The Costa Blanca has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations — and not just because of its 300+ days of sunshine, dramatic clifftop villages, and impossibly blue Mediterranean sea. One of its most underrated qualities is just how easy it is to reach. Whether you’re hopping on a two-hour budget flight from Manchester, loading up the car for an epic European road trip, or catching a high-speed train from Madrid, getting to the Costa Blanca is far more straightforward than many travellers realise.
That accessibility is one of the reasons this 200-kilometre stretch of the Valencian and Murcian coastline has become home to millions of expats and a magnet for repeat visitors who can’t quite stay away.
Before diving into the transport specifics, if you’re still in the early stages of planning your trip, our Costa Blanca Travel Guide – The Ultimate Resource covers everything from where to stay and what to eat, to the best beaches and hidden inland gems — it’s the perfect place to start before you get into the logistics of getting here.
In this complete Costa Blanca transport guide, we cover everything you need to know about reaching and navigating the Costa Blanca:
- Flying in via Alicante Airport (ALC) — the main gateway
- Airport transfers — private, shared, taxi, bus, and train options
- Car hire and what to watch out for
- Driving in Spain, including toll roads and parking
- Bus and train networks for getting around on a budget
- Taxis and rideshare apps available in the region
- Cycling routes and bike hire for the adventurous
- Ferry connections from Dénia to the Balearic Islands
- Overland routes from Valencia, Murcia, and Madrid
Let’s get you there.
Table of Contents
Getting to the Costa Blanca
By Air — Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC)
For most visitors, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the obvious arrival point. Located just 9 kilometres southwest of Alicante city centre, it’s one of Spain’s busiest airports and is served by direct flights from across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
UK airports with direct routes to Alicante include:
- London Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Heathrow
- Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Liverpool, and Leeds Bradford
Main airlines serving ALC: Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, Vueling, and TUI, among others.
Flight time from the UK is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes–2 hours 40 minutes. Fares vary enormously — booking 3–6 months in advance and travelling mid-week outside school holidays will secure the best prices.
Murcia International Airport (RMU) is a useful alternative for travellers heading to the southern Costa Blanca — particularly Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. Served primarily by Ryanair from several UK airports, it’s smaller, less busy, and often closer to southern resort destinations than ALC.
For a full breakdown of terminals, facilities, arrivals procedures, and insider tips for a smooth experience at ALC, read our dedicated Alicante Airport Guide.
For full airline comparisons, seasonal pricing breakdowns, and expert booking tips, see our dedicated guide to Flights to Alicante.
Getting from Alicante Airport to Your Resort
Private Transfers
A pre-booked private transfer is the most stress-free option, particularly for families or groups with luggage. Your driver meets you in arrivals and takes you directly to your accommodation.
Approximate costs from ALC:
- To Alicante city centre: €25–€35
- To Benidorm: €65–€85
- To Torrevieja: €45–€65
- To Calpe: €85–€110
- To Dénia: €105–€130
Several reputable transfer companies operate from ALC — book in advance, especially during peak summer months.
Shared Shuttle Services
A more affordable alternative to private transfers, shared shuttles combine passengers heading in the same direction. Costs are roughly 30–50% lower than private transfers, though journey times are longer due to multiple drop-offs. Services like Holiday Taxis and Welcome Pickups offer this option from ALC.
Public Bus from the Airport
Bus C-6 runs between ALC airport and Alicante city centre, stopping at the main bus station. It runs frequently throughout the day, takes approximately 25–30 minutes, and costs around €3.85. From Alicante city, you can connect to onward buses and the TRAM for resorts along the northern coast.
For direct bus connections from the airport to resorts like Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Elche, ALSA operates services from a stop just outside the arrivals terminal — check current timetables on the ALSA website before travel.
TRAM from the Airport
The TRAM Line 3 connects the airport to Alicante city’s Luceros stop, where you transfer to Line 1 for resorts northward including El Campello, Villajoyosa, and Benidorm. The full airport-to-Benidorm journey via TRAM takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and costs around €4–€6 — slow, but scenic and excellent value.
Taxi from the Airport
Official taxis are available from the designated rank outside arrivals. All are metered — fares include a fixed airport supplement of around €5–€6. Approximate metered fares: Alicante city centre €20–€25, Benidorm €75–€90, Torrevieja £55–€70.
