After a 01:30 Ryanair arrival, taxi is the least hassle
ALC’s official white taxis sit right outside NAT arrivals, within about 30–40 m of the exit doors, so you roll your bags out and you’re already at the rank. They run on demand during airport operating hours, and even locals say there’s no real need to pre‑book unless you’re landing around 02:00–03:00. For late flights when the C‑6 bus has switched to 30‑minute gaps, this is the option that gets you moving fastest.
Into Alicante city you’re looking at roughly 15–25 minutes and around €18–23 on the meter to central spots like Mercado or the port. A long‑stay Brit on TripAdvisor says their meter usually lands in the “high teens to low twenties.” There’s an airport supplement plus a minimum fare, so a quick ride to nearby places like El Altet or Arenales del Sol can feel pricey for such a short distance.
Benidorm is a different scale: plan for 40–50 minutes by road and about €70–80, again metered. Regulars who winter on the Costa Blanca still call it the least painful option after a late arrival with checked bags, compared with juggling airport bus plus tram. Groups sharing a cab often split a ~€75 bill four ways and end up at under €20 per person, cheaper than four separate shuttle tickets.
Step‑by‑step: using taxis at Alicante airport
- 1. Exit NAT arrivals. Walk straight out of baggage claim; the signed taxi rank is immediately outside the terminal doors.
- 2. Join the queue. In July Saturdays or other peak evenings, people report 20–30 minute waits when several UK package flights land together.
- 3. Confirm metered ride. Official drivers should use the meter; if someone pushes a “fixed” price higher than online guides, ask for the meter instead.
- 4. Give a full address. Have your Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja or Gran Alacant address written down; many drivers know hotel names but a street like Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio helps.
- 5. Pay in euros. Fares are in cash by default; some cars take cards, but don’t assume it at 02:00 with a €22 run into town.
What regulars do and watch outs
Solo riders with light bags often take the C‑6 bus into Alicante for a couple of euros, then hop a €6–8 cab from Plaza Puerta del Mar or the central station instead of paying €20 straight from the airport. On forums, some visitors complain that drivers refuse low fixed quotes they’ve seen online and stick to the meter, which can push Benidorm runs towards €80 in heavy traffic. One practical tip: screenshot the official tariff table before you fly and check it against the meter when you get in, then you can relax for the 15–50 minute ride without second‑guessing the fare.