There are two main airports in the Valencian Community. While the closest to the city is Manises Airport, the biggest in the region is Alicante Airport. This airport, which is usually indicated as ALC or LEAL, is one of the 50 busiest ones in Europe, so finding a flight to Alicante can be a lot easier (and cheaper) than finding one to Valencia.

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Although Alicante Airport has three terminals (T1, T2, and TN), only Terminal N (the largest one) is active. The terminal has 96 check-in desks, 40 gates, and 16 baggage claim carousels. The most common destinations from Alicante are in Europe and North Africa.

There are several transport options for all budgets to reach Valencia from Alicante Airport. To help you make the right choice, here is a small summary. You can find detailed information on each option farther down the page.

*Ratings are an indicator of convenience considering cost and comfort of each option.

ALSA buses - via Benidorm

ALSA is one of the major bus companies in Spain and offers a couple of different options to reach Valencia from Alicante Airport.

With the first option, you’d be taking two ALSA buses. The first one would be directly from Alicante Airport to Benidorm, a coastal town just a bit north of Alicante. Here, you’d change buses and get another ALSA bus to Valencia’s bus station (Estación de Autobús).

The major advantage here is that you are able to book your entire journey as one, all with the same company. That means, if for whatever reason the first bus is late, ALSA would accommodate the second leg of your journey accordingly. In other words, you don’t have to stress about making it in time to your second bus.

Another advantage is the arrival station: Valencia’s bus station is rather central and well-connected. From there you’ll be able to reach other parts of the city.

However, there are a couple of things to point out. ALSA is not an urban bus service, meaning that its buses don’t run continuously. You’ll have to choose among a few options and you should buy your ticket ahead of time.

Another important point to be careful about is the type of bus you choose. There are “express” lines and slower lines. The shortest journey from Alicante Airport to Valencia will take 3 hours (including the change in Benidorm). The longest ride can take up to 6 hours. Just make sure you have a look at the duration of the journey when you book your ticket on the ALSA website .

Tickets

Although you can get your ALSA bus ticket to Benidorm directly on the bus, we recommend you get it online ahead of your arrival. Not only it will be cheaper, but this way you’ll be able to buy the second leg of the journey (from Benidorm to Valencia) as well.

The cost of a full ticket (Alicante Airport to Valencia) will be between €27.00 and €28.00, depending on the time of your journey.

You can get your ticket directly on the ALSA website . There is no need to print it, as long as you have it on your phone or device.

Schedule

ALSA bus services from Alicante Airport are quite frequent. You can expect to find a few buses available every day of the week, every hour from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.

However, we recommend you be careful with the journeys you choose. While the Alicante Airport - Benidorm leg is pretty much always direct, the second part of the journey is not always so. If you want to be in Valencia in the shortest time possible, make sure to choose the journey option that lasts around 3 hours (not 4, 5, or 6).

Location of the bus stop

All buses in Alicante Airport depart from one bus stop. The bus stop is located right outside the Departures area of Terminal N on level 2.

Practical information

• In terms of luggage, ALSA lets you carry up to 30 kg (about 66 lbs) with you free of charge. If you have luggage that exceeds the weight limit, you can pay for extra suitcases. In any case, the handbag that travels with you on the bus (not in the storage space underneath) cannot exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).
• ALSA buses are generally accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. However, if you want to make sure that your needs are met before booking your journey, our suggestion is to contact ALSA’s customer service directly (+34 91 020 7007.)
• In terms of airport accessibility, it is sufficient that you communicate your needs to the airline you’ll be flying with at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. They will contact Alicante Airport and let them know what kind of assistance you need. If you want, you can also contact Alicante Airport directly.

Getting the ALSA buses via Benidorm is the best option if…

• You prefer taking public transport but still want to get to Valencia quickly.
• You don’t want to spend time in Alicante.

C6 urban bus + ALSA bus - via Alicante

ALSA , one of the major bus companies in Spain, offers a couple different options to reach Valencia from Alicante Airport. One is via Benidorm, the other via Alicante.

This latter option, like the first, is a two-leg journey. If you choose this option you’ll be taking an urban bus (C6) from Alicante Airport to Alicante city. Here, you’ll change buses and get on an ALSA bus to Valencia’s bus station (Estación de Autobús).

The major advantage with this option is that if you have to wait for your ALSA bus, you can do so in Alicante. This way, you’ll get to see some of the city instead of having to wait at a bus station.

Another advantage, like with the other option, is the arrival station: Valencia’s bus station is rather central and well connected. From there you’ll be able to reach other parts of the city.

However, you have to keep in mind that these two lines are not managed by the same company. This means you need to plan for some cushion time between the first and second leg of your journey, just in case there are any delays.

