Getting to Benidorm should be the easy part of your holiday — and mostly it is. But after ten years living on the Costa Blanca, I've seen enough confused tourists dragging suitcases down the wrong street, paying four times the going rate for an airport taxi, or circling Benidorm's one-way system for forty minutes trying to find their apartment, to know that a proper practical guide was long overdue.
Whether you're flying into Alicante, driving down from the UK through France, or hopping on the tram from a neighbouring resort, here's everything you need to know about getting to Benidorm — and what to do once you arrive.
Flying In: Alicante Airport (ALC) Is Your Best Bet
Almost everyone flying to Benidorm lands at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), roughly 60 kilometres north of the resort. It's one of Spain's busiest airports in summer, with direct flights from across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scandinavia and beyond. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Vueling all run regular services, especially from June through September.
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Find rentals →Valencia Airport (VLC) is another option — it's about 140 kilometres north — but unless you're getting a cracking deal on flights, Alicante is almost always the more convenient choice.
From Alicante Airport to Benidorm: Your Options
1. Private Transfer (~€55–€75 one way) This is genuinely the most stress-free option, especially if you're arriving late or travelling with kids and luggage. Several reputable companies run fixed-price transfers from ALC to Benidorm. Book in advance rather than grabbing a random taxi at the arrivals hall — you'll save at least €20–30 and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
2. ALSA Bus (€6–€10 per person) This is the budget hero. ALSA runs a direct coach service from Alicante Airport to Benidorm's bus station on Avenida de Europa. Journey time is around 1 hour 15 minutes depending on stops. You can book tickets at alsa.es or buy them on the day. Buses run multiple times daily, with more frequent services in peak summer. Downsides: no luggage storage, can get hot and crowded in July/August.
3. TRAM (from Alicante City ~€3.85) There's no direct tram from the airport — you'd need to take the C-6 bus into Alicante city first, then pick up the TRAM L1 line from Luceros station to Benidorm. Total journey is around 2 hours. Scenic and cheap, but impractical if you have a lot of luggage. Worth knowing about for day trips and exploring during your stay.
4. Car Rental If you're planning day trips — and I'd strongly recommend a few (the best day trips from Benidorm are genuinely excellent) — renting a car at the airport makes sense. All the major companies have desks at ALC arrivals. Book well in advance for summer; prices double if you leave it to the last minute.
Driving to Benidorm: Roads, Routes & What to Know
Benidorm sits right on the AP-7 motorway (the main coastal autopista) and is also accessible via the free N-332 coast road, though the latter is slower and more congested in summer.
From Alicante: Take the AP-7 north, exit 65A for Benidorm. Around 45 minutes in normal traffic. From Valencia: AP-7 south, same exit. About 1h 30min. From Madrid: A-3 to Valencia, then AP-7 south. Around 4 hours. From the UK via France: Most drivers come down the A7/AP-7 through Barcelona, Valencia and then directly into Benidorm. Allow two full driving days from Calais.
The AP-7 toll between Alicante and Benidorm costs around €3–€4 each way — absolutely worth it versus the N-332 in summer traffic.
Parking in Benidorm: The Honest Truth
I'm going to be straight with you: parking in Benidorm in June, July and August is genuinely challenging. The resort is compact and the streets were not designed for the volume of cars that descend in high season. That said, it's manageable if you know where to look.
Underground Car Parks (Best Option)
- Parking Rincón de Loix (near the northeast end of Playa de Levante) — one of the largest and most convenient
- Parking Plaza de la Hispanidad — central location near the Old Town
- Parking Calle Esperanto — useful for the Poniente beach area
Expect to pay around €1.50–€2.50 per hour or €12–€18 per day in peak season. Many holiday apartments in Benidorm include private parking or have an arrangement with a nearby car park — always check before you book.
Street Parking
Free Parking
Getting Around Benidorm Once You're There
Here's a truth about Benidorm that surprises many visitors: most of it is walkable. The two main beaches (Levante and Poniente), the Old Town, the main shopping streets and the majority of restaurants and bars are all within easy walking distance of each other. On a warm June evening, the 20-minute walk from one end of Levante beach to the Old Town is genuinely one of the nicer things you can do.
The TRAM is excellent for day trips to neighbouring towns. From Benidorm station you can reach Altea (25 mins, €2.60), Calpe (55 mins), Dénia (about 1h 45min) and Alicante (around 2 hours). It runs roughly every 30 minutes and the views from the upper deck along the coast are spectacular.
Local taxis are metered and reasonably priced — a trip from one end of Benidorm to the other won't break the bank. Ride-hailing apps like Cabify operate here too.
Practical Tips for June Arrivals
June is one of my favourite months in Benidorm — the weather is brilliant (27–30°C most days), the crowds are noticeably lighter than July/August, and parking is still relatively sane. A few June-specific notes:
- Flights fill up fast from mid-June (school holidays start). Book as early as you can.
- If you're driving, aim to arrive mid-week to avoid weekend congestion on the AP-7.
- Accommodation with private parking is worth prioritising in June — browse our Benidorm holiday rentals and filter by parking available.
- The ALSA bus timetable expands in June with more daily services.
Why Booking Direct Saves You Money (and Hassle)
Once you've sorted your transport, the next best decision you can make is booking your accommodation direct rather than through Airbnb or Booking.com. When you book direct through JV Properties, you save up to 18% compared to the platform price — money that's much better spent on a day trip to Guadalest or an extra round at one of Benidorm's legendary beach bars.
Direct bookings also mean you're dealing directly with the people who manage the property, which matters enormously if something goes wrong or you have a late arrival after a delayed flight.
Ready to plan your Benidorm trip? Browse all our Benidorm holiday rentals — many include private parking, which in summer is genuinely priceless.
