Alicante Airport to Benidorm: The Complete Transfer Guide (2026)
Landing at Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) and heading straight for Benidorm is the final stretch of most Costa Blanca holidays — and thankfully, it’s an easy one. Benidorm sits around 58–60 km north of the airport, and depending on how you travel, you can be checking into your hotel in as little as 40 minutes.
This guide breaks down every way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm — private transfer, shared shuttle, taxi, public bus, and car hire — with real prices and journey times, so you can pick the right option before you land. If you haven’t sorted your hotel yet, check our guide to the best all-inclusive hotels in Benidorm, or browse by style with our best family hotels, best adults-only hotels, and best romantic hotels guides. Once you’ve landed, our 3-day and 7-day itineraries will help you plan the rest of the trip.
Quick Answer: How to Get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm
| Option | Price (one way) | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | ~€60–€90 per vehicle | ~40 min | Families, groups, late-night arrivals |
| Shared Shuttle | ~€15–€25 per person | ~50–70 min | Solo travellers & couples on a budget |
| Taxi | ~€70–€110 | ~40–45 min | Convenience, no pre-booking needed |
| ALSA Public Bus | ~€8–€11 per person | ~45–60 min | Budget travellers, light luggage |
| Car Rental | Varies | ~40 min (self-drive) | Exploring beyond Benidorm |
Fastest & least stressful: a pre-booked private transfer, since your driver tracks your flight and waits even if you’re delayed. Cheapest: the ALSA airport bus.
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1. Private Transfer (Recommended)
A private transfer is the easiest way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, especially if you’re travelling with kids, a lot of luggage, or landing late at night. You book in advance, your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and it’s a direct, door-to-door ride straight to your hotel — no queuing for a taxi rank or working out bus timetables after a long flight.
Journey time: around 40 minutes via the AP-7 motorway Typical price: €60–€90 per vehicle (not per person), depending on vehicle size and time of day Why it’s worth it: fixed price agreed at booking, no metered surprises, and most providers track your flight so you’re never left waiting if it’s delayed
This is the option we recommend for most travellers, particularly for evening or late-night arrivals when the ALSA bus service thins out.
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2. Shared Shuttle Transfer
If you’re travelling solo or as a couple and don’t need the vehicle to yourself, a shared shuttle is a solid middle ground between the bus and a private car. You’ll be grouped with other passengers heading in a similar direction, which usually adds a few extra stops, but you still get door-to-door (or close to it) drop-off without navigating public transport.
Journey time: around 50–70 minutes, depending on other drop-offs Typical price: €15–€25 per person Best for: budget-conscious travellers who still want a booked, pre-paid transfer rather than the public bus
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3. Taxi
Taxis are readily available right outside the arrivals hall — look for the official rank, as Radio Taxi Elche is the only licensed operator at Alicante Airport. There’s no need to pre-book, which makes this a good fallback if your plans are last-minute or your flight time is uncertain.
Journey time: around 40–45 minutes Typical price: €70–€110 for up to 4 passengers, plus a small airport pickup surcharge Watch out for: prices climbing at night, on weekends, and during peak summer traffic — a pre-booked transfer is usually cheaper and more predictable for the same door-to-door service.
4. ALSA Public Bus
The cheapest way to reach Benidorm is the ALSA intercity bus, which runs directly from the airport to Benidorm’s main bus station and Avenida de Europa. It’s a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and a genuinely good option if you’re travelling light.
Journey time: 45–60 minutes Typical price: €8–€11 per person Departs from: Level 2 (Departures), just outside the terminal Keep in mind: services can be sporadic outside peak hours, buses fill up fast in summer, and you’ll be dropped at the bus station rather than your hotel door — factor in a short local taxi (€10–€15) if you’re not staying nearby.
Buy tickets at the airport kiosk, on board, or in advance through the ALSA app during high season.
5. Car Rental
If your plans include day trips beyond Benidorm — Altea, Calpe, Guadalest, or the Sierra Helada Natural Park — renting a car at the airport can be worth the extra cost. The drive to Benidorm takes about 40 minutes via the AP-7, and having your own car removes the need to rely on local buses once you arrive. See our full Benidorm car hire guide for providers and tips.
Journey time: ~40 minutes self-drive Best for: travellers planning multiple excursions outside Benidorm, or those staying at a hillside/out-of-town hotel like The Level at Meliá Villaitana
Note that Benidorm itself is very walkable, and parking near the beachfront in high season can be limited and pricey — a car is a genuine asset for exploring the region, less so if you’re staying put in the resort.
Private vs. Shared vs. Taxi vs. Bus: Which Should You Choose?
- Travelling with kids or lots of luggage? Go private — you’ll want the door-to-door drop and fixed price.
- Landing late at night? Go private or taxi. Bus frequency drops significantly in the evening.
- Solo or on a tight budget? The ALSA bus or a shared shuttle will save you the most money.
- Group of 4+ splitting the cost? A private transfer often works out cheaper per person than the bus once you split it.
- Planning day trips around the Costa Blanca? Rent a car instead.
👉 See All Alicante Airport Transfer & Tour Options on Viator →
Booking Your Return Transfer
Most private transfer and shuttle providers let you book a round trip at the time of booking, which is usually cheaper than booking two separate one-way transfers — and one less thing to arrange while you’re on holiday. If you’re booking a taxi for the return leg, most Benidorm hotels and reception desks can arrange this for you the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Benidorm from Alicante Airport?
Benidorm is approximately 58–60 km (about 37 miles) from Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), with most journeys taking between 40 and 60 minutes depending on your chosen transport option and traffic conditions.
What is the cheapest way to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
The ALSA public bus is the cheapest option, typically costing €8–€11 per person for a direct journey of 45–60 minutes, departing from Level 2 (Departures) at the airport.
Is there a train from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
There is no direct train service from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. The closest alternative is taking bus line C6 to Alicante city centre and continuing by TRAM, though this takes longer overall than a direct bus, taxi, or private transfer.
How much does a taxi cost from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
A taxi from Alicante Airport to Benidorm typically costs between €70 and €110 for up to four passengers, depending on time of day and traffic. Only Radio Taxi Elche is licensed to operate directly from the airport rank.
Should I book my Benidorm airport transfer in advance?
Yes, especially for private transfers, shared shuttles, and evening ALSA bus departures. Pre-booking guarantees your price and, for private transfers, means your driver tracks your flight and waits even if it’s delayed.
Final Word
However you choose to travel, getting from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is quick and straightforward — under an hour by almost any method. For a stress-free start to your holiday, especially with family or after a long flight, a pre-booked private transfer is hard to beat.
Once you’ve arrived, check out our guides to things to do in Benidorm, the best excursions and attraction tickets, and — if the weather doesn’t cooperate — what to do in Benidorm when it rains.
