Landing at Alicante Airport and heading to Benidorm? Whether you’re here for the sun, the sea, or the lively nightlife, getting your holiday off to a smooth start begins with choosing the right airport transfer. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of transport options to suit all tastes and budgets. We’ve put together this in-depth guide to help you find the best way to travel from Alicante Airport to Benidorm without the guesswork.
Alicante Airport (Elche–Miguel Hernández Airport) is located approximately 37 miles (60 kilometres) south of Benidorm. The average journey time is 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the type of transfer you choose. While the drive is fairly straightforward, taking the AP-7 motorway for most of the route, the right transfer can make all the difference to your comfort and peace of mind.
When it comes to getting from Alicante Airport to Benidorm with minimal hassle, private airport transfers consistently come out on top. Unlike shared shuttles or taxi rank services, a pre-booked private transfer offers a guaranteed fixed price, door-to-door service, and a personal meet-and-greet at arrivals. There’s no queuing, no waiting for other passengers, and no last-minute surprises with pricing.
Private transfers are especially ideal for families, couples, or groups travelling with luggage or children. Most providers offer vehicles ranging from executive saloons to spacious minibuses, many with optional extras such as child seats, bottled water, and even onboard Wi-Fi. You’ll be driven directly to your hotel or apartment in Benidorm without detours or drop-off delays, making it the fastest and most efficient way to start your holiday.
Prices depend on the type of vehicle you need – see below for some examples. While slightly more expensive than a shared transfer, the added comfort and convenience make it excellent value for money, particularly after a long flight. See here for more information or to book your private transfer.
Shared shuttles are a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. However, they come with trade-offs. You may have to wait at the airport for other passengers to arrive, and the coach will likely make several stops en route to drop off others before you get to your destination. This can increase your journey time to 90 minutes or more, particularly during busy periods.
Compared to a private transfer, shared shuttles offer less flexibility and can be tiring after a flight, especially if you’re travelling with young children or late at night.
While grabbing a taxi directly from the rank outside the terminal might seem convenient, it’s not always the best option. You may face long queues during peak times, and fares can vary depending on traffic, time of day, and additional charges (such as late-night surcharges). If you are travelling in a group of more than 4 people, a vehicle of the right size may not be available.
By contrast, a pre-booked private transfer gives you the reassurance of a set fare, a vehicle suitable for your needs, and advance confirmation of pick-up details — saving you time and avoiding any surprises.
For the independent traveller, there’s a direct public bus (operated by ALSA) that runs between Alicante Airport and Benidorm Bus Station. Tickets cost approximately €8, and buses depart regularly throughout the day. The journey takes just over an hour and includes free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. From Benidorm Bus Station, you may need to walk or catch a taxi to your final destination, depending on where you’re staying.
If you’re planning to venture beyond Benidorm and explore more of the Costa Blanca, hiring a car might be a good fit. It gives you total flexibility, and the drive to Benidorm is well-signposted. Just keep in mind that parking can be tricky in central Benidorm, and summer traffic may slow things down.
TRANSFER TYPE | TRAVEL TIME | FIXED PRICE? | DOOR-TO-DOOR? | WAITING TIME? | BEST FOR: |
Private Airport Transfer | 45-60 minutes | Yes | Yes | No | Families, groups, stress-free travel |
Shared Shuttle | 60-90 minutes+ | Yes | Yes (with stops) | Yes (may need to wait for others) | Solo travellers, budget-friendly option |
Taxi from airport rank | 45-60 minutes | No (metred) | Yes | Possible queues at taxi rank | Lasminute travellers, short notice |
Public bus | 60-75 minutes | Yes | No (to bus station only) | Yes (fixed schedule) | Independent travellers on tight budget |
Car hire | 45-60 minutes | Yes | Yes (self-drive) | Possible queues at car hire desk | Explorers planning to travel beyond Benidorm |
VEHICLE TYPE | COST |
Economy taxi (max 3 pax) | €148 |
Economy taxi (max 4 pax) | €174 |
Premium Minivan (max 7 pax) | €213 |
Private Minibus (max 19 pax) | €373 |
See here for more options and up-to-date prices.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels- Hyundai Motor Group