Another important point to be careful about is the type of journey you choose when travelling with ALSA. There are “express” lines and slower lines. The shortest journey from Alicante bus station to Valencia takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes. A ride on a slower bus can take up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. Just make sure you have a look at the duration of the journey when you book your ticket on the ALSA website .

Tickets

You have to get your two tickets separately. You can just buy your C6 bus ticket directly on board. The cost of a single ticket between Alicante Airport and Alicante city centre or bus station is €3.85.

As for your ALSA bus ticket to Valencia, you can either get it at the bus station or online in advance. We recommend you get it online ahead of your arrival. This way you don’t risk there not being tickets left or having to rush to buy them at the station.

The cost of the ALSA ticket (Alicante bus station to Valencia) will be around €22.00.

You can get your ticket directly on the ALSA website . There is no need to print them, as long as you have them on your phone or device.

Schedule

C6 buses start their service early at Alicante Airport (the first bus leaves at 5:40 am, the last bus at midnight). During peak hours (8:40 am to 8:40 pm) buses leave every 20 minutes.

As for ALSA buses, you will find a couple every hour between 7:00 am and 11:30 pm. However, we recommend you be careful with the journeys you choose. Not all journeys from Alicante to Valencia are direct, so if you choose the wrong bus you will end up making a lot of unnecessary stops. If you want to be in Valencia in the shortest time possible, make sure to choose the journey option that lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes (not 4 or 5 hours).

Location of the bus stop

All buses in Alicante Airport depart from one bus stop. The bus stop is located right outside the Departures area of Terminal N on level 2.

You can choose to get off the C6 bus at Alicante bus station (Estación de Autobús). This is where you’ll get the ALSA bus.

Practical information

• On the C6 bus you can take up to two suitcases with you on the bus, as long as there is enough room for everyone in the vehicle. This will be an urban bus and not a coach bus, so your suitcases will travel with you.
• As for ALSA, you can carry up to 30 kg (about 66 lbs) with you free of charge. If you have luggage that exceeds the weight limit, you can pay for extra suitcases. The handbag that travels with you on the bus (and not the storage space underneath) cannot exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).
• The C6 bus is fully accessible, with wheelchair spaces and a platform available to get on and off the bus.
• ALSA buses are generally accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. If you want to make sure that your needs are met before booking your journey, our suggestion is to contact ALSA’s customer service directly (+34 91 020 7007.)
• In terms of airport accessibility, it is sufficient that you communicate your needs to the airline you’ll be flying with at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. They will contact Alicante Airport and let them know what kind of assistance you need. If you want, you can also contact Alicante Airport directly.

Getting the C6 and ALSA buses is the best option if…

• Want to spend some time in Alicante before you go to Valencia.
• Don’t want to wait too long at the airport.

Taxi

Taxis are not the cheapest option, but they can be useful if you need to get somewhere directly.

We would not recommend getting a taxi all the way to Valencia, as this would be very expensive (around €200.00 at least). However, if you’re late for your ALSA bus in Alicante, getting a cab can get you there quicker and more directly.

You can either take a cab directly at the taxi stand or book one through an app or by making a phone call directly to the company. You can also book a VTC (Vehículos de Turismo con Conductor: tourism vehicles with private drivers) through an app like Cabify.

A taxi ride to Alicante city centre should take approximately 20 minutes, depending on where exactly you are going. The average cost of a taxi ride to the city centre should be under €40.00, but there are no fixed rates for the airport.

Keep in mind that the taxis you can stop along the road in Spain are white, with a green light on the top indicating their availability.

Meanwhile, Cabify vehicles don’t look the same, as they have a VTC licence. Remember that Cabify allows you to book either a VTC or a normal taxi through their app.

Take a taxi at the taxi stand

Getting a taxi directly at the taxi rank is fairly easy, as taxis stop in front of the Arrivals area. Normally, you won’t have to wait too long to get into one, as there are a lot of taxis coming and going from the airport.

If you want to avoid surprises and misunderstandings, it’s important to always ask the cab driver in advance for an approximation of the ride cost. You should be able to pay in cash or by card at the end of the ride, but if you don’t have cash, ask first.

Rates

As mentioned above, there is no fixed rate for a journey from and to Alicante Airport, but there are regulated fares.

Keep in mind, there are two different fares, depending on the time you are travelling:

• Fare 1 is used on weekdays and Saturdays between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. The taximeter will start at €1,50. From then on, every kilometre should cost €1.20. The minimum fare is €4.00.
• Fare 2 is used on Sundays, bank holidays, and every day between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am. The taximeter will start at €2.00. From then on, every kilometre should cost €1.40. The minimum fare is €5.20.

On a registered taxi, you should also find the official prices inside the vehicle, either on the window or on the back of the driver’s seat.

If you want to, you can check on the official Generalitat Valenciana page for any extra costs or additional fares.

Location of the taxi stands

At Alicante Airport, cabs can be found just outside Terminal N, on level 0, by the Arrivals area.

