Can I get around the Costa Blanca without a car?

On the northern coast, yes — the TRAM light rail connects Alicante with Benidorm, Altea and Calpe. On the southern coast (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa), a car is more practical, though intercity buses connect the main towns and taxis are affordable.

How do I get from Alicante airport to Torrevieja?

Options: pre-booked private transfer (€40–60, 45 min), airport shuttle bus (€5, 75 min), or taxi (€65–75). There is no direct train. The ALSA bus service also runs several times daily.

Is the TRAM useful for tourists?

Very useful on the northern coast. It runs from Alicante through Benidorm to Calpe/Dénia along the coast with sea views. It is modern, affordable (€4 Alicante–Benidorm) and runs every 30 minutes. Less useful for the southern coast, which it does not serve.

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Travel Guide

Buses, Trains & Getting Around

By Maya Kallio•Updated April 2026•7 min read• Fact-checked April 2026

Quick Answer

The TRAM light rail connects Alicante with Benidorm, Altea and Calpe (€4, 75 min). ALSA buses link all major towns. Airport bus (C-6) runs every 20 min. Taxis are metered and affordable. The northern coast is car-free friendly; the south is more car-dependent.

Essential	Details
TRAM Alicante–Benidorm	€4, ~75 min
Airport bus (C-6)	€4, every 20 min
ALSA bus coverage	All major towns
Taxi (Torrevieja)	Metered, €5–15 local

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Key Takeaways

✓The TRAM connects Alicante with towns along the northern coast.
✓ALSA buses link all major towns but are less frequent evenings/Sundays.
✓The C-6 airport bus runs every 20 minutes to Alicante city (€4).
✓The northern coast is feasible without a car; the south is more car-dependent.
✓Taxis are metered, safe and reasonably priced.

1. TRAM Alicante

The TRAM light-rail system connects Alicante city with towns along the northern Costa Blanca, including San Juan, El Campello, Villajoyosa, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe and (on the slower L9 line) Dénia. Line 1 is the main coastal route and takes about 75 minutes from Alicante to Benidorm.

Fares are zone-based and very affordable — a single from Alicante to Benidorm costs around €4. The T-MES monthly pass (€38) offers unlimited travel within the network. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. The TRAM is modern, air-conditioned and runs right along the coast with sea views.

2. Intercity Buses

ALSA and Costa Azul operate regular bus services between all major towns. Torrevieja to Alicante takes about one hour; Benidorm to Alicante about 50 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but are less regular in the evenings and on Sundays.

Tickets can be bought on the bus (cash) or at station ticket offices. Pre-booking online through the ALSA app or website is slightly cheaper and guarantees a seat on busy routes. Most buses are modern and air-conditioned.

3. Airport Transfers

The C-6 bus connects Alicante airport with the city centre every 20 minutes (fare around €4). For Torrevieja and the southern coast, airport shuttle buses operate on a scheduled timetable aligned with major flight arrivals.

Private transfers are widely available and typically cost €40–60 to Torrevieja or €30–40 to Benidorm. Pre-book online for the best rates. Airport taxis are metered and slightly more expensive at €65–75 to Torrevieja.

4. Tips for Car-Free Travel

The northern Costa Blanca (Alicante to Dénia) is well served by the TRAM, making car-free travel feasible. You can stay in Benidorm, Altea or Calpe and reach multiple towns by rail. The TRAM also connects with the Alicante city bus network.

The southern coast (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar) is more car-dependent, though intercity buses do connect the main towns. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced for short journeys (€5–15 within town). Ride-sharing apps like Cabify work in Alicante city.

For day trips, consider organised excursion buses that run from most resort towns to popular destinations like Guadalest, Alicante and the Jalón valley.