Alicante Terminal

How to Get to Alicante Terminal

Alicante Terminal (Estación de Alicante) is the primary hub for the Costa Blanca AVE and regional rail services.

From Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) The airport is located approximately 12 km from the city center.

• Bus Line C-6: This is the most reliable and economical public transport option. The bus runs 24/7, with daytime frequency every 20 minutes and hourly service at night.
• Journey Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: €4.50 per trip.
• Payment: You can pay directly on the bus using a bank card (contactless) or cash. If paying with cash, please note that drivers only accept notes up to €10.
• Tips: There is no "zone" requirement for this specific airport shuttle; simply purchase your ticket from the driver upon boarding. English signage at the airport will direct you to the bus stop located at the Departures level (Level 2).

From City Center The station is centrally located and easily accessible via local transport:

• Bus: Multiple urban bus lines serve the "Estación de Renfe" stop. Check local signage or the Vectalia app for the line closest to your specific accommodation.
• Walking: If you are staying near the Plaza de los Luceros or the central business district, the station is often within a 10–15 minute walk.
• TRAM: While the TRAM network serves the city, it does not stop directly inside the train terminal. The "Luceros" TRAM stop is the closest interchange, located about a 10-minute walk from the train station.

By Taxi

• From Airport: Taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes, and the fare to the city center is typically €25–€30.
• From City Center: Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt for transparent, cashless pricing.

Alicante Terminal is a straightforward, single-level terminus station, meaning all tracks end at the main concourse rather than passing through. Because it is a compact, historic facility, you will find navigation very manageable once you understand the simple division of the platforms. Think of the station layout as two distinct zones separated by the type of train service, all accessible directly from the central hall.

The station’s platforms are divided into two main groups based on the technology and security requirements of the trains. Platforms 1 through 6 are dedicated to high-speed services, including the Costa Blanca AVE, as well as Euromed, Iryo, and Ouigo trains traveling to Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. To reach these platforms, you must pass through a mandatory security and luggage-scanning area located in the main concourse. Because of this security check, it is essential to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for the screening process.

Platforms 9 through 14 serve the conventional rail network, which includes regional trains, suburban Cercanías lines to Murcia, and slower Intercity services. Unlike the high-speed zone, access to these platforms does not require luggage scanning. Instead, you will pass through automatic ticket gates—simply scan the QR code on your ticket to enter. If you have any trouble with the gates, there is a staffed side gate nearby where personnel can assist you.

Because the station is small, walking times between any two points are minimal, typically taking no more than 3 to 5 minutes even with luggage. The entire station is on one level, eliminating the need to navigate complex stairs or elevators between different floors. The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the numbering gap; do not look for platforms 7 or 8, as they do not exist. Simply follow the overhead signage in the main hall, which clearly distinguishes between the high-speed "Alta Velocidad" zone (1–6) and the regional/suburban zone (9–14). If you are connecting to the local tram network to travel along the coast, remember that the tram station is not inside this building; you will need to walk about five minutes to the nearby Luceros station.

Navigating Alicante Terminal (the main train station) for the first time can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way. I wish someone had told me these specifics before I arrived!

Before You Arrive

• Ticket Strategy: Don't wait until the last minute to buy tickets at the station machines, as queues for the Renfe ticket office can be long. Instead, use the official Renfe app or website to book in advance. This ensures you have your QR code ready, which you will need to scan at the automatic ticket gates to access platforms.
• Station Layout: The station is divided into different platform areas. Platforms 1–6 (often used for high-speed AVE trains) have a separate queuing area, while platforms 9–14 (for suburban and regional trains) are accessed through automatic ticket gates. Familiarize yourself with your train type so you know which area to head toward.

At the Station

• Ticket Office: If you need human assistance, go to the Renfe ticket office in the corner of the main hall. You must take a number from the pink machine near the entrance; it has a touchscreen that you can switch to English. Wait for your number to appear on the video screen.
• Facilities: There are currently no left-luggage lockers inside the station itself. If you have bags and need storage, look for the privately run lockers located directly across the road from the station.
• Getting Around: The station is relatively compact. If you have heavy luggage, there are escalators and elevators available to navigate between levels.
• Tram Connection: If you are heading to the city center or nearby coastal towns like Benidorm, the tram station (Luceros) is a short walk away. Buy a rechargeable transport card from the machines at the Luceros tram station; it is much cheaper than buying individual tickets and works for both trams and buses.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Checking: Never assume your platform hours in advance. Platforms for regional and suburban trains can change. Always check the departure boards 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure, not two hours early.
• Ticket Confusion: If you are using a mainline train ticket, check if it includes "Combinado Cercanias." This often entitles you to a free connecting tram journey within a specific window (4 hours after arrival or 3 hours before departure). You can tap your mainline ticket code into the tram machine to claim this, avoiding an unnecessary extra purchase.

Terminus station serving Alicante, Spain. Originally established in 1858, the station underwent a complete reconstruction of its facade between 1967 and 1968. While it retains its historical significance, the facility was modernized to accommodate the arrival of high-speed rail in 2013. Today, it functions as the central hub for the city, connecting travelers via high-speed services (such as AVE, Avlo, and Iryo) to major destinations like Madrid and Barcelona, alongside regional and local commuter lines serving Murcia and the surrounding Costa Blanca area.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. Travelers often find the terminal straightforward, clean, and easy to navigate. It is a compact, single-level station with 6 tracks served by 4 platforms. Because it is a terminus, all trains either begin or end their journey here, which simplifies the experience for those arriving or departing.

To ensure a smooth trip, allow extra time for security checks if you are traveling on high-speed trains. Signage is clear, and digital displays provide essential information in multiple languages. Keep in mind that specific platform numbers are typically posted on departure boards only 30 to 60 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure. By arriving with this buffer, you can confidently locate your platform and enjoy a stress-free transition through the station.