Car Hire at Alicante Airport
ALC has an excellent selection of car hire companies, with both international brands (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Enterprise) and competitive Spanish operators (Goldcar, Centauro, Drivalia) represented. The hire car zone is a short shuttle bus ride from the terminal.
Tips for hiring at ALC:
- Book well in advance for summer travel — availability shrinks and prices rise sharply in July and August
- Read the insurance excess terms carefully and consider purchasing excess insurance independently, which is usually cheaper than the rental company’s own policy
- Full-to-full fuel policies are the most straightforward — avoid pre-paid fuel options
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away and photograph any existing damage
Compare all your options in full detail, including operator contacts and live booking links, in our Airport Transfers Costa Blanca guide.
Costa Blanca Transport Guide to Getting Around
Car Hire & Driving
A hire car offers the most freedom for exploring the Costa Blanca, particularly if you want to venture inland to mountain villages, discover quieter beaches, or travel at your own pace. The road network is excellent and well-signposted. Although parking can be tricky in the resort towns during peak seasons.
Plan your parking strategy in advance with our comprehensive Parking Guide Costa Blanca.
Key road types:
- AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo): The main toll motorway running north-south along the coast, connecting Valencia, Dénia, Benidorm, Alicante, and Murcia. Fast and well-maintained — expect to pay €4–€16 in tolls depending on the section although the vast majority is toll free now.
- N-332: The free coastal road running parallel to the AP-7. Slower due to towns and traffic, but free and often more scenic
- CV roads: Regional roads connecting inland areas — generally well-surfaced but often narrow and winding in mountain zones
Spanish driving essentials:
- Drive on the right
- Speed limits: motorways 120 km/h, dual carriageways 100 km/h, open roads 90 km/h, urban areas 50 km/h (30 km/h in many residential streets)
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 mg/ml (lower than England and Wales)
- Compulsory equipment: two warning triangles (or V-16 beacon), reflective jacket per occupant, spare tyre or puncture kit
Read our full Car Hire Costa Blanca guide for tips on finding the best deals, avoiding hidden costs, and comparing the major operators.
Everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel — from road rules to route planning — is covered in our dedicated Driving on the Costa Blanca guide.
Bus — ALSA Intercity Services
ALSA operates the majority of intercity bus routes on the Costa Blanca, connecting Alicante with most major resorts. Services are frequent, air-conditioned, and affordable.
Key routes and approximate fares:
- Alicante to Benidorm: ~1 hour, €4–€6
- Alicante to Torrevieja: ~50 minutes, €3–€5
- Alicante to Calpe: ~1 hour 45 minutes, €6–€9
- Alicante to Dénia: ~2 hours, €7–€10
- Alicante to Altea: ~1 hour 30 minutes, €5–€8
Buy tickets at bus station windows, on the ALSA app, or from the driver on some routes. Booking in advance is recommended for summer travel.
Get full timetables, route maps, ticket prices, and practical travel tips in our guide to Getting Around by Bus on the Costa Blanca.
Train — Renfe & the TRAM
Renfe connects Alicante with Valencia (1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours on fast services, from €15), Murcia (1 hour, from €7), and Madrid (2 hours 20 minutes by AVE, from €30). Alicante Termino station is centrally located in the city.
The TRAM Metropolitano d’Alacant, operated by FGV, is the Costa Blanca’s most enjoyable way to travel locally. This light rail network runs from Alicante city northward through the coastal resorts to Benidorm, and continues inland and north to Dénia.
Key TRAM lines:
- Line 1: Alicante (Luceros) → Benidorm — approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, €3–€6. Passes through El Campello, Villajoyosa, and along spectacular coastal sections
- Line 9: Benidorm → Dénia — approximately 1 hour, scenic mountain and valley route
- Line 3: Airport → Alicante city centre
The TRAM is well-maintained, reliable, and genuinely scenic — the section between Altea and Benidorm in particular offers outstanding coastal views. A Bono-10 multi-journey card offers discounted travel for regular users, and a Tourist Pass provides unlimited travel over 1, 3, or 7 days.
Explore full route maps, updated timetables, ticket options, and booking advice in our complete guide to Getting Around by Train on the Costa Blanca.
