How to Get to Benidorm: Flights, Transfers & Transport Guide 2026

Getting to Benidorm is straightforward from most of Europe, with excellent flight connections, easy airport transfers, and multiple transport options. The nearest airport is Alicante (ALC), just 60km away, with direct flights from over 100 destinations. This complete guide covers every way to reach Benidorm in 2026, from budget flights to comfortable transfers, and everything you need to know about getting around once you arrive.

Flying to Benidorm: Alicante Airport (ALC)

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the main gateway for Benidorm. It is the third busiest airport in Spain, handling over 15 million passengers annually, and has direct connections from virtually every major airport in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, and across Europe. The journey from the airport to Benidorm takes approximately 50-60 minutes by road (60km). Valencia Airport (VLC) is a further alternative, 150km away, taking about 90 minutes.

• UK airports with direct flights to Alicante: London Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow, Luton, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow, East Midlands
• Flight time from London: approximately 2h 20min
• Flight time from Manchester: approximately 2h 35min
• Airlines serving ALC: Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, TUI, Vueling, Iberia, British Airways
• Best time to book: 6-10 weeks in advance for summer, 4-6 weeks for shoulder season
• Cheapest flights: Tuesday/Wednesday departures, early morning or late evening

Airport Transfer Options

Once you land at Alicante Airport, you have several options to reach Benidorm. A private transfer is the most convenient - pre-booked services typically cost 40-60 EUR for up to 4 passengers and take you door-to-door with no waiting. Shared shuttle buses (Alsa, Benidorm Direct) cost around 8-12 EUR per person and stop at multiple hotels, taking around 75-90 minutes due to multiple drop-offs. Car hire is cost-effective for groups or families wanting flexibility.

Bus from Alicante to Benidorm

The ALSA bus company runs regular services between Alicante city centre (not the airport) and Benidorm, taking about 60-70 minutes and costing just 5-7 EUR one way. To use this from the airport, you first take the bus or tram from the airport to Alicante city centre (around 30 minutes), then catch the Benidorm bus. This is the cheapest option but adds significant journey time. The L9 tram (TRAM Metropolitano) runs from Alicante city and stops at several points near Benidorm though is slower.

Car Hire & Driving to Benidorm

Hiring a car gives you maximum flexibility for day trips to Guadalest, Altea, and other Costa Blanca highlights. Car hire at Alicante Airport starts from 25-35 EUR per day for a small car, with all major companies represented. The drive from the airport via the AP-7 toll motorway takes about 45 minutes. Tolls cost around 8-10 EUR one way. The free A-7 route takes longer (70-80 minutes) but saves the toll cost. Parking in central Benidorm can be tricky in summer - look for underground car parks (around 15-20 EUR per day).

Getting Around Benidorm

Benidorm itself is surprisingly compact and walkable - you can walk from Levante Beach to Poniente Beach in about 20 minutes via the Old Town. The main attractions, restaurants, and bars are all within reasonable walking distance. Local buses run between the main areas for 1.25 EUR per journey. Taxis are plentiful with short journeys typically 5-8 EUR. In peak summer, rental bikes and e-scooters are available along the promenades.

• Walking: Old Town to Levante Beach 5 min, to Poniente Beach 15 min
• Local bus: 1.25 EUR per journey, connects all main areas
• Taxi: 5-8 EUR for short journeys within Benidorm
• Bike rental: 10-15 EUR per day from shops on the promenades
• Bus to Alicante: hourly from Benidorm bus station, 5-7 EUR
• Bus to Calpe: 30 min, 3-4 EUR, great for day trips
• Bus to Altea: 15 min, 2 EUR, the most romantic nearby village