Car Rental at Alicante Airport for Benidorm: Complete 2026 Guide
Benidorm doesn’t have its own airport, so every road trip to the Costa Blanca starts the same way — landing at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) and making the roughly 58 km drive north. While taxis, transfers and buses all get you there, picking up a rental car at the airport is by far the most flexible way to explore the region: Altea, Calpe, Guadalest and Villajoyosa are all within easy reach once you have your own wheels.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car at Alicante Airport for Benidorm — average prices, which providers to consider, and the booking tips that will save you money and hassle at the pickup desk.
🚗 Ready to book? Compare live rental prices at Alicante Airport and lock in your car before you fly — check rates and availability here.
Why Rent a Car for Your Benidorm Trip?
Benidorm itself is easy to explore on foot — the beachfront promenades, Old Town and main strip are all walkable. But a rental car opens up the rest of the Costa Blanca:
- Guadalest — the clifftop village with its castle and reservoir views, about an hour’s drive
- Altea — cobbled old town and a striking blue-domed church, 20–25 minutes away
- Calpe — home to the dramatic Peñón de Ifach rock, around 30 minutes away
- Villajoyosa — the colourful fishing town just south of Benidorm, 15 minutes away
- Sierra Helada Natural Park — hiking trails and coastal views, right on Benidorm’s doorstep
If your holiday is strictly a beach-and-pool week in central Benidorm, you may not need a car at all — public transport and taxis cover the essentials. But for anyone wanting day trips beyond the resort, a rental car is the most time-efficient option.
How Far Is Alicante Airport From Benidorm?
Alicante-Elche Airport sits around 58 km south of Benidorm. The drive up the AP-7 motorway (now toll-free) takes roughly 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. An alternative route along the older N-332 coastal road takes a little longer but passes through Altea and Calpe if you’d like to break up the journey.
What Does Car Rental at Alicante Airport Cost?
Prices fluctuate with season and how far in advance you book, but as a general guide:
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Price Per Day |
|---|---|
| Economy / small hatchback | €21–€35 |
| Mid-size / family car | €35–€55 |
| SUV or automatic | €50–€80+ |
Prices spike considerably in July and August, so booking a few weeks ahead — rather than at the arrivals hall — typically secures a noticeably better rate. All the major international brands (Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Goldcar, Centauro, Record Go) operate at Alicante Airport, alongside numerous local and budget suppliers.
Comparing Rental Providers at Alicante Airport
Rather than booking directly with a single rental brand, it’s usually worth comparing several suppliers side by side — prices for the same car category can vary significantly between companies, and insurance/deposit terms differ too.
👉 Compare car rental deals at Alicante Airport here — search by dates and see live pricing across multiple providers before you commit.
If you’re travelling on a tighter budget and want to filter specifically for the cheapest available rates, this comparison tool is worth checking too:
👉 Browse budget-friendly car rental options for Alicante Airport
For more detail on choosing between providers, deposit requirements and insurance add-ons specific to the Benidorm area, see our dedicated Benidorm car rentals guide.
Tips for Renting a Car at Alicante Airport
- Book in advance. Prices climb closer to your travel dates, especially in peak summer months.
- Check the fuel policy. “Full-to-full” is usually the fairest option — avoid pre-paid fuel deals unless you’re certain you’ll use a full tank.
- Understand the deposit. Most companies hold a security deposit of €500–€1,500 on your credit card at pickup; some suppliers offer no-deposit options for an added fee.
- Photograph the car before driving off. Document any existing scratches or dents at pickup to avoid disputed charges at return.
- Confirm your driver’s age and licence requirements. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21–23 years old, with some surcharging drivers under 25.
- Decide between on-airport and off-airport pickup. On-airport counters are the most convenient, but off-airport providers a short shuttle ride away can sometimes be noticeably cheaper.
- Fill up before returning the car. Look for a petrol station near the airport rather than paying inflated in-terminal refuelling charges.
Not Renting a Car? Other Ways to Reach Benidorm
If you decide a rental car isn’t necessary for your trip, you still have several ways to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm — pre-booked private transfer, taxi, or the ALSA airport bus. We cover all of these, along with prices and journey times, in our full flights and transfers guide to Benidorm.
Whichever way you arrive, once you’re settled in, browse our guide to Benidorm accommodation to make sure you’ve got the right base for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Alicante Airport from Benidorm? Alicante-Elche Airport is approximately 58 km from Benidorm, around a 40–50 minute drive via the AP-7 motorway.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Alicante Airport? Prices typically range from €21–€35 per day for an economy car up to €50–€80+ per day for an SUV or automatic vehicle, with rates rising considerably during the July–August peak season.
Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in Benidorm town? Airport pickup is usually the most convenient option and pricing is often competitive, but it’s worth comparing rates for both airport and off-airport locations, as off-airport suppliers occasionally offer lower prices with a short shuttle transfer included.
Do I need a car to get around Benidorm? Not for exploring Benidorm itself — the town is very walkable. A rental car becomes useful if you want to visit nearby towns like Altea, Calpe, Guadalest or Villajoyosa independently.
What is the toll-free route from Alicante Airport to Benidorm? The AP-7 motorway, previously a toll road, is now free to use and is the fastest route, taking around 40–50 minutes. The older N-332 coastal road is a scenic alternative that takes a little longer.
What’s the minimum age to rent a car at Alicante Airport? Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, though some set the minimum at 23 or apply a young-driver surcharge for those under 25.