Taxis & Rideshares
Licensed taxis are widely available across the Costa Blanca. All are metered — white vehicles with a green roof light when available. Approximate fares:
- Benidorm to Calpe: €25–€35
- Torrevieja to Alicante: €55–€70
- Dénia to Calpe: €20–€30
Uber operates in Alicante city, and Cabify (Uber’s main Spanish competitor) offers good urban coverage. For smaller resort towns, traditional taxis remain the most reliable option. In Benidorm, taxis operate around the clock on the main strips, though queues can be long after 02:00 on summer weekends.
Read our full guide to Taxis & Rideshares on the Costa Blanca for fare tables by resort, app recommendations, and tips for getting around safely at night.
Cycling
The Costa Blanca is one of Europe’s premier cycling destinations, attracting professional teams and leisure riders alike — particularly from October to April when northern Europeans head south to train in the warm winter sun. Towns like Calpe and Dénia are well-established cycling hubs.
Popular routes:
- Calpe to Benidorm coastal road — spectacular views of the Peñón de Ifach
- The Guadalest Valley circuit — challenging climbs with magnificent mountain scenery
- Vía Verde del Maigmó — a converted railway greenway near Alicante, gentle gradients suitable for all abilities
E-bike hire is widely available across the region (approximately €35–€55 per day), opening up hillier terrain to riders who might otherwise find it daunting. Always wear a helmet — legally required on open roads outside urban areas — and avoid cycling in the heat of a summer afternoon.
Discover the best cycling routes by difficulty and location, plus a full guide to bike hire shops across the region, in our Cycling Routes & Bike Hire Costa Blanca guide.
Motorways & Toll Roads
The AP-7 is the primary motorway serving the Costa Blanca. Toll booths (peajes) are positioned at intervals, although most have been either removed or are now closed making the motorway mostly free to use. There are some sections on the lower southern Costa Blanca where toll booths are still operating but thankfully not too many.
Approximate toll costs:
- Alicante to Benidorm: €N/A
- Benidorm to Dénia: €N/A
- Alicante to Murcia: €8–€12
- Valencia to Alicante (full route): €N/A
Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card, or VIA-T electronic tag (useful for frequent users). The free N-332 coastal road runs parallel to the AP-7 for much of its length — slower but perfectly viable for shorter journeys or those wanting to avoid tolls.
For detailed toll costs by route, updated pricing, maps, and tips on avoiding unnecessary charges, see our Motorway & Toll Roads Guide.
Ferries — Dénia to Ibiza & the Balearics
One of the Costa Blanca’s great geographical advantages is its proximity to the Balearic Islands. From Dénia port, Baleària Lines operates regular ferry services to Ibiza, making island-hopping straightforward.
- Dénia to Ibiza (fast catamaran): approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- Dénia to Ibiza (conventional ferry): approximately 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours
- Dénia to Palma de Mallorca: available seasonally, approximately 7–9 hours (often overnight)
In peak season, there are typically 2–4 sailings daily in each direction on the Dénia–Ibiza route. Book well in advance for August — foot passenger and vehicle spaces both sell out weeks ahead. Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure with a vehicle, 30 minutes as a foot passenger.
For full schedules, current pricing, vehicle booking procedures, and practical tips for the crossing, see our dedicated Ferries from Dénia to Ibiza guide.
Getting to the Costa Blanca from Elsewhere in Spain
From Valencia
Valencia to the Costa Blanca is a popular and well-connected journey.
- By train (Renfe): Valencia to Alicante takes 1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours on fast services (from €15), or around 3 hours on slower regional trains
- By bus (ALSA): approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, fares from €12–€18. Direct services also run to Benidorm, Dénia, and Calpe without needing to change in Alicante
- By car: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the AP-7 (tolls around €12–€15), or longer via the free N-332
See all transport options, journey time comparisons, and booking links in our dedicated guide to Getting from Valencia to Costa Blanca.
From Madrid
Madrid to Alicante is one of Spain’s best-served intercity routes.
- By AVE high-speed train: the standout option — 2 hours 20 minutes from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Alicante Termino, fares from €30 booked in advance. Faster than flying door-to-door, with generous luggage allowances and no airport hassle
- By bus (ALSA): approximately 4 hours 30 minutes–5 hours, fares from €15–€35 — a budget option but the AVE is better value in most cases when booked ahead
- By car: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours via the A-31 and AP-7, toll costs around €8–€15
- By air: Iberia and Vueling operate multiple daily Madrid–Alicante flights (55 minutes flying time), but door-to-door the AVE train is generally faster and less stressful
For full journey comparisons, AVE booking tips, and step-by-step instructions for connecting from Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante, see our guide to Getting from Madrid to Costa Blanca.
From Murcia
The southern Costa Blanca is easily reached from Murcia.
- By train (Renfe): Murcia to Alicante takes approximately 1 hour, fares from €7–€14
- By bus (ALSA): approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, with direct services to Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa
- By car: Murcia to Alicante approximately 1 hour via the AP-7 (tolls around €6–€9), Murcia to Torrevieja approximately 45 minutes via the N-332
For travellers arriving at Murcia International Airport (RMU), the southern Costa Blanca is particularly close — Torrevieja is just 35–45 minutes by taxi or transfer.
Full transport details, airport transfer options from RMU, and route comparisons are available in our guide to Getting from Murcia to Costa Blanca.
Quick-Reference Transfer Times from Alicante Airport
| Destination | Private Transfer | ALSA Bus | TRAM | Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alicante city | 15–20 min / €25–€35 | 25–30 min / €3.85 | 20 min / €1.45 | €20–€25 |
| Benidorm | 60–75 min / €65–€85 | ~1 hr / €4–€6 | ~2 hrs 15 min / €4–€6 | €75–€90 |
| Torrevieja | 45–55 min / €45–€65 | ~50 min / €3–€5 | N/A | €55–€70 |
| Calpe | 75–90 min / €85–€110 | ~1 hr 45 min / €6–€9 | ~2 hrs 30 min+ | €90–€120 |
| Dénia | 90–105 min / €105–€130 | ~2 hrs / €7–€10 | ~3 hrs / €5–€7 | €120–€150 |
| Altea | 65–80 min / €70–€95 | ~1 hr 30 min / €5–€8 | ~2 hrs / €4–€6 | €80–€100 |
All fares and journey times are approximate and subject to change. Verify current schedules and prices directly with operators before travel.
Practical Tips
Book ahead in summer. July and August bring enormous visitor numbers to the Costa Blanca. Car hire availability at ALC drops sharply and prices rise — book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Private transfers, ferry crossings to Ibiza, and popular bus routes can also sell out.
Download key apps before you travel. The Renfe app for train tickets, ALSA app for bus bookings, FGV app for TRAM timetables, and Google Maps with an offline Costa Blanca map downloaded are all genuinely useful. Baleària’s app is the easiest way to book Dénia–Ibiza ferry tickets.
Carry some cash. Card payments are widely accepted, but having €20–€30 in cash covers rural bus fares, parking meters in some towns, and situations where card machines are unavailable.
Consider your base carefully. Benidorm offers the best public transport links on the Costa Blanca — a car is genuinely optional if you’re staying there. The southern Costa Blanca (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa) is more car-dependent. Inland villages are best explored with your own transport regardless of where you’re based.
Driving in summer heat. Check tyre pressure before long journeys, keep water in the car, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Air conditioning puts additional strain on engines on sustained mountain climbs — keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
Allow extra time at ALC in peak season. Saturday mornings in July and August can see significant queues at security. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure, and consider 3 hours for early morning flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airport for the Costa Blanca?
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the best option for the vast majority of visitors. Murcia International Airport (RMU) is worth considering for the southern Costa Blanca specifically.
Is it worth hiring a car on the Costa Blanca?
It depends on your base and plans. If you’re staying in Benidorm and don’t plan to venture far, a car isn’t necessary. If you want to explore inland villages, quieter beaches, and the wider region, a hire car is highly recommended.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Spain?
No — EU, UK, and US licence holders can drive in Spain on their standard national licence. UK drivers should carry their photocard licence; paper counterparts are no longer valid.
How long is the ferry from Dénia to Ibiza?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes on the fast catamaran, or 3 hours 30 minutes–4 hours on the conventional ferry.
Can I use Uber on the Costa Blanca?
Uber operates in Alicante city. Cabify is a good alternative. In smaller resort towns, traditional licensed taxis are more reliable.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Costa Blanca resorts?
The TRAM and ALSA buses are the most affordable options. A Bono-10 TRAM card or TRAM Tourist Pass offers further savings for visitors using public transport regularly.
Further Reading & Related Guides
Last updated: May 2026. Transport schedules, fares, and routes are subject to change — always verify current information directly with operators before travel.