Planning a trip to the Costa Blanca and wondering how to get around? Renting a car in Alicante is one of the best decisions you can make. The city sits at the heart of one of Spain's most scenic coastlines, and public transport simply cannot match the freedom a rental car gives you. Whether you're heading to Benidorm, exploring the old town of Elche, or chasing quieter beaches south toward Torrevieja, having your own wheels transforms the trip entirely.
This guide covers everything you need to know about car hire in Alicante — from picking up at the airport to understanding no deposit policies, insurance, driving rules, and how to find the best value with WeOneRent.
Alicante is a gateway city. The airport (ALC) receives millions of passengers every year, and the wider province stretches across 200 kilometres of coastline packed with resorts, nature parks, vineyards, and historic hilltop villages. Buses and trains cover the main corridors, but they miss the places worth visiting most.
With a rental car, you can:
The roads in the region are well-maintained, signage is clear, and parking outside peak season is rarely a problem. For most visitors, a compact or mid-size car is all you need.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (IATA: ALC) is the entry point for the majority of visitors to the Costa Blanca. The car rental desks at Alicante airport are located in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, clearly signposted as you exit the baggage claim area.
WeOneRent offers a direct Alicante airport pickup service. You confirm your flight details at the time of booking, and a representative meets you at arrivals — no shuttle buses, no waiting at a distant depot. This matters especially during summer months when the airport handles peak volumes and every extra minute of waiting adds to travel fatigue.
Practical tips for airport collection:
One of the most common concerns among first-time renters is the deposit. Many traditional agencies place a hold of several hundred euros on your credit card the moment you collect the car — funds that can take weeks to release after return. For travellers on a tight budget or using a debit card, this creates real problems.
WeOneRent offers no deposit car rental in Alicante for eligible bookings. Here is how it works:
The no deposit option is particularly popular with families and longer-stay visitors who want to keep their available funds liquid throughout the holiday. It is not a marketing gimmick — it reflects a straightforward insurance model where full cover is built into the rental price from the start.
When comparing quotes online, always add the deposit amount to the headline price of competitors. A rental advertised at 15 euros per day with a 500-euro deposit held for two weeks is a worse deal than one priced at 20 euros per day with no hold at all.
The right vehicle depends on your group size, luggage, and planned routes. Here is a quick breakdown:
All WeOneRent vehicles are serviced regularly and come with standard safety features. Automatic transmission is available on request — advisable if you are not comfortable with manual gearboxes on unfamiliar roads.
Spain drives on the right, which most visitors from continental Europe will find natural. Those arriving from the UK or Ireland need a short adjustment period. A few rules specific to Spain that are worth knowing:
Navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze work well across the region. Download offline maps before you arrive in case of poor signal in mountain areas.
You need a valid driving licence, a passport or national ID card, and a payment card in the primary driver's name. Licences issued in EU countries are accepted without translation. Non-EU licences (including UK licences post-Brexit) are accepted in Spain but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for stays over 90 days.
Yes. WeOneRent provides 24/7 support and can arrange out-of-hours pickups at Alicante airport or at city-centre locations. Simply specify your arrival time at booking and we will confirm the arrangement.
The minimum age is 21 for most vehicle categories. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. Drivers over 70 are accepted without restriction at WeOneRent — an open policy that many agencies do not match.
All WeOneRent rentals include third-party liability insurance as required by Spanish law. Comprehensive cover with zero excess is available and is included automatically in no deposit bookings. We strongly recommend full cover regardless of the option chosen.
One-way rentals within Spain are available subject to a drop-off fee. If you are planning to travel from Alicante to Madrid, Barcelona, or another major city and do not want to backtrack, ask about one-way pricing at the time of booking.
During July and August, Alicante is one of the busiest rental markets in Spain. Availability drops sharply in the final two weeks before peak dates. Booking four to six weeks in advance secures both availability and the best rate. Shoulder season (May, June, September, October) offers more flexibility and noticeably lower prices.
WeOneRent was built around a simple idea: car hire in Spain should be straightforward, honest, and stress-free. No hidden fees at the counter. No confusing excess waivers. No queues at an off-site depot while your hotel check-in window closes.
When you rent a car in Alicante through WeOneRent, you get:
Whether you are spending a long weekend in the city or touring the Costa Blanca for two weeks, the right rental car makes every day easier. Start your booking today and explore Alicante on your own terms.