Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport sits 10 kilometers inland from the coast, and its location shapes every transfer decision. The question of rail service comes up because the region's Cercanías network connects Alicante city center with Benidorm reliably, but the airport terminal itself never received a direct station. This guide clarifies what works and what doesn't.
Quick answer
No direct train service operates from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. The airport terminal has no railway station, and the nearest Cercanías rail connection lies 5 kilometers away at Alicante city center. Travelers must use the direct ALSA bus line from the terminal, which runs hourly during peak season and covers the 60-kilometer route in approximately 55 minutes, or arrange a private transfer.
The airport opened in 1967 without rail infrastructure, and despite decades of passenger growth, no dedicated station was ever built at the terminal complex. The regional Cercanías C-1 line passes through Alicante's main railway hub at Estación de Alicante-Terminal, located in the city center roughly 9 kilometers from the airport. From there, Line C-1 continues north along the coast toward Benidorm, stopping at Villajoyosa before reaching its terminus. The journey from Alicante Terminal station to Benidorm takes 50 minutes, but reaching that departure point from the airport requires a separate leg by bus or taxi, adding 20 to 30 minutes and a connection step that most travelers find impractical. Direct coach service fills the gap. ALSA operates a dedicated airport-to-Benidorm route with departures timed to match peak flight arrivals, running between 06:00 and 22:00 when summer demand is highest. The coaches depart from the ground-level bus platform outside the arrivals hall and deliver passengers to Benidorm's main bus station on Calle Alicante, within walking distance of the resort's hotel zones. Off-peak months see reduced frequency, with intervals stretching to 90 minutes between services. The single-deck coaches carry luggage in underfloor holds and offer air conditioning, making them the de facto standard for airport transfers along this corridor. Private transfers and rideshare taxis provide the alternative for travelers arriving outside bus operating windows or carrying oversized luggage. The taxi rank occupies the far end of the arrivals concourse, and fixed-rate agreements with the airport authority cap the fare to Benidorm at a published ceiling, though dynamic pricing during late-night hours or holidays can push the final cost higher. Shared shuttle services operate on a reservation basis, collecting passengers at fixed intervals and making multiple hotel stops, which extends total travel time but reduces per-person cost for solo travelers or pairs. Understanding whether a train from Alicante Airport to Benidorm exists matters because the Cercanías network is affordable and punctual, and many European airports offer direct rail links to nearby cities. This one does not. The bus alternative works reliably for daytime arrivals, but late flights or early departures narrow the options to paid transfers. Checking the ALSA timetable before booking a flight helps avoid the surprise of a 90-minute wait at the terminal or the cost of an unplanned taxi fare.
“The airport opened in 1967 without rail infrastructure, and despite decades of passenger growth, no dedicated station was ever built at the terminal complex.”
There is no direct train station at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. To reach Benidorm by rail, passengers must first transit to central Alicante to access the TRAM Metropolitan network.
C-6 Line to Alicante City Center
L1 Line from Luceros Station to Benidorm
N-332 or AP-7 road routes
For those preferring rail travel, the best arrival window is 06:00–22:00 to align with connecting TRAM services. Follow signage within the terminal for bus transfers to the city center.
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport terminal facilities remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the terminal is accessible at all times, travelers should align their arrival with the recommended window of 06:00–22:00 for optimal transport frequency.
Prepare these items before your journey to ensure smooth transit connections between the airport and Benidorm.
Everything you need to know about can you get a train from alicante airport to benidorm
No, there is no direct rail connection available from the airport terminal. You cannot travel by rail directly from the airport to Benidorm as no station exists on-site.
There are no rail links or train platforms at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. Passengers must rely on road transport to reach their destination.
Most travelers find that direct shuttle buses or private taxis offer the most efficient transit. These services depart frequently from the arrivals area.
To use the TRAM, you would first need to take a bus or taxi into Alicante city center to reach the Luceros station. Many visitors find this adds unnecessary complexity to their journey.
Yes, regular bus services run directly from the airport terminal to the center of Benidorm. This remains the most popular public transport method for arriving passengers.
To catch a train, you must first take a bus or taxi to the Alicante train station, which is located in the city center. From there, you can connect to regional rail networks.
While you can reach the city center to access trains, using a bus or taxi from the airport is much easier with luggage. Public transport transfers involving multiple steps can be challenging when carrying heavy bags.
The best arrival window is between 06:00 and 22:00 for optimal frequency for direct bus services to Benidorm. Outside these hours, you may need to arrange a taxi or private transfer.