How Much Is Taxi From Alicante Airport To Benidorm? (And Which Ride Isn’t a Complete Faff)
Ah, Benidorm. Land of sunburnt Brits, suspiciously cheap sangria, and beach towels marking sun loungers at dawn like it’s some sort of Mediterranean Hunger Games. But before you can wade into that glorious madness, you’ve got to get there—specifically, from Alicante Airport.
And unless you’re up for a game of “guess which bus actually stops near your hotel”, chances are you’re looking at some kind of taxi or transfer. So, let’s break down your options, from the classic airport cab to the modern magic of ride-hailing apps. I’ve tried them all (some more regrettably than others), so here’s the lowdown—costs, convenience, and cock-ups included.
1. Standard Taxi From Alicante Airport: The Classic (and Pricey) Move
💶 Cost: Around €75–€85 one-way
This is the taxi you’ll find waiting outside the arrivals terminal, all lined up like they’re auditioning for The Fast and the Furious: Costa Blanca Drift. No booking, no apps, no nonsense—just roll up and hop in, this is usually the quickest option.
Pros:
- Zero planning needed. Walk out, flag one, boom—you’re en route.
- Available 24/7. Even if your Ryanair flight gets you in at some ungodly hour.
- Local knowledge. Most drivers know exactly where you’re going, even if you mumble “Hotel…uh…Sol Pelicanos?” with the confidence of a man guessing on a pub quiz.
Cons:
- Not cheap. €75–€85 is standard, but I’ve been stung €90 before when traffic was bad and the meter kept ticking like a bomb in an action film.
- Cash preferred. Some take cards, some don’t—it’s a gamble. Like Russian roulette, but with euros and awkward language barriers.
Convenience: Simply queue up (we Brits do love a good queue), hop in when it’s your turn, and off you go. No booking required, which is perfect if you’re as hopeless at planning ahead as I am.
Verdict: Reliable, easy, but you’re paying for the convenience. Ideal if you just want to get to the bar before your mates post their first holiday pint on Instagram.
2. Pre-Booked Private Taxi: The Organised Legend’s Choice
💶 Cost: €60–€70 (fixed price, usually)
This is when you book your taxi in advance online. Loads of companies offer it—Beniconnect, Suntransfers, GetTransfers, etc. A driver (with your name on a sign if you’re lucky) meets you at arrivals and whisks you away like you’re some minor celebrity.
Pros:
- Fixed price. No meter stress. You know what you’re paying before your suitcase even hits the carousel.
- Comfort. Usually a nice clean car, air-con blasting, driver not blasting reggaeton at window-shattering volume (unlike one ride I had in a standard cab).
- English-speaking support. Booking platforms often have decent customer service if your flight’s delayed or you’ve gone full numpty and missed your pickup.
Cons:
- Must be pre-booked. If you forget, you’re out of luck.
- More effort upfront. You’ll need to trawl a few websites and part with your details. Not exactly rock ’n’ roll spontaneity.
Convenience: Your driver will be waiting in arrivals with one of those signs with your name on – always makes me feel like a B-list celebrity, that does!
Verdict: My personal favourite, especially when travelling alone. Slightly cheaper than a regular taxi, and less faff than trying to download Uber with flaky airport WiFi. Feels very grown-up and sensible, which is exactly how I like to feel before descending into Benidorm chaos.
3. Uber (Or Local Equivalents): The App-y Medium Ground
💶 Cost: Around €65–€75, but can surge
Yes, Uber exists in Alicante—but with caveats. Coverage isn’t as ubiquitous as in London or Madrid, and airport pickups can be a bit hit-and-miss. You might get lucky, or you might stare at the app as the spinning wheel of doom spins indefinitely.
Pros:
- App-based. No language barrier. No fumbling for cash. If you’ve ever shouted “¡dónde está mi taxi!” to a bemused Spaniard, you’ll appreciate this.
- Price estimate upfront. Surge pricing can be brutal, but at least it warns you before gouging your wallet.
- No awkward chat. Ride in glorious silence while pretending to check important emails.
Cons:
- Availability. Especially sketchy during peak season. I once waited 25 minutes, only to be cancelled on three times. Felt like being ghosted on Tinder, but less romantic.
- Slightly pricier than pre-booked. And not always more convenient.
Convenience: We all know the drill – tap your phone, car appears, magic happens.
Verdict: If you already use Uber, it’s a decent option—when it works. Just have a backup plan in case your driver is “4 minutes away” for eternity.
4. Shuttle Buses & Shared Transfers: For the Budget-Minded (or Extremely Patient)
💶 Cost: From €9 to €16 per person
These are the shared minibus services where you and 8–12 strangers pile in like the start of a reality TV show. Prices vary depending on whether it’s a direct transfer or a milk run dropping off every holidaymaker and their nan along the Costa Blanca.
Pros:
- Ridiculously cheap. Especially if you’re solo or a couple. €9 to Benidorm? Bargain.
- Eco-friendlier. Sharing is caring, and all that.
- More money left for mojitos.
Cons:
- Time-consuming. If you’re the last drop-off, you’ll get an impromptu tour of every resort between Alicante and Benidorm.
- Less flexible. You’ve got to wait for other passengers, and pickups can be slow.
- Not exactly glamorous. Think “school trip in July” vibes.
Convenience: Book online, receive confirmation, driver meets you at arrivals.
Verdict: Best for budget travellers, backpackers, and the very patient. Fine if you’ve got time to kill, but not ideal if your legs are still traumatised from the flight and you just want a cold drink.
So, What’s The Best Way?
Honestly? If you’re not pinching pennies, a pre-booked private taxi wins. It’s cheaper than the airport rank, less faff than Uber, and way more comfortable than a shared shuttle. For me, it hits that sweet spot of convenience and value—especially after a flight that involved a toddler kicking the back of your seat for two hours straight.
But if you’re travelling solo and on a budget, shared transfers are hard to beat. Just maybe bring snacks. And a podcast. Possibly a small pillow.
My Honest Opinion?
If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, the shared shuttle makes sense despite the extended scenic tour. For couples, I’d say a pre-booked private taxi hits the sweet spot of value and convenience – it’s my go-to choice these days.
For families or groups of four, it’s a no-brainer – book that private transfer and split the cost. Works out cheaper per person than the shuttle and saves you from hearing “are we there yet?” seventeen times during stop-offs at other hotels.
Whatever you choose, just remember – that first drink tastes all the sweeter after navigating the transport faff. And isn’t that what holidays are all about? Well, that, and coming home with a sunburn in awkward places and a questionable souvenir you’ll regret by the time you reach baggage reclaim back home.
Final Tips Before You Roll
- Always check if your hotel offers transfers. Some throw them in for free, which is frankly wizardry.
- Avoid random “friendly taxi guys” inside the terminal. They’re not regulated and might cost more than your flight.
- Pack patience. Especially in summer when everyone seems to be landing at once.
So there you go. Whether you’re a baller, a budgeteer, or just someone who wants to avoid accidentally ending up in Murcia, now you know how to get from Alicante Airport to Benidorm without losing your mind (or your suitcase). Safe travels—and don’t forget sun cream. Seriously, I once burned through a t-shirt. Check the temperatures in the resort before you travel!
