If you’re planning to visit, move to, or spend a few days in this hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, this guide makes it easy.
El Albir has no train station or airport of its own, but getting here is straightforward. It’s connected to Alicante (city and airport), Benidorm and Altea via ALSA buses, the TRAM light rail, and the AP-7 and N-332 roads.
Why does this matter? First-time visitors often wonder:
- Is there a direct train or tram to El Albir?
- How much does a taxi from the airport cost?
- Is it worth renting a car?
- How do I get around without a vehicle?
This guide answers all of those questions, step by step.
Who is this guide for?
- Domestic and international tourists
- Digital nomads looking to base themselves here
- Future residents who want to get around without the hassle
- Families or older travellers who prefer stress-free options
- Investors visiting the area for the first time
WHERE IS EL ALBIR?
El Albir belongs to the municipality of l’Alfàs del Pi, in the province of Alicante. It sits right between Altea to the north and Benidorm to the south. It’s not a large or overcrowded town, but it’s a significant tourist and residential hub within the northern Costa Blanca.
Coordinates:
- Latitude: 38.5678 N
- Longitude: -0.0702 E
Distances from key points:
| City | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante city | 50 km | 45 min |
| Alicante Airport | 62 km | 50 min |
| Valencia | 140 km | 1 h 30 min |
| Madrid | 450 km | 4 h 30 min |
| Altea | 3 km | 5 min |
| Benidorm | 6 km | 10 min |
Nearby points of interest worth visiting:
- El Albir Beach
- Serra Gelada Natural Park
- El Albir Lighthouse
- Roman Villa
- El Albir Coves
WHY DOES IT MATTER TO KNOW HOW TO GET HERE?
Even though many visitors come back year after year, first-timers often have practical questions:
- Is there a train or tram station in El Albir?
- How much is a taxi from the airport?
- Is renting a car worth it?
- How do you get around without a vehicle?
This guide answers all of those questions, step by step.
WHO NEEDS THIS GUIDE?
This guide is designed for:
- Domestic and international tourists
- Remote workers looking to settle in El Albir
- Future residents who want to get around without complications
- Older visitors or families who prefer straightforward travel options
- Investors or buyers visiting the area for the first time
HOW TO GET TO EL ALBIR FROM ALICANTE AIRPORT (ALC)
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is the main air gateway to the Costa Blanca. It has daily flights from:
- All major Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville…)
- Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland)
- The UK and Germany
- The Netherlands, Belgium and France
Once you land, you have several options for reaching El Albir.
Option 1: Direct Bus (ALSA or Beniconnect)
- Company: ALSA or Beniconnect (shared or direct shuttle)
- Route: Airport → Benidorm or Alfaz del Pi
- Journey time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Price: roughly €9 to €12 per journey
- Frequency: approximately every hour
From Benidorm you can catch a local bus or taxi to El Albir (10 minutes).
Best for: budget-conscious travellers with light luggage.
Option 2: Taxi or Private Transfer
- Journey time: 40–45 minutes
- Price: €60 to €75, depending on the time of day and vehicle type
- Advantage: door-to-door, no waiting around
Many companies offer pre-booked door-to-door transfers from the airport.
Option 3: Car Hire at the Airport
You can pick up a rental car directly at the airport with companies including:
- Goldcar
- RecordGo
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
Fastest driving route from the airport to El Albir: Airport → A-70 → AP-7 (toll road) → Altea / Alfaz del Pi exit
- Journey time: 40 minutes
- Estimated toll cost: €4 to €5
Free alternative: the N-332 road (slower, but more scenic)
GETTING TO EL ALBIR BY CAR FROM OTHER CITIES
From Madrid
- Route: A-3 to Valencia, then AP-7 to Altea
- Distance: 450 km
- Estimated time: 4 h 30 min
From Barcelona
- Route: AP-7 the whole way
- Distance: 520 km
- Estimated time: 5 h 30 min
From Valencia
- Route: AP-7 southbound towards Alicante
- Distance: 140 km
- Estimated time: 1 h 30 min
From Murcia
- Route: A-7 towards Alicante, then AP-7
- Distance: 120 km
- Estimated time: 1 h 15 min
Note: some sections of the AP-7 are now toll-free, but check Google Maps for up-to-date information before you travel.
CAN YOU GET TO EL ALBIR BY TRAIN?
El Albir doesn’t have its own train station, but you can get here easily using a combination of train and tram (TRAM).
Route from Madrid, Barcelona or any major city:
- Take a long-distance Renfe train to Alicante city
- From Alicante, head to Luceros station
- Take TRAM line L1 to Benidorm
- From Benidorm, local buses or taxis will get you to El Albir
Alternative direct from Alicante:
- TRAM line L9 connects Benidorm with Dénia, passing close to l’Alfàs del Pi
- From Alfaz del Pi or Benidorm, a short bus ride drops you in El Albir
Why the TRAM is worth it:
- Affordable
- No traffic
- Stunning Mediterranean views
- Well-maintained and clean
LONG-DISTANCE COACHES TO EL ALBIR (OR NEARBY)
Main operator: ALSA
Most national routes run to:
- Benidorm (central bus station)
- l’Alfàs del Pi
- Some services stop directly at Playa del Albir in summer
Cities with direct connections:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Murcia
- Seville
- Zaragoza
- Granada
- Málaga
Once you arrive in Benidorm or Alfaz del Pi, it’s just a short hop:
- Local bus: lines L10 or L12
- Taxi: €8 to €12 to El Albir
LOCAL TRANSPORT WITHIN EL ALBIR
Once you’re here, El Albir is almost entirely walkable — or easily covered by bike. