Compare cheap car hire at Alicante Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicle choices, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Alicante Airport (Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport – ALC) is one of Spain’s busiest holiday airports and the main gateway to the Costa Blanca. Located about 9km southwest of Alicante city, the airport serves beach resorts, golf courses and coastal towns across southeastern Spain.
Many visitors rent a car directly at the airport to explore the Costa Blanca. Resorts and towns along the coast are spread out, making a car the easiest way to travel between beaches, inland villages and popular holiday destinations.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Alicante Airport has frequent direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Alicante (Aer Lingus, Ryanair)
- Cork → Alicante (Aer Lingus)
- Knock → Alicante (Ryanair)
The flight from Dublin to Alicante usually takes around 2 hours 45 minutes.
Where to Find the Car Hire Desks
The car hire desks at Alicante Airport are located inside the arrivals hall on Level 0 of the main terminal. After exiting baggage reclaim, passengers will find the rental counters in the public arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the airport car rental parking area located directly opposite the terminal building. The car park is only a short walk from the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information are available on the official Alicante Airport website.
Rental Companies at Alicante Airport
Alicante Airport hosts a large number of international and Spanish rental companies.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
Vehicles are normally parked in the airport’s dedicated car rental parking area across from the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Alicante Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €20 – €40 per day | €40 – €70 per day | €70 – €120 per day |
| April – June | €25 – €55 per day | €55 – €90 per day | €90 – €150 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day | €160 – €240 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €70 per day | €70 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €20 – €45 per day | €45 – €80 per day | €80 – €140 per day |
Vehicles Commonly Rented on the Costa Blanca
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for driving between coastal resorts and navigating town centres.
Family Cars
Mid-size cars are comfortable for longer journeys along the Costa Blanca.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort when travelling with luggage or visiting inland mountain areas.
Group and Family Vehicles
Larger vehicles are often rented by families and groups travelling together.
- 7 Seater SUVs – suitable for families travelling with luggage
- 8 Seater vehicles – ideal for larger family groups
- 9 Seater passenger vans – popular for group holidays
- 12 Seater passenger vans – useful for larger travel groups
- 15 Seater passenger vans – often rented by extended families
Driving Routes from Alicante Airport
The airport connects directly to the AP-7 and A-7 motorways, making it easy to reach destinations along the Costa Blanca.
- Alicante city centre – about 15 minutes
- Benidorm – around 40 minutes
- Torrevieja – roughly 45 minutes
- Murcia – about 50 minutes
The AP-7 motorway runs along the Mediterranean coast and connects many of the region’s main resorts.
Travellers exploring Spain sometimes compare arrival points at Murcia Airport, Valencia Airport or Malaga Airport when planning road trips along the Spanish coastline.
Driving Tips for the Costa Blanca
Roads along the Costa Blanca are modern and well maintained. Motorways are clearly signposted and distances are displayed in kilometres.
Some sections of the AP-7 motorway may have tolls, although many routes around Alicante are toll-free.
More visitor information is available on the official Spain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Alicante
With a rental car, travellers can explore several coastal towns and inland destinations.
- Benidorm – one of Spain’s best-known beach resorts
- Altea – coastal town with historic old streets
- Guadalest – scenic mountain village
- Torrevieja – resort town with salt lagoons and beaches
Many visitors combine these destinations during a road trip along the Costa Blanca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Alicante Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the main terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Alicante Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Alicante Airport from Alicante city?
The airport is located about 9km southwest of the city.
Is driving on the Costa Blanca easy for visitors?
Yes. Roads are modern, well maintained and clearly signposted.
Do Spanish motorways have tolls?
Some motorways have toll sections, although many roads near Alicante are toll-free.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Alicante Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in Spain.
Should I book Alicante Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Alicante Airport to Benidorm?
The journey normally takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Which motorway connects Alicante Airport with the coast?
The AP-7 and A-7 motorways provide the main connections along the Costa Blanca.
