Just landed in Alicante and heading to Benidorm? You have three real options - and the right one depends on how much luggage you have, what time you arrive, and whether you want to save 8 EUR or save 20 minutes. This guide breaks down the Alicante airport to Benidorm drive route by route, with real distances, current toll prices, parking spots in Benidorm, and the cars that handle the trip best. Use it if you are renting a car, taking the bus, or comparing options before you book.

Quick Answer: Alicante Airport to Benidorm at a Glance

Distance from Alicante airport (ALC) to Benidorm: 53 km. Driving time depends on the route you pick.

If you want the short version: take the AP-7 if you have kids, bags, or arrive after a long flight. Take the N-332 if you have time and want to see the coast before checking in.

Route 1: AP-7 Toll Motorway (Fastest)

The AP-7 is the modern motorway running parallel to the coast. It is the route 9 out of 10 transfers use because it is fast, has wide lanes, and avoids every roundabout and traffic light between ALC and Benidorm.

Step-by-step directions from ALC terminal

1. Exit the airport terminal car park and follow signs for A-70 / Alicante.
2. Merge onto the A-70 ring road heading north (signs: Valencia, A-7).
3. After roughly 7 km, follow signs for AP-7 / Valencia. The lane splits clearly - stay right.
4. Pass through the toll gate. The barrier opens automatically if you have a Via-T transponder, otherwise pay by card or cash. The toll from ALC area to Benidorm exit is currently 3.50 EUR.
5. Stay on AP-7 northbound for about 38 km. Speed limit is 120 km/h. Lanes are well-marked and the road surface is excellent.
6. Take exit 65A - Benidorm / Levante for the main hotel strip and Levante beach, or exit 65B - Benidorm Centro for the old town and Poniente side.
7. Follow local signs into Benidorm. You will hit your first traffic light about 2 km after leaving the motorway.

Things to know about the AP-7

• Toll booths accept Visa, Mastercard, contactless, and cash in EUR.
• There are two service stations between ALC and Benidorm if you need fuel or coffee.
• Summer Friday and Sunday evenings see heavy traffic - add 15 minutes between 18:00 and 21:00.
• Rental cars do not include Via-T by default at most companies. With WeOneRent, you can request a Via-T device when you book.

Route 2: N-332 Coastal Road (Free and Scenic)

The N-332 is the original coastal highway. It hugs the Mediterranean, runs through small towns like El Campello, Villajoyosa, and Finestrat, and gives you the view that travel brochures sell. It is free. It is also slower, and in July and August it gets clogged with local traffic.

Step-by-step directions on the N-332

1. Leave the airport via the A-70 ring road heading toward Alicante city.
2. At the Playa San Juan junction, follow signs for N-332 / El Campello.
3. The N-332 starts as a wide dual carriageway and narrows to a two-lane road after El Campello.
4. Continue through El Campello, then Villajoyosa - the town with the famous colored houses lining the seafront. Speed limit drops to 50 km/h in town.
5. After Villajoyosa, the N-332 climbs slightly and rejoins a faster section. Watch for cyclists at the weekend.
6. You will see signs for Benidorm Poniente first, then Benidorm Centro. Total drive: about 60 minutes in low season, up to 75-85 minutes in August.

When to choose the N-332

• You are renting for a holiday and want to scope the coast before committing.
• You are driving outside peak hours (avoid 9:00-10:30 and 17:30-19:30).
• You want to stop in Villajoyosa for chocolate (the town is famous for Chocolates Valor).
• You want to save the 3.50 EUR toll on every return trip.

One honest note: if it is your first time in Spain, you just landed at midnight, or you have small kids in the back, take the AP-7. The N-332 is more interesting but more demanding.

Public Transport: Bus and Train from Alicante Airport to Benidorm

If you are not driving, the easiest option is the bus. There is no direct train from ALC airport to Benidorm.

ALSA bus line 80 (Airport to Benidorm)

ALSA runs a direct line from ALC airport bus station to Benidorm bus station.

• Price: 11.45 EUR one-way (10% discount when buying online)
• Duration: 50-65 minutes depending on traffic
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes from 07:30 to 23:30
• Where to find it: Bus stop is on the ground floor of the airport, follow signs for "Autobuses / Buses". Ticket office and machines are inside the terminal.
• Luggage: One large bag and one carry-on included.

What about the train?

Renfe does not run trains to Benidorm. Instead, the regional TRAM Alicante line 1 runs from Alicante city center (Mercado station) to Benidorm. To reach the TRAM from the airport, you first need to take the airport bus (line C-6) into Alicante city, then transfer. Total time: 2 to 2.5 hours. Not recommended unless you want the scenic narrow-gauge ride through Villajoyosa.

Private transfer

For groups of 3-4 with luggage, a pre-booked private transfer costs 55-75 EUR per car. Cheaper than four bus tickets only if you are traveling together. For multi-day stays with day trips, a rental car wins on flexibility and price.

