# Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

> Alicante, ES · 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Alicante

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/alc
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/alc.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: ALC
- **ICAO**: LEAL
- **Timezone**: Europe/Madrid
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 15.7M/yr
- **Official site**: https://www.aena.es/en/alicante-elche-miguel-hernandez.html

## Overview

## Welcome

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is a key entry point for sun-seekers heading to Spain's Costa Blanca. Although the airport initially grew with multiple terminals, today all passenger operations are centralized in the modern Nueva Área Terminal (NAT), making navigation straightforward for the 15.7 million passengers it serves annually. The old terminals are still there, casting an eerie presence and sometimes confusing first-time visitors.

## At a glance

Sitting 9 km southwest of Alicante, ALC is not just for those visiting Alicante but also caters to travelers bound for Valencia, Murcia, and the wider Costa Blanca. It's primarily serviced by budget carriers like Vueling, Ryanair, and easyJet, reflecting its focus on leisure travel. The airport has one runway, making efficient arrivals and departures crucial, especially during peak holiday seasons.

## Terminals & layout

All operations are housed in the NAT terminal, which is "six times larger than the combined size of the original Terminals 1 and 2." This single-terminal setup minimizes confusion and cuts down transitioning times between check-in, security, shopping, and boarding. The NAT's design caters heavily to retail and dining with 18 restaurants and 15 shops concentrated post-security, typical of an airport tuned to vacation traffic.

## Getting to and from the city

ALC is easily accessible via road with options suiting different budgets and needs. Taxis to Alicante city center take about 15–25 minutes and cost approximately €18–23. For a budget-friendly alternative, the C-6 bus operates roughly a 25–30 minute route to central Alicante, costing around €3–4 one way. Those heading to Benidorm should budget 40–50 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes via the A7 motorway, with reported taxi costs of €70–80. Conveniently, the AP-7 section between Alicante and Benidorm has no tolls.

## Traveller essentials

Wifi is free throughout the terminal under the network name "Airport Free Wifi Aena," eliminating the need to use mobile data. The terminal features numerous ATMs located in strategic spots like arrivals, check-in, and P1 car park, ensuring easy access to cash. If parking is required, Aena Parking and P1 Car Park charge $94 for eight days but pre-booking via Aena's website is smart for savings and convenience.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Foodies won't be disappointed with options ranging from fast-food staples like Burger King and Upper Crust to Spanish-specific offerings such as Enrique Tomás Experience, known for its jamón. For a sit-down meal, La Tagliatella is a standout option. Retail therapy can be found at Alicante Duty Free and themed outlets like "Thinking Alicante," which offers local souvenirs. Don’t miss Rituals for toiletries and gifts.

## Lounges

The airport hosts two VIP lounges, but be aware that even though they offer some solace from the bustling terminal, they might not measure up to the premium standards of larger hubs. Access is often on a paid basis or linked with specific airline programs.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Head to the food court early for the best selection from coffee shops to tapas.

- **Time:** Use the express duty-free post-security if you're in a rush, as it offers a faster shopping experience.

- **Quiet:** La Tagliatella offers a more peaceful environment away from the hustle of quick-service outlets.

- **Money:** Opt for the Aena's free WiFi for short-term internet needs rather than using mobile data.

- **Local:** Enrique Tomás Experience is a must-visit for a taste of Spain's famous jamón within the airport.

- **Avoid:** Avoid confusion by remembering NAT is the only operational terminal, despite seeing multiple terminal structures.

- **Time:** The airport's layout focuses on commercial areas; plan for some extra time post-security to explore.

## Terminals (1)

- **Nueva Área Terminal** — Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia
  This terminal serves a variety of airlines and destinations.

## Dining (18)

- **Alicante Duty Free** — NAT
- **ANTICA GELATERIA - UPPER CRUST** — NAT
- **Budweiser** — NAT
- **Burger King** — NAT
- **Costa Coffee** — NAT
- **Deli&Cia** — NAT
- **Enrique Tomás Experience** — NAT
- **Food Market** — NAT
- **Foodies'** — NAT
- **La Tagliatella** — NAT
- **La Vita** — NAT
- **Lavazza** — NAT
- **Pret a Manger** — $$
- **Santa Gloria** — NAT
- **Starbucks** — NAT
- **Subway** — NAT
- **Tim Hortons** — NAT
- **Upper Crust-Citees-Haribo** — NAT

## Lounges (2)

- **Aena VIP Lounge** — NAT, paid access
- **VIP Lounge** — NAT, paid access and business class

## Shops (15)

- **Alicante Duty Free** — NAT
- **Candy Airways VR** — NAT
- **Castell de Santa Bàrbara** — NAT
- **Desigual** — NAT
- **Express Duty Free** — NAT
- **La casa de las carcasas** — NAT
- **Lolly** — NAT
- **LOVE ME** — NAT
- **MMM** — NAT
- **Natura** — NAT
- **Parfois** — NAT
- **Rituals** — NAT
- **Sunglass Hut** — NAT
- **Victoria's Secret** — NAT
- **WHSmith** — NAT

## Parking (2)

- **Aena Parking** — NAT · /8d $94/day, sub-$2/hr
- **P1 Car Park** — NAT · /8d $94/day, $1.55/hr

## Ground transport (4)

- **A7 motorway access** — Road · ALC–Benidorm via motorway reported as ~40 min in normal traffic (user reports) · AP‑7 section between Alicante and Benidorm reported as toll‑free by recent drivers (no toll cost)
- **Bus** — Road · Roughly 25–30 min airport to central Alicante via C‑6 (reported by multiple visitors) · Reported around €3–4 one‑way on the C‑6 into Alicante (forum user reports) · About every 20 min daytime; closer to every 30 min late at night (reported by travellers)
- **Private car** — Road · Off‑airport shuttle to some rental depots reported as ~20–30 min in busy periods (user reports)
- **Taxi** — Road · Alicante city: ~15–25 min depending on traffic; Benidorm: ~40–50 min · Alicante city: ~€18–23; Benidorm: ~€70–80 (metered, reported ranges) · On demand from rank during airport operating hours

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Head to the food court early for the best selection from coffee shops to tapas.
- _Time_: Use the express duty-free post-security if you're in a rush, as it offers a faster shopping experience.
- _Quiet_: La Tagliatella offers a more peaceful environment away from the hustle of quick-service outlets.
- _Money_: Opt for the Aena's free WiFi for short-term internet needs rather than using mobile data.
- _Local_: Enrique Tomás Experience is a must-visit for a taste of Spain's famous jamón within the airport.
- _Avoid_: Avoid confusion by remembering NAT is the only operational terminal, despite seeing multiple terminal structures.
- _Time_: The airport's layout focuses on commercial areas; plan for some extra time post-security to explore.