Alicante Airport to Torrevieja: Bus, Taxi, Transfer or Car Hire (2024 Guide)

Torrevieja is about 43 km from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport (ALC). Choose the right option and you can be unpacking near the sea in under an hour - choose the wrong one and you may lose time figuring out queues, stops or schedules.

Below you will find a clear comparison of the four main ways to travel from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja: the Costa Azul bus, taxi (and Uber), pre-booked private transfers and car hire. At the end, I also explain the last short hop to Playa de los Locos.

At a glance: best option for your trip

1. Costa Azul bus (cheapest)

If you are travelling on a budget, the direct Costa Azul coach is usually the best value for Alicante Airport to Torrevieja. It is a straightforward option because you do not need to change buses.

• Price: from around €7 per person
• Journey time: roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 21 minutes
• Service: typically runs daily (always double-check around holidays)

Where to catch it: follow signs for buses/coaches after arrivals and walk to the coach pick-up area. If you are unsure, ask at the airport information point and say you are looking for the bus to Torrevieja.

My practical tip (from doing this route in summer): when multiple flights land close together, the bus area can get busy. If you are set on the coach, head there sooner rather than browsing shops first - it can be the difference between boarding comfortably and waiting for the next departure.

2. Taxi and Uber (fastest door-to-door)

If you want to go straight from ALC to your accommodation in Torrevieja with minimal effort, take a taxi from the official rank outside arrivals. This is a popular choice for families with tired kids, bulky luggage or late-night arrivals.

• Typical cost: €70-€90 per car (varies with time of day, traffic and luggage)
• Journey time: around 45 minutes in normal traffic
• Uber: may be available, often working with local licensed drivers

3. Private airport transfers (most predictable)

For the most predictable arrival, a pre-booked private transfer is hard to beat. You typically get fixed pricing, a meet-and-greet at arrivals and the comfort of knowing a vehicle is assigned to you (useful during peak summer weeks).

• Typical price: from €60 for a standard vehicle
• Minibus: commonly €78+ for larger groups (provider dependent)
• Best for: families, groups, late landings and anyone who wants to avoid queues

If you need a child seat, mention it during booking rather than hoping one is available on the spot.

4. Car hire (best for exploring)

If Torrevieja is your base but you want day trips (beaches, viewpoints, markets and coastal towns), hiring a car at Alicante Airport gives you the most flexibility. You can pick up from the airport rental area and drive straight down to Torrevieja.

• Drive time: about 40-45 minutes
• Main route: the N-332 coastal road is a common choice
• Good to know: parking near the seafront can be busy in high season

Simple directions: leave ALC and follow signs south toward the coast and the N-332 in the direction of Torrevieja/Cartagena. Use live navigation for the fastest route because traffic patterns change quickly in summer.

Arriving in Torrevieja: getting to Playa de los Locos

If you arrive by coach, you will usually be dropped at the main Torrevieja bus station. From there, Playa de los Locos is a short ride, but it is not a fun walk with heavy suitcases in the heat.

From the bus station to Playa de los Locos:

• Local bus: practical if you are travelling light
• Local taxi: quickest and easiest with family luggage or beach gear

If you arrive by taxi, private transfer or car hire, you can go directly to your address.

Where to stay near the beach: If you want a comfortable base close to the sea, you can check our holiday apartments near Playa de los Locos here: https://www.sun.apartments/en/apartment-3a and https://www.sun.apartments/en/apartment-3b.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a train from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja?

No. There is no direct train from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja. The most common options are the direct bus, taxi/Uber, a private transfer or car hire.

How much is a taxi from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja?

Expect around €70-€90 in typical conditions, depending on time of day, traffic and luggage. For the most accurate cost, ask at the official taxi rank before you depart.

How long is the bus from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja?

The direct coach commonly takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 21 minutes. Always confirm the latest timetable for your travel day, especially if you land late.

Short summary

For Alicante Airport to Torrevieja, the direct Costa Azul bus is usually the cheapest (from €7), taxis/Uber are the simplest door-to-door option (€70-€90), private transfers are the most predictable (from €60), and car hire is best if you plan to explore. If you are staying near Playa de los Locos, remember you may need a short local taxi or bus ride from the main bus station.