Parking in Benidorm: 8 Options With Prices

If you drive, you will need to park. Benidorm is dense - street parking is scarce and the blue zones are strict. Here are the parking options that actually work for visitors.

1. Parking Saypa - Avenida Mediterraneo - underground, 16 EUR/day, close to Levante beach. Best for hotels in the Rincon de Loix area.
2. Parking Estacion Benidorm - next to the bus station, 18 EUR/day, secure with 24/7 access.
3. Parking Aiguera - central, under Aiguera park, 17 EUR/day. Good for old town and Poniente beach.
4. Parking Mercado - near the central market, 16 EUR/day, smaller spaces (better for compact cars).
5. Parking Carrefour Benidorm - free for the first 2 hours, then 1.50 EUR/hour. Good if you mix shopping and a beach visit.
6. Parking Hotel Bali - public spaces in the famous Bali hotel, 18 EUR/day. Excellent for the south end of Levante beach.
7. Blue zone street parking (ORA) - 1.20 EUR/hour, max 2 hours, Monday-Saturday 9:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00. Not realistic for long stays.
8. Free parking near Terra Mitica - on the outskirts, free, but requires a 15-minute walk or bus to the center.

Many hotels in Benidorm charge 15-20 EUR/night for guest parking. Before booking a hotel, check if parking is included or you will be paying extra on top of room rates.

Best Rental Cars for the Alicante to Benidorm Drive

The drive itself is easy. Where car choice matters is fuel economy, parking ease in Benidorm, and luggage space. These are the three categories that work best for this trip.

Compact city cars (best for couples)

If you are two people with light luggage, a small car saves money on fuel and is easy to park in Benidorm. The Peugeot 208 is our top pick - low consumption (around 5.2 L/100km), automatic transmission, and small enough to fit in any city slot. From 19 EUR/day.

Hybrid economy (best for longer stays)

If you plan day trips to Altea, Calpe, Guadalest, or further to Valencia, a hybrid pays for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid averages 4.1 L/100km in mixed driving. Quiet, comfortable, and roomy enough for four. From 32 EUR/day.

Compact SUV (best for families)

For families of four with full luggage, an SUV gives you the boot space and the higher seating position. See all our cars for current availability across our compact SUV range.

What to confirm before you book

• Mileage policy - WeOneRent includes unlimited kilometers on all rentals (some other companies cap you at 100 km/day, which is tight if you do day trips).
• Fuel policy - "full to full" is cheapest. Avoid "full to empty" prepaid fuel deals.
• Child seats - WeOneRent provides them free. Many large chains charge 10-12 EUR/day.
• Deposit - WeOneRent does not block any deposit on your card. If you compare, ask explicitly: "Will you hold any amount on my credit card?"
• Delivery - if your flight is delayed, the airport counter may be closed. We deliver to your accommodation in Benidorm free of charge, any time of day.

FAQ: Alicante Airport to Benidorm

How long does it take to drive from Alicante airport to Benidorm?

40-45 minutes on the AP-7 toll motorway, 60-75 minutes on the free N-332 coastal road. Add 15-20 minutes in peak summer traffic.

How much is the toll on the AP-7 from Alicante to Benidorm?

The current toll is 3.50 EUR one-way. It is paid at the toll gate by card (contactless works), cash, or Via-T. Prices are reviewed each January.

Is there a direct bus from Alicante airport to Benidorm?

Yes. ALSA line 80 runs every 30-60 minutes, costs 11.45 EUR one-way, takes 50-65 minutes, and stops at the Benidorm central bus station. The bus stop is in front of the airport terminal.

Can I take a train from Alicante airport to Benidorm?

No direct train exists. You can reach Benidorm by combining the airport bus to Alicante city with the TRAM line 1, but total travel time is 2-2.5 hours - much longer than the direct bus.

Is it worth renting a car if I only stay in Benidorm?

If you plan to stay on the beach and walk to restaurants, the bus and a taxi cover you. If you want to visit Altea, Calpe, Guadalest, the Algar waterfalls, or take a day trip to Valencia, a rental car saves time and money compared to combined bus and tour fares.

What is the best route at night?

Always take the AP-7 after dark. The motorway is well-lit, has emergency phones every 2 km, and avoids the small-town stretches of the N-332. If your flight arrives after 22:00 and you are tired, take the AP-7 even if you usually prefer the coastal road.

Book Your Car and Skip the Bus Queue

If you want flexibility for day trips, free delivery to your hotel, and no card deposit, see our full Benidorm fleet and live availability on the Benidorm car rental page. We deliver to your accommodation in Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, or anywhere along the Costa Blanca - free, any time, no card hold, child seats included.

If you are picking up at the terminal, see our Alicante airport pickup options. For long-term stays, our monthly subscription starts at competitive monthly rates with one transparent price.