Alicante Airport to Benidorm: Best Transfer Options Explained
Travelling from Alicante Airport to Benidorm is straightforward, making the Costa Blanca resort one of Spain’s easiest beach destinations to reach from the UK and across Europe. Whether you’re arriving for a family holiday, a weekend break or a longer stay, there are several convenient ways to get from Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) to Benidorm.
Benidorm is located around 60 km (37 miles) north of Alicante Airport, with most journeys taking between 45 and 60 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen transfer option.
From shared shuttle buses and private airport transfers to taxis, public buses and car hire, this guide explains the best ways to travel from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, including costs, journey times and which option suits different types of travellers.
If you’re still planning your trip, explore our complete Benidorm holidays guide covering where to stay, beaches, weather and the best things to do.
How Far Is Benidorm From Alicante Airport?
Benidorm is approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Alicante–Elche Airport, which serves as the main international airport for the Costa Blanca region.
Most journeys follow the AP 7 motorway and typically take:
- Around 45–60 minutes by private transfer or taxi
- Around 60–90 minutes by shared shuttle
- Around 1 hour 15 minutes by direct bus
Travel times can increase during peak summer months, particularly in July and August when traffic along the Costa Blanca becomes busier.
The exact arrival time may also vary depending on where you’re staying in Benidorm. Hotels near Levante Beach and the New Town area can take slightly longer to reach during busy evenings due to local traffic and hotel drop offs.
Best Ways to Get From Alicante Airport to Benidorm
Shared Shuttle Transfers
Advantages
Shared shuttle transfers are one of the most popular ways to travel from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, especially for budget conscious holidaymakers.
These services usually operate with minibuses or coaches carrying multiple passengers staying at different hotels across Benidorm.
- Usually cheaper than private transfers
- Easy to pre book online
- Good option for solo travellers or couples
- Airport representatives often help direct passengers
Things to Consider
- Multiple hotel drop offs increase journey time
- Delays can happen if flights arrive late
- Waiting times at the airport are sometimes longer during peak season
Private Airport Transfers
- Families travelling with children
- Larger groups
- Travellers arriving late at night
- Visitors carrying lots of luggage
Advantages
- Direct hotel drop off
- Faster overall journey
- Fixed pricing when booked in advance
- More comfortable after long flights
Most private transfers reach Benidorm in around 45–60 minutes.
Although more expensive than shared shuttles, the price difference becomes smaller when split between several people.
On a recent trip to Benidorm, I used a pre booked private transfer from Alicante Airport and reached Levante Beach in just under 50 minutes. The price was €65. The fixed pricing made arrival much less stressful compared to waiting for a taxi during peak season.
Bus From Alicante Airport to Benidorm
The direct ALSA bus service is the cheapest public transport option for travelling between Alicante Airport and Benidorm.
Buses depart directly from the airport terminal and arrive at Benidorm bus station.
Advantages
- Usually the cheapest direct option
- No hotel drop offs
- Reliable scheduled service
- Comfortable coaches with luggage storage
Things to Consider
- You may still need a taxi to your hotel
- Departure times vary throughout the day
- Services can be busy during summer
The journey usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.
For travellers staying close to Benidorm’s centre or bus station, the ALSA service is often the best low cost option.
Taxi From Alicante Airport to Benidorm
Official airport taxis are available outside Alicante Airport arrivals and offer a direct route to Benidorm.
Taxis are useful for:
- Late night arrivals
- Travellers wanting immediate transport
- Visitors who have not prebooked transfers
The journey normally takes around 45–60 minutes.
However, taxis are usually more expensive than pre booked private transfers, particularly during evenings, weekends and holiday periods.
If possible, many travellers prefer booking a transfer in advance to avoid queueing and uncertain pricing.
Car Hire
Hiring a car at Alicante Airport is a good option if you plan to explore beyond Benidorm during your holiday.
Many visitors use Benidorm as a base for discovering more of the Costa Blanca, including destinations such as:
- Altea
- Calpe
- Guadalest
- Villajoyosa
- Alicante city
The roads between Alicante and Benidorm are generally modern and easy to drive.
Advantages
- Freedom to explore nearby towns and beaches
- Useful for longer stays
- Convenient for day trips around the Costa Blanca
Things to Consider
- Parking in central Benidorm can be difficult in peak season
- Some hotels charge for parking
- Driving may be stressful for first time visitors during busy periods
Car hire tends to work best for travellers planning multiple excursions rather than visitors staying entirely within Benidorm itself.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
For most travellers, the direct ALSA bus is usually the cheapest way to reach Benidorm from Alicante Airport.
Shared shuttle transfers are often only slightly more expensive and may offer better convenience if your hotel drop off is included.
Prices vary depending on season, demand and group size.
Families or groups may find private transfers offer better value overall when the cost is shared.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get to Benidorm?
The fastest options are usually:
- Private transfers
- Taxis
These provide direct travel without additional passenger stops.
Shared shuttle services can take significantly longer due to multiple hotel drop offs around Benidorm.
Traffic conditions also play a major role during summer, especially on weekends and peak arrival days.
Should You Book an Alicante Airport Transfer in Advance?
For most visitors, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Pre booking can:
- Reduce airport stress
- Guarantee availability
- Lock in fixed pricing
- Avoid long queues
- Make late arrivals easier
This is especially useful during:
- Summer holidays
- School holiday periods
- Late night flights
- Family trips
Benidorm remains one of Spain’s busiest tourist destinations and transfer demand increases significantly during peak months.
Many package holidays include airport transfers, but independent travellers often save time by arranging transport before departure.
Tips for Arriving at Alicante Airport
Allow Time for Baggage Collection
Know Your Transfer Pickup Point
Most transfer companies provide detailed instructions before arrival.
Some meet passengers:
- Inside arrivals
- Outside the terminal
- At dedicated transfer desks
Checking these details beforehand helps avoid confusion.
Expect Traffic in Peak Season
- July and August
- Friday evenings
- Weekend arrivals
Consider Your Hotel Location
Benidorm is larger than many first time visitors expect.
Hotels near:
- Levante Beach
- Poniente Beach
- Old Town
- Rincón de Loix
may all have slightly different transfer times depending on local traffic and hotel access.
If you are still deciding where to stay, compare the best areas in Benidorm before booking accommodation.
Alicante Airport to Benidorm FAQs
Most journeys take between 45 and 60 minutes by road, although shared shuttles may take longer due to additional stops.
Benidorm is around 60 km (37 miles) from Alicante–Elche Airport.
The ALSA airport bus is usually the cheapest direct option.
For families, groups and late night arrivals, private transfers are often worth the extra cost because they are faster and more convenient.
Car hire is useful if you plan to explore the wider Costa Blanca region, but many visitors staying mainly within Benidorm do not need one.
Planning Your Benidorm Arrival
Alicante Airport makes Benidorm one of the easiest Spanish beach resorts to reach from the UK and across Europe. With short transfer times, reliable transport options and regular flights throughout the year, travelling to the Costa Blanca is simple for both first time visitors and returning holidaymakers.
Whether you choose a budget shuttle, direct bus, private transfer or hire car, most travellers can reach Benidorm within around an hour of landing.
Once you arrive, you’ll be close to Benidorm’s beaches, nightlife, restaurants and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Costa Blanca.
Explore More Benidorm Guides
Compare the best areas to stay in Benidorm
Discover the top things to do in Benidorm
See what Benidorm weather is like throughout the year
Learn how much a Benidorm holiday typically costs
Explore our complete Benidorm holidays guide