When booking a taxi via app or phone, they will also be able to come to pick you up in this same area.

Order a taxi via an app

The second option you have is to book a cab or VTC via an app. This is probably the best option if you arrive at a particularly busy time. By using an app you will avoid waiting too long, and you will also know exactly how much time it will take for the taxi to arrive.

The apps generally offer extra safety, as you can make sure that the driver is taking the shortest route and you have their taxi driver info available. This way you can make sure you are not being overcharged and reach out in case you forget something inside the vehicle.

Another plus of using an app is that you might be eligible for discounts or vouchers if you are a new or frequent user (depending on the app).

Our guide to taxi apps in Valencia

All the best and reliable taxi apps you can use in Valencia.

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Rates

On average, taxis booked via the app tend to be slightly cheaper than the ones you get at the taxi stand. If you book via the app, you will also know exactly how much the ride will cost you upfront (as opposed to a taxi stand, where you will only get an approximation).

Aside from being able to pay in cash, like any other taxi, you will also be able to pay via the app, with a variety of methods, including Apple Pay, credit card, debit card, or others.

Free Now

Free Now is extremely user-friendly and ensures that you are travelling with a licensed cab.

Registration is straight forward and upon request, you will see the estimated cost upfront, as well as a selection of vehicles to choose from.

Free Now is also available in Valencia, so if you want to know more about it, we have an article on transport tools and apps that could help you.

Download the Free Now app for iOS

Download the Free Now app for Android

Cabify

Cabify, which also owns Easy Taxi, is another popular app, and booking with it normally ensures cheaper rates than usual.

The app is easy to use, and once you book you will be connected to the driver. This will enable you to see their location and call with any questions or requests.

You will also be able to set your preferences (music, air conditioning, etc) in your account.

Just like Free Now, Cabify is also available in Valencia, so you can check out our article on transport apps that could help you during your stay.

Download the Cabify app for iOS

Download the Cabify app for Android

Grabbing a taxi is the best option if…

• You’re in a rush to get somewhere (for example Alicante bus station).
• You are arriving late at night or on a public holiday when the C6 bus is not working.

Car rental services at the airport

If you want to have full autonomy during your stay, you might be looking to rent a car. Renting a car will allow you to get to Valencia in your own time and stress-free, without worrying about public transport. This is perfect if you are planning to visit several towns in the Valencian region, as you’ll be free to move on your own.

Additionally, car rentals in Spain are normally cheaper than in other countries. However, remember you will need to take care of parking in the city.

There are seven companies with help desks inside the airport, as well as smaller companies nearby. Continue to read to find out which ones they are, your options, and the different price rates.

How it works

Renting a car at Alicante Airport is rather easy, you can either do it online in advance or directly at the airport when you arrive.

We recommend booking online, as it allows you to compare prices, vehicle options, and terms and conditions in advance. When you have chosen the company from which you will rent your car, make sure to always book with them directly, instead of third parties. By doing so, you will avoid any surprises at pick-up or extra charges.

If you book in person, make sure to talk through your options with the clerk, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Requirements for renting a car

There are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car, like the requirements and documents needed, as well as your parking options in the city.

Normally, the documents you need to rent a car in your name are the following.

• A valid identity document stating you are older than 25 (or older than 26 or 30, depending on the company). You can still rent a car if you are younger, but the cost will increase.
• An EU driving licence. In case you don’t have an EU licence, you will need an international licence.
• A credit card in the name of the person doing the booking. Not having a credit card in the driver’s name will prevent you from being able to put down a security deposit (with most companies), thus having to pay for non-refundable insurance.

Remember that not all companies have the same restrictions. Make sure you check if there are any additional or different conditions for the company you choose to rent from.

Once all your documents are sorted, you will need to make sure you have parking options near where you are staying in Valencia. You can, for example, ask the hotel clerk or your host if there is parking space nearby. If the place where you are staying is in a limited-traffic area, make sure you have your permit to drive a car there.

Offers, prices, and pick-up locations

Inside the airport itself, there are eight car rental companies offering their services. All of them have their stands on the ground floor of the airport, in the Arrivals area.

The companies you’ll find inside the airport are Avis, Centauro, Europcar, Goldcar-InterRent, Hertz-Firefly, Ok Mobility, Record Go, and Sixt.

Keep in mind that there are smaller companies that have offices close to the airport, albeit not inside. They might be a little cheaper, but they can be a bit difficult to reach.

Here is a price comparison between the companies inside the airport.

*All prices above are based on bookings made three days in advance for a small car. Keep in mind that car rental pricing is subject to constant changes.

Renting a car is the best option if…

• You are planning to move around Valencia and the surrounding areas during your stay.
• You don’t want to rely on public transport during your stay.
• You are travelling in a group of two to five people.