Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport

Overview

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (IATA: ALC) is the main international gateway to the Costa Blanca region of Spain. Named after the poet Miguel Hernández, the airport serves the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, and is one of the busiest airports in Spain by passenger traffic. It handles millions of travellers each year, primarily tourists from the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, as well as domestic connections to major Spanish cities. The airport is a key hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, and also receives seasonal charter flights. Its modern single terminal handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights efficiently.

Location & Access

Located about 10 km southwest of Alicante city centre and roughly 10 km east of Elche, the airport sits conveniently between the two cities. The nearest major motorway is the A-70, which connects to the AP-7 toll road running along the coast. By car, journey times to Alicante city centre are approximately 15–20 minutes; to Benidorm it takes about 40 minutes; and to Murcia around 45 minutes.

Public Transport:

• Train: The airport has its own train station (Estación de Alicante Aeropuerto) on the Renfe C-3 line, providing direct services to Alicante Terminal station (every 20-30 minutes, journey time 20 minutes). Trains also continue to San Vicent del Raspeig.
• Bus: The C-6 bus line connects the airport with Alicante's main bus station and the city centre. Buses run daily every 20–30 minutes. Additionally, several long-distance coaches link the airport with destinations like Murcia, Cartagena, and Benidorm.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Fares to Alicante centre are approximately €25–30, and to Benidorm around €50–60. Fixed-rate tickets may be available for some destinations.
• Car Rental: Major rental agencies have desks in the arrivals hall. There are multiple car parks (see Facilities).

Facilities

The terminal offers a range of passenger facilities to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to "Aena Wi-Fi" network with no time limit.
• Baggage Storage: Located near the arrivals area, ideal for storing luggage during a layover or short visit to the city.
• Toilets & Baby Changing: Clean toilet facilities throughout, including accessible toilets and baby changing tables in both arrivals and departures.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The airport is fully wheelchair accessible with designated parking, entrances, seating, and toilets. Assistance can be requested from your airline or via the Aena app.
• Parking: Two main paid parking options:
  • Multi-storey car park: Directly opposite the terminal, ideal for short stays (hourly rates).
  • Long-stay parking lot: A short walk from the terminal, more economical for extended trips.
• Seating: Plenty of seating in both departures and arrivals, including areas with charging points.

Note: The airport is not open 24 hours; it closes overnight (typically from midnight to around 5:00 AM). Passengers cannot stay inside the terminal during closure.

About the Region

The Costa Blanca is famous for its 200 km of coastline, with golden beaches and coves, backed by mountains and traditional whitewashed villages. Alicante city offers a historic old town, the Santa Bárbara Castle, and the Explanada de España promenade. Elche is renowned for its vast date palm grove (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the largest in Europe, and its medieval Altamira Palace. The region's microclimate means mild winters and hot summers, making it a year-round destination for beach holidays, golf, hiking, and water sports. Nearby attractions include the bustling resort of Benidorm, the natural parks of Santa Pola and Montgó, and the vineyards of the Alicante DO wine region. The airport's location allows easy access to both the coast and inland areas like the Guadalest Valley.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The terminal opens approximately 2 hours before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. It is closed overnight. Check flight schedules for exact hours.
• Peak Hours: The busiest times are around 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Expect longer queues at security and check-in during these periods.
• Website: For official information on flights, car parks, and services, visit the Aena website: https://www.aena.es/es/alicante-elche.html
• Phone: General enquiries: +34 913 21 10 00. This number may handle queries for all Aena airports; be ready to specify Alicante-Elche.
• Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are available in the arrivals hall.
• Language: Spanish and Valencian (Catalan) are official; English is widely understood in airport and tourist areas.

For current flight status, real-time parking availability, and security wait times, the Aena app or website is recommended. Always arrive at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours for long-haul.