55–60 km
• Typical road journey: around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your final hotel location

When travel companies advertise “flights to Benidorm”, they are normally referring to flights arriving at Alicante Airport. You will not usually see Benidorm listed as an airport destination because the resort does not have an airport of its own. This is not a disadvantage. Alicante Airport is a major Costa Blanca arrival point, and the onward journey to Benidorm is straightforward by coach, pre-booked transfer, private taxi, rental car or shared shuttle.

Why Alicante Airport is best for Benidorm

Alicante Airport is the best option for most Benidorm holidays for several practical reasons.

Wide choice of flights

ALC is served by a large selection of low-cost, scheduled and seasonal airlines. This gives travellers from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe plenty of choice, particularly in spring, summer and the popular winter-sun months. When comparing flights, do not focus only on the cheapest headline fare. Check:

• Cabin-bag and checked-luggage costs
• Airport parking or transport to your departure airport
• Flight arrival time in Alicante
• Whether your transfer is included
• The cost of selecting seats if travelling as a family or group
• Return-flight timings, especially for early-morning departures

A flight that appears slightly more expensive can work out better value if it arrives at a convenient time or saves you the cost of an extra night in a hotel near the airport.

Quick access to Benidorm

Alicante Airport sits south of Benidorm, with the AP-7 motorway and coastal road connections making the journey relatively easy. In normal conditions, most private transfers and taxis take around 45–60 minutes to reach central Benidorm. The actual arrival time depends on where you are staying:

• Levante Beach and the New Town are generally among the easiest areas to reach.
• Poniente Beach may require a little longer, depending on traffic and hotel access.
• Benidorm Old Town can involve narrower streets and walking zones, so your driver may drop you at the nearest permitted point.
• Hotels in the hills or on the edge of the resort may take longer than a central beachfront hotel.

Several onward transport choices

Unlike airports where visitors must make multiple train changes, Alicante Airport has direct coach options to Benidorm as well as private transport services. The ALSA airport coach operates between Alicante Airport and Benidorm, with services shown by ALSA as taking approximately 45–55 minutes. Its Benidorm stops include the main bus station and Avenida de Europa, which can be especially useful for visitors staying in the Levante/New Town area.[alsa][alsa] For a complete comparison of public bus, shared shuttle, taxi and private-transfer options, see our guide to Alicante Airport transfers to Benidorm.

How far is Alicante Airport from Benidorm?

Alicante Airport is around 55–60 km from Benidorm, depending on the route and your accommodation. For most holidaymakers, the journey is short enough to be manageable after a flight but long enough that planning your airport transfer in advance is worthwhile.

Transport option	Typical journey time	Best for
Direct public coach	45–60 minutes	Budget-conscious travellers and light packers
Shared shuttle	Usually 60–90 minutes	Visitors happy to share with other hotel guests
Private transfer	Around 45–60 minutes	Families, groups, late arrivals and door-to-door convenience
Taxi	Around 45–60 minutes	Flexible, immediate travel and small groups
Rental car	Around 45–60 minutes	Travellers exploring the Costa Blanca beyond Benidorm

Journey times can increase during summer weekends, public holidays, peak check-in/check-out times and periods of heavy motorway traffic.

Should you book a transfer before flying?

For many visitors, yes—particularly if you are travelling in high season, arriving late at night, bringing young children, carrying several bags or staying outside the main central areas. A pre-booked transfer can remove uncertainty after landing. Your driver or transfer company normally has your flight details, so they can adjust for reasonable delays and direct you to the meeting point. It also means you know your transport cost before arriving. A private transfer is often the simplest option for:

• Families with children, buggies or car-seat requirements
• Groups of three or more people
• Travellers staying at an apartment rather than a major hotel
• Visitors arriving on late-evening flights
• Anyone with mobility needs or a large amount of luggage
• First-time visitors who prefer direct hotel drop-off

The public coach remains a strong value option, but remember that it does not deliver you to every hotel door. Depending on your accommodation, you may still need to walk, use a local taxi or take another bus after arriving in Benidorm.

When is the best time to book flights to Benidorm?

There is no single perfect booking date, but prices tend to rise when demand is high and availability becomes limited. The busiest times for flights to Alicante include:

• Easter school holidays
• Late May through September
• UK and Irish school-holiday periods
• Christmas and New Year
• Major Benidorm events, festivals and long weekends
• Popular winter-sun travel dates from October to March

For summer holidays, it is generally sensible to start checking fares well ahead of time. If your travel dates are fixed—especially if you need a specific school-holiday week, accessible accommodation or a large family room—booking earlier usually gives you more choices. If your dates are flexible, try comparing:

• Midweek departures versus weekend departures
• Morning versus evening flights
• One-week versus 10-night stays
• Nearby departure airports
• Flights with and without checked luggage

Even moving your trip by one or two days can sometimes make a meaningful difference to the total cost.

Choosing the right flight time

Flight time matters more than many people expect. A cheap late-night flight may seem appealing, but consider what happens after you land.

Early arrivals

An early flight can give you most of the day in Benidorm, but your hotel room may not be ready until the afternoon. Check whether your hotel offers luggage storage, a changing room or early check-in.

Afternoon arrivals

Afternoon flights are often convenient for hotel check-in. They can also reduce waiting time at the airport compared with very early morning departures, although this varies by day and season.

Late-evening arrivals

Late flights can be good value, but make sure you have a transfer plan. Check the final scheduled coach departure for your arrival date, allow time for passport control and baggage collection, and consider a pre-booked private transfer if your flight lands late.

Early return flights

An early flight home can mean leaving Benidorm during the night. Confirm your pick-up time with your transfer provider and allow extra time for airport security, bag drop and the walk through the terminal.

Alicante Airport arrival tips

A little preparation makes your arrival smoother, especially during busy summer periods.

Keep essentials in your hand luggage

Pack the items you may need immediately after landing:

• Passport and travel documents
• Accommodation address and booking confirmation
• Transfer voucher or driver contact number
• Medication
• Phone charger or power bank
• A light layer for an air-conditioned flight or coach
• Swimwear, if you expect to arrive before hotel check-in

Save your hotel details offline

Do not rely entirely on mobile data. Save your hotel name, full address and postcode in a note or screenshot. This is useful for taxi drivers, transfer staff and any situation where you need directions after arriving.

Check baggage rules before departure

Low-cost flight fares often exclude a large cabin bag or checked case. Check the dimensions and weight allowances for your specific airline before going to the airport. Paying for luggage online in advance is often easier than dealing with unexpected charges at the gate.

Allow time on your return journey

For a Benidorm-to-Alicante Airport transfer, leave a sensible buffer. Summer traffic, busy hotel collection schedules and airport queues can all affect timing. Follow your airline’s latest check-in guidance and avoid planning your airport arrival too tightly.

Alternative airports for Benidorm

Alicante Airport is the clear first choice, but a few travellers may consider alternatives.

Airport	Approximate suitability for Benidorm	Who may consider it
Alicante Airport (ALC)	Best and closest practical choice	Almost all Benidorm visitors
Valencia Airport (VLC)	Much farther north	Visitors combining Benidorm with Valencia or finding a significantly better flight deal
Murcia International Airport (RMU)	Farther south	Travellers combining Benidorm with the Murcia region or southern Costa Blanca
Madrid Airport (MAD)	Not practical for a typical Benidorm holiday	Visitors planning a wider Spain itinerary

For a straightforward Benidorm holiday, Alicante Airport is usually the best choice by a considerable margin. A cheaper flight to another airport may not remain cheaper once you add long-distance rail, coach, car hire or private-transfer costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an airport in Benidorm?

No. Benidorm does not have its own airport. Most visitors fly to Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), commonly known as Alicante Airport.

What is the nearest airport to Benidorm?

Alicante Airport is the nearest major airport and the normal arrival airport for Benidorm holidays.

How long is the transfer from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?

Most journeys take approximately 45–60 minutes. The exact duration depends on traffic, your transport choice and the location of your accommodation.

Can I get a bus from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?

Yes. ALSA operates direct coach services from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. The coach stops include Benidorm Bus Station and Avenida de Europa. Check the official timetable and availability for your exact travel date before booking.[alsa][alsa]

Is a private transfer worth it?

For families, groups, late arrivals, travellers with heavy luggage or visitors wanting door-to-door convenience, a private transfer can be worth the extra cost. Solo travellers and couples on a strict budget may prefer the direct public coach.

How early should I book flights to Benidorm?

For school holidays, summer dates, Christmas and fixed travel plans, start searching early and book once you find a fare that fits your budget. Flexible travellers can compare different days, airports and flight times to look for better value.

Plan your Benidorm arrival with confidence

Booking flights to Benidorm is simple once you know that Alicante Airport is your destination. From there, you have a manageable onward journey to one of Spain’s most popular seaside resorts, whether you prefer the value of a direct coach, the convenience of a private transfer or the freedom of a rental car. Before you book, compare the total trip cost, not just the airfare. Include luggage, airport parking, transfer costs, travel times and the location of your Benidorm hotel. A small amount of planning before departure can make the first day of your holiday far more relaxed. Ready to compare fares? Visit our Benidorm flight search page and then arrange your Alicante Airport to Benidorm transfer before you travel.