Planning a trip to the Costa Blanca — or moving here for good? Then you’ll want to know which airports serve the region, how close they are to your destination, and the best ways to get from the airport to your town.
In this complete overview, we break down the three main airports used to reach the Costa Blanca, how they compare, and what to expect for your arrival and transfers.
✈️ The 3 Airports That Serve the Costa Blanca
| Airport | IATA Code | Location | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante-Elche | ALC | El Altet (Alicante) | Main airport for Costa Blanca |
| Valencia Airport | VLC | Manises (Valencia) | Best for North Costa Blanca |
| Murcia Airport | RMU | Corvera (Murcia) | Best for Southern Costa Blanca |
📍 Closest Airport to Each Town
Here’s a quick reference showing which airport is most convenient depending on your destination:
Costa Blanca North:
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Denia, Javea, Benitachell, Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Altea, Albir
→ Closest: Alicante (ALC)
→ Alternative: Valencia (VLC)
Costa Blanca Central:
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Benidorm, Villajoyosa, El Campello, Alicante City
→ Closest: Alicante (ALC)
Costa Blanca South:
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Santa Pola, Guardamar, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada
→ Closest: Alicante (ALC)
→ Alternative: Murcia (RMU)
🧭 A Quick Overview of Each Airport
🟢 Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC)
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The main international gateway to the Costa Blanca
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Modern, clean, and well-connected
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Huge list of direct flights from Europe year-round
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Fastest access to Benidorm, Altea, Moraira, Calpe, and Torrevieja
🟠 Valencia Airport (VLC)
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Located further north in Manises (Valencia)
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Ideal for towns like Denia, Javea, and inland villages
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Serves major EU cities, fewer low-cost options than ALC
🔵 Murcia International Airport (RMU)
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Small and easy to navigate
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Mostly low-cost seasonal flights
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Convenient if you’re staying in the south: Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, etc.
🚖 Transfers & Transport Options
Each airport offers various options for getting to your destination:
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Private airport transfers (most convenient for direct town access)
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Shared shuttle services to popular towns like Benidorm, Calpe, or Torrevieja
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Intercity buses operated by ALSA (especially from ALC)
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Taxis, ride apps (Cabify/Bolt), and car hire companies
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Public transport (limited at Murcia, better at Alicante and Valencia)
🧳 Tips for Arriving Smoothly
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Pre-book your transfer if landing late or during high season
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Alicante Airport can get very busy in summer, allow time for queues
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Some shuttle services require 24-hour advance booking
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If you’re staying in a smaller village, check if public transport reaches it — or book a private ride in advance
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Consider combining airport transfer with car hire if you want flexibility
✅ Editor’s Conclusion
While Alicante Airport (ALC) is the top choice for most visitors and expats, both Valencia and Murcia airports can be useful alternatives depending on where you’re going.
Now that you know which airport fits your trip best, it’s time to look at the details. Check out our dedicated guides for each airport below 👇
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Benidorm?
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is closest — around 40–45 minutes by road.
Are there direct buses from Alicante Airport?
Yes, Alsa operates regular routes to Benidorm, Calpe, Altea, and more.
Can I get to Javea from Valencia Airport?
Yes, it’s around 1.5 hours by car or transfer. No direct public transport — you’ll need to connect.
Which airport is best for Torrevieja?
Not necessarily. If you live near a TRAM or main bus route, you can easily get around. But for rural or inland villages, a car might be helpful.
How far is Alicante Airport from Benidorm?
Alicante Airport is approximately 60 km from Benidorm, with an average travel time of 45–50 minutes by car or transfer.
How far is Alicante Airport from Benidorm?
Alicante Airport is approximately 60 km from Benidorm, with an average travel time of 45–50 minutes by car or transfer.
Can I get from Alicante Airport to Calpe without a car?
Yes — Alsa buses run from the airport to Calpe, usually with one change in Benidorm. You can also pre-book a direct private or shared shuttle.
Is it cheaper to fly into Murcia or Alicante?
Alicante offers more frequent flights and low-cost options, so prices are often better — but Murcia can be cheaper if you’re heading south and catch a good deal.
Are there direct flights to Costa Blanca from the UK/Germany/Netherlands?
Yes, Alicante and Valencia Airports both have direct flights to major cities across Europe, including London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Brussels, Paris, and more.
Do I need to book a transfer in advance from the airport?
It’s highly recommended, especially in high season or if arriving late. Shared shuttles and private transfers often require 24–48 hour advance booking.
Which Costa Blanca towns are closest to Alicante Airport?
The nearest towns include Alicante City, Santa Pola, Elche, Gran Alacant, and Guardamar — all within 15 to 30 minutes by car.
Are taxis available at Alicante Airport 24/7?
Yes, there’s a dedicated taxi rank operating 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal. Fixed rates to many towns are available.
