Local guide · VamosAlicante

Car hire in Alicante: do you actually need one?

Updated 2026-02

Alicante airport is one of the biggest car hire markets in Spain, which means low headline prices and a lot of fine print. A car is genuinely useful for the inland villages and the northern coast — and genuinely a burden if you are staying in the city.

Llegada al aeropuerto de Alicante-Elche — © Alicante Turismo

Live tools you'll want on the ground

When you need a car — and when you don't

You don't need one for a city break. Alicante is walkable, the C6 bus covers the airport, the TRAM covers the coast to Benidorm, and city parking is limited and paid.

You do want one for the Guadalest valley, the villages of the interior, Villajoyosa and the northern coves, or if you are based outside the city with children and beach gear.

Carretera costera hacia el Cabo de las Huertas — © Alicante Turismo

Picking up at the airport

Some companies have desks in the terminal; the cheaper ones operate from off-site depots with a shuttle bus. That shuttle can add 30–45 minutes at each end, which matters far more on the return leg than the outbound.

Queues after a wave of arrivals are long. If you land late at night, confirm the desk is still staffed at that hour before booking the cheapest option.

Costa alicantina, ideal para recorrer en coche — © Alicante Turismo

The fine print that costs money

Fuel policy. Full-to-full is the only one that does not cost you extra. Avoid full-to-empty.
Excess and deposit. The basic rate usually carries a high excess and a credit-card hold; the desk will sell you the waiver.
Debit cards. Many companies refuse them for the deposit. Check before you fly.
Extra driver, child seats, young driver fees. All charged per day.
Photograph the car at pickup and return, including wheels and windscreen.

Centro de Alicante, con aparcamiento limitado — © Alicante Turismo

Driving and parking here

The AP-7 north towards Benidorm and Dénia is the fast route; the coastal N-332 is slower and prettier. Parking in central Alicante is mostly paid on-street zones or underground car parks, and the old town is largely restricted.

If your hotel is in the centre without parking, budget for a car park daily — it often exceeds the rental itself over a week.

Frequently asked questions

›Do I need a car in Alicante?

Not for the city — it is walkable, with the C6 airport bus and the TRAM along the coast. A car pays off for inland villages and the northern coast.

›Is car hire cheap at Alicante airport?

Headline rates are among the lowest in Spain, but the final cost depends on fuel policy, insurance excess and extras, which is where the difference appears.

›Can I rent a car with a debit card in Alicante?

Many companies require a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. Check the specific supplier's policy before booking.

›What fuel policy should I choose?

Full-to-full. Prepaid fuel policies almost always cost more than they save.

›Is parking difficult in Alicante?

In the centre, yes. Most parking is paid on-street or in underground car parks, and the old town is largely restricted to residents.

›Are there tolls around Alicante?

The main coastal motorway network towards Benidorm and Dénia is now toll-free, but always confirm your route before travelling.