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About ALC
Alicante-Elche Airport is the main international airport serving Spain's Costa Blanca region. Located 9 km southwest of Alicante city center, the airport is a major gateway for European tourists visiting the popular Mediterranean coastline. The modern New Terminal (opened 2011) handles over 15 million passengers annually, with traffic peaking heavily during summer months. The airport connects to destinations across Europe, making it one of Spain's busiest airports for leisure travel.
Terminals
New Terminal
The New Terminal opened in 2011, replacing the old terminal. A modern, spacious building designed by architect Jaime Sanahuja with abundant natural light and Mediterranean design elements. Handles all commercial flights.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at ALC
easyJet
New TerminalRyanair
New TerminalAer Lingus
Air Algerie
Air Europa
Air Serbia
airBaltic
Austrian Airlines
Showing 8 of 31 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
TRAM Line L1 connects to Alicante city center in 30 minutes from the Tram-Airport station. Direct buses also run to Alicante, Benidorm, and other Costa Blanca destinations. Taxis are affordable.
Taxi
$20-25
15-20 min to city center
Public Transport
$3.85
30 min to city center
Parking at ALC
P1 General
P2 Long Stay
P3 Express
Airport Lounges
Sala VIP Alicante
New Terminal
The only lounge at Alicante Airport, located in the departures area after security. Offers Spanish tapas, Mediterranean snacks, beverages including local wines, and comfortable seating.
Iberia Premium Lounge
New Terminal
Iberia's lounge for premium passengers with Spanish snacks, wines, and a business center. Located near the boarding gates.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Hotel Campanile Alicante
5 minutes by taxi from airport
Budget-friendly hotel near the airport. Basic but clean rooms. Day rooms available for layovers.
Ayre Gran Hotel Colon
10 minutes by taxi from airport, in Alicante city
Modern hotel in Alicante city with rooftop pool. Easy taxi ride to the airport. Good location for exploring.
Food & Dining
Rodilla
Spanish Sandwiches
New Terminal (Airside)
Popular Spanish sandwich chain famous for its triangular white bread sandwiches. Quick, affordable, and authentically Spanish.
06:00-22:00
Costa Coffee
Cafe
New Terminal (Landside)
International coffee chain popular with British travelers. Familiar menu of coffees, teas, pastries, and sandwiches.
05:00-22:30
La Placita
Spanish/Mediterranean
New Terminal (Airside)
Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, bocadillos, and other Mediterranean dishes. Good selection of Spanish wines and beers.
07:00-21:30
Car Rental
Goldcar
Car rental center, ground floor arrivals
Major Spanish rental company headquartered near Alicante. Competitive prices.
Enterprise
Car rental center, ground floor arrivals
International chain with good fleet. Perfect for the Costa Blanca coast.
Europcar
Car rental center, ground floor arrivals
Reliable option with EV vehicles. The AP-7 motorway is now toll-free.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Walk Alicante Esplanade and Castle
Take the TRAM to Alicante center. Walk along the Explanada de Espana promenade, then take the free elevator up to Santa Barbara Castle for panoramic views. Allow 3+ hours.
Beach Day at Playa del Postiguet
Alicante city beach is just minutes from the TRAM station. Enjoy Mediterranean sun, swim, and grab tapas at a beachfront chiringuito. Allow 3+ hours.
Tapas and Wine in Old Town
Explore the atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz old quarter. Sample tapas at traditional bars - try local turron, fresh seafood, and Monastrell wine.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type F (Schuko)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $5-10/day
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Spain. Leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated. 5-10% at restaurants for good service.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor areas only, outside the terminal building
Insider Tips
The TRAM is a scenic and cheap way to reach Alicante center. The airport gets extremely busy in summer - arrive early. Many flights serve British and Scandinavian tourists heading to Costa Blanca resorts. Car rental is popular for exploring the coast.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, VIP lounge, car rental desks, pharmacy, left luggage, tourist information, children's play area, nursing rooms
Official Website
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how ALC compares to other major airports in the region.
Alicante-Elche Airport
Alicante, Spain
Palma de Mallorca Airport
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Madrid, Spain
Houari Boumediene Airport
Algiers, Algeria
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Malaga, Spain
Explore Airport Rankings
Other Airports in Spain
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61.7M passengers/year
Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Barcelona
52.7M passengers/year
Palma de Mallorca Airport
Palma de Mallorca
31.1M passengers/year
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Malaga
22.3M passengers/year
Gran Canaria Airport
Las Palmas
14.5M passengers/year
Tenerife South Airport
Tenerife
12.1M passengers/year