Airport Real ALC desk layout, shuttle bus stops, and 19.95M-passenger 2025 throughput. Centauro, RecordGo, Goldcar audited. AP-7 toll-free since Feb 2025; 40-min transfer to Benidorm. Welcome to the Costa Blanca! Your journey to Benidorm begins at Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), a bustling hub that handled an estimated 19.95 million passengers in 2025, with nearly a third coming from the UK. The airport, officially located at 03195 L'Altet, is your primary gateway to the sun-drenched resorts of the region. The drive from ALC to Benidorm is straightforward. Your main route is the AP-7 motorway, a journey of approximately 55–58 km that typically takes 40–45 minutes in normal traffic. A crucial piece of local knowledge: since February 2025, this entire stretch of the AP-7 motorway is completely toll-free. Be aware that some rental desks may still try to sell you a "Via-T" electronic toll transponder. For the simple drive to Benidorm, you absolutely do not need this and should politely decline the offer to avoid unnecessary charges. When booking your alicante airport car hire, you'll choose between suppliers located inside the terminal and those a short shuttle ride away. Each has its pros and cons, primarily convenience versus cost. The key is knowing exactly where to go. Category Key Suppliers Location & Pickup Process Pros & Cons In-Terminal Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Centauro, Goldcar Desks are on Floor 0 (Arrivals Hall), right after baggage claim. Vehicles are collected from the main car park on Floor 3. Pro: Quickest access, no shuttle needed. Con: Often slightly higher prices, can have longer queues at the desk during peak times. Off-Site Wiber, RecordGo, Enterprise, Victoria Cars, ClickRent A free shuttle bus is required. Go to Floor -2, follow "Ground Transportation / Shuttle Buses" signs, and wait at bays 45–55. Pro: Usually cheaper rental rates. Con: Adds 15–25 minutes to your journey (4-5 min transfer to the Torrellano industrial estates, plus waiting time). Navigating the ALC pickup process is simple if you follow these steps. Having your documents ready will make everything smoother. After landing, clear passport control and collect your luggage from the carousels. Exit into the main arrivals hall on Floor 0. For In-Terminal brands: Locate your supplier’s desk in the arrivals hall. Present your booking confirmation, passport, driving licence, and the credit card in the main driver's name. For Off-Site brands: Take the elevator or escalator down two levels to Floor -2. Follow the signs for "Ground Transportation / Shuttle Buses," cross the zebra crossing to the Express Parking area, and find your supplier's shuttle bus waiting at bays 45–55. At the rental desk (either in-terminal or off-site), you will be offered extra insurance. If you have a standalone car hire excess policy, politely decline. This is often where they try to upsell; knowing the facts about car rental prices in Benidorm can save you money. For more information, read our guide on how to spot and avoid rental scams. Once you have the keys, go to the assigned bay and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before leaving the lot. Top Tip: Photograph Everything Before you even put your luggage in the car, use your smartphone to take photos and a short video of the vehicle from all angles. Capture close-ups of any existing scratches, scuffs, or dents. This is your best protection against being charged for pre-existing damage upon return. Also, check that the mandatory V16 emergency beacon light is in the glovebox. Confirm the fuel policy on your rental agreement matches what you booked. The best and most common policy is "Full-to-Full." If the policy is different, insist it be corrected. If you find any damage not marked on the rental diagram, go back to the desk or find an attendant and ensure they document it in writing and sign it before you drive away. Finally, before pulling out of the parking space, program your hotel's address or "Benidorm Centro" into your GPS or phone. This will help you navigate the airport exit roads with confidence. You're all set! The drive to Benidorm is scenic and easy. From the airport rental car park, follow the signs for the A-70 / AP-7 motorway. You will quickly merge onto the main highway heading northbound in the direction of Valencia. Stay on the AP-7 for about 50 km. You will pass signs for El Altet, Arenales del Sol, and the Villajoyosa turnoff. As you get closer, the iconic Benidorm skyline will become visible from about 10 km away. For a full overview of local regulations, see our complete guide to driving in Spain. Route Distance Est. Time (Summer) Toll Cost Scenery & Congestion AP-7 Motorway 58 km 40–45 minutes €0.00 Fast, efficient, direct. The best option. N-332 Coastal Road 55 km 60–75 minutes €0.00 Slower, passes through towns, often heavy traffic in summer. There are two main exits for Benidorm: Exit 65 (Benidorm / Terra Mítica): Best for Poniente beach, the Old Town, and theme parks. Exit 67 (Benidorm Levante): Best for Levante beach and the Rincón de Loix area. Once you arrive, finding a place for your car is the next step. Plan ahead with our guide to parking in Benidorm. With your own vehicle, you're perfectly set up for some amazing day trips you can take from Benidorm. If you have an early morning flight, pay close attention to your rental company's return policy to avoid surprise fees. Warning: Out-of-Hours Return Fees Many off-site rental operators have limited office hours. For example, Victoria Cars often applies a €25 surcharge for returns made outside of their 08:00–20:00 window. Always check the fine print for your specific supplier to avoid a last-minute charge. A smart strategy for flights before 09:00 is to return the car the evening before. You can use a secure, low-cost off-site car park like Khan Low Cost Parking or Parking Ascars in El Altet. Prices start from just €14.29 for 8 days and include 24h CCTV and a free shuttle to the terminal, allowing you to take a relaxed taxi to the airport in the morning. For in-terminal returns, simply drive back towards the airport and follow the prominent "Rent a Car / Rental Car Return" signs. This will direct you to a dedicated entrance at the main short-stay car park, right next to where you picked the car up. While Alicante is the default airport for Benidorm, you might find a bargain flight to Valencia Airport (VLC). Distance: VLC is 135 km north of Benidorm. Drive Time: The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, also via the toll-free AP-7 motorway. Consideration: Only choose VLC if the flight savings are significant enough to offset the longer drive and extra fuel cost. Valencia Airport is smaller and generally has fewer rentacar alicante competitors, meaning shuttle logistics can be less streamlined than at ALC. For more information on the airport, visit the official AENA Alicante-Elche Airport website.