Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC): The Main Gateway to the Costa Blanca

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the largest and busiest airport serving the Costa Blanca. Whether you’re landing here for a beach holiday, a business trip, or to start a new life in Spain, this guide will help you navigate everything you need to know — from transfers to nearby towns, to parking, facilities, and local tips.

👉 Link: Valencia Airport

🗺️ Location & Overview

Located just 9 km southwest of Alicante city, this international airport is incredibly well-positioned to serve much of the Costa Blanca.

Quick Facts:

• Official name: Aeropuerto de Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC)

• Passengers (2023): Over 15 million

• Main airline routes: UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and domestic Spanish cities

• Closest towns: Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Villajoyosa, Santa Pola

Thanks to its location, ALC is often the preferred choice for visitors heading to both the northern and southern towns of the Costa Blanca.

🌍 Popular Destinations & Airlines

Alicante Airport is a major hub for Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Jet2, and Transavia, offering year-round and seasonal flights to:

• London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt

• Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca

• Oslo, Dublin, Zurich, and many more

It’s especially popular with expats and second-home owners, so connections from northern Europe are frequent and reliable.

🚖 Getting to and from Alicante Airport

Whether you’re heading to Alicante city or a quieter coastal village, there are plenty of airport transfer options.

🚕 Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 just outside the arrivals hall.

Estimated fares:

• Alicante city: €20–25

• Benidorm: €70–80

• Altea: €80–90

• Calpe: €90–100

• Torrevieja: €55–65

• Elche: €22–28

🚌 Airport Buses

Several direct airport buses connect you to nearby cities:

• C-6 Bus (every 20 mins): Alicante city center, train station, tram stops

• Benidorm Shuttle Bus: Direct, shared transfers (must be booked in advance)

• Torrevieja Airport Bus: Operates every 2 hours – €7–9 one way

More towns are reachable via regional bus connections from Alicante central station.

🚗 Car Hire

The airport hosts all major rental brands like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Goldcar, etc. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel months.

🚐 Private & Shared Transfers

Pre-booked transfers are ideal for groups or remote destinations. Some companies offer door-to-door service to towns like Denia, Moraira, Jávea, and Orihuela Costa.

👉 Link: Costa Blanca Public Transport

🅿️ Parking at Alicante Airport

Whether you’re dropping someone off or parking for a longer stay, ALC offers:

• Short-Stay Parking (P1): Just a few minutes from arrivals

• Long-Stay Parking (P3): Better rates for multi-day stays

• Express drop-off zone: Free for the first few minutes
  You can reserve parking online for better rates and guaranteed space.

♿ Accessibility & Services

The airport is modern and fully accessible, with:

• Elevators and ramps

• Reserved parking spots

• Free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (must request in advance)

Other facilities include:

• Currency exchange

• Free Wi-Fi

• Restaurants, shops & duty-free

• Car rental desks in arrivals

🧳 Traveller Tips

• Arrive early: 2 hours before domestic flights, 2.5+ for international

• Security can get busy in summer — plan extra time

• Bring water: It can get warm, especially in July–August

• Keep your printed documents: Some airlines still request them at Spanish airports

📍 Nearby Destinations

Here’s how long it takes to reach some popular Costa Blanca towns:

✅ Editor’s Conclusion

❓Frequently Asked Questions