Alicante–Elche Layover Guide (ALC)

What are you looking for in ALC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) is an international airport located in Elche, Spain, about 9 km (5.6 miles) southwest of Alicante. The airport officially opened in 1967. Alicante is one of the main tourist destinations on Spain’s Costa Blanca, known for its sunny climate, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular spot for both leisure and business travelers throughout the year.

Can you leave Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) may exit the terminal during a layover, but must clear Spanish immigration. International travelers requiring Schengen entry visas must obtain a valid short–stay Schengen visa or hold a multiple–entry visa, residence permit, or visa exemption. Check regulations beforehand. See any airport transit visa regulations. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Santa Bárbara Castle Perched atop Mount Benacantil offering panoramic city and Mediterranean views, explore medieval fortifications, dungeons and exhibition halls at this iconic landmark spanning centuries of regional heritage, rich, diverse cultural narratives. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus C6 to Mercado then 15 min walk or 15 min taxi.)
• Explanada de España Colorful palm-lined mosaic scenic promenade at the historic port, perfect for a leisurely stroll with street performances, local food stalls and artisan vendors, enjoying refreshing sea breeze and Mediterranean ambiance. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus C6 + 10 min walk or 10 min taxi.)
• Postiguet Beach Safe, family-friendly golden urban beach at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and accessible beachfront cafés, featuring crystal-clear waters, shaded palm-framed skyline and lively seaside atmosphere. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus C6 + 15 min walk or 15 min taxi.)
• Palmeral de Elche Explore UNESCO-listed palm oasis featuring over 200,000 date palms, lush scenic pathways, traditional aguazales irrigation systems and historic orchards, offering a serene glimpse into Moorish heritage and verdant coastal landscapes. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus C6 to Alicante centre + Tram L3 to Elche or 30 min taxi.)
• Tabarca Island Discover tiny inhabited islet boasting crystal-clear waters, protected marine reserve, 18th-century fortress, quaint, colorful fishing village and seaside seafood restaurants, ideal for snorkeling adventures, boat excursions and sun-soaked coastal exploration. (Time required: Half-day (~4 hours). / Airport to here: Taxi to port + 1 hr ferry or Bus C6 + tram + ferry (~1.5 hrs).)
• Basílica de Santa María Visit Gothic-Baroque Basílica de Santa María in Old Town, admire its intricate façade, golden altarpiece, stunning, glorious frescoes and ornate chapels, encapsulating Alicante’s rich religious art history amid medieval streets. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus C6 to centre + 10 min walk or 15 min taxi.)
• MARQ Archaeological Museum Highly acclaimed award-winning museum showcasing prehistoric, Iberian, Roman and medieval artifacts through visually stunning interactive displays, multimedia, educational exhibits and realistic reconstructions, offering immersive engaging journey through Alicante’s multifaceted past. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus C6 + 5 min walk or 15 min taxi.)
• Clot de Galvany Natural Park Protected coastal wetland reserve featuring hiking trails, diverse birdlife, seasonal wildflowers and scenic boardwalks through lush marshes, tranquil ponds and elevated viewpoints, immersing visitors in Alicante province’s serene natural sanctuary. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~20 min) or Bus C6 + local bus to Elche + 10 min walk.)

Things to Do in Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Costa Blanca VIP Lounge is located on level P1 of the boarding area, open daily from 04:00 to 23:00. It serves both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers, offering comfortable seating, complimentary catering, free Wi-Fi, newspapers, children’s play area and meeting rooms. Access can be purchased online or at the lounge reception. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site accommodation facilities at Alicante–Elche Airport, but several hotels lie within a ten-minute drive. Options include Hotel Areca, Hotel Port Elche and El Plantio Golf Resort, many offering airport shuttle service, early check-in and Wi-Fi. Reservations should be made in advance for best competitive rates and availability. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight rest options at ALC are limited. The arrivals hall offers benches without armrests and occasional quieter corners past baggage reclaim. Power outlets are scarce and lighting remains on 24/7. For brief naps travelers recommend carrying a travel mat or neck pillow and seeking quiet seating near closed gates area.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available airport-wide courtesy of Aena. Connect to the “Aena_Free_Wifi_Aena” network, accept terms and enjoy up to one hour of high-speed access per session. You can reconnect indefinitely without password. No registration or payment is required and no advertisements interrupt browsing. Speeds are sufficient for streaming video calls.

SIM/eSIM Card: Mobile eSIM and physical SIM cards from major Spanish operators (Vodafone, Movistar, Orange) are available via kiosks and vending machines in the arrivals hall. eSIM activation can be completed online ahead of travel. Data packages start from €10, including 4G/5G connectivity, calls and SMS valid across Spain and the EU. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis are operated by Radio Taxi Elche and Servitaxi Elche. Find the taxi rank on the right side of the arrivals road. Vehicles feature a green stripe and Elche coat of arms. Fares to central Alicante average €20–€25. A Radio Taxi information desk in arrivals is open from 09:00–01:00.

Train: Reaching ALC by rail involves taking the C-6 bus to Alicante-Luceros station, which links to the TRAM-train network. Lines 1–4 connect the city centre and Costa Blanca towns. Services run every 20–30 minutes from 05:00 to midnight. Tickets cost €3.85 one-way and are purchased on board. more info

Bus: Bus route C-6 links the airport with Alicante city centre every day, stopping at Plaza de Luceros and other key hubs. Services run from 06:10 to 00:00 at 20-minute intervals. Tickets cost €3.85 one-way and can be purchased aboard or at vending machines. Subject to change. more info

Shuttle: Nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests. Pickup points are outside the arrivals hall and schedules typically run every 20–30 minutes between 05:00 and 23:00. Reservations are required, so contact your hotel in advance. Shuttle frequency, routes and fees vary by property and may be subject to change.

Car rentals: Car hire companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Goldcar) maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles can be collected and returned to dedicated parking areas outside the terminal. Booking online in advance often secures better rates and vehicle choice. Drivers must present a valid license, passport and credit card deposit guarantee. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Aena operates multiple on-site car parks: short-stay (P1, P2) adjacent to the terminal, medium-stay (P3) a short walk away, and long-stay (P4) with shuttle service. Rates start at €2.30 per hour, with daily maximums from €10. Reservations can be booked via the Aena website for discounted rates. Open 24/7 CCTV.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official left-luggage facility exists, but private providers offer secure storage with various size options. Lockers are located in the public area on Floor 2 and accessible 24/7 with PIN security. Grupo21 provides drop-off storage 09:00–15:00 and pick-up 05:00–09:00. Rates range €4.20–€10 for 2–24 hours and packing/delivery services are available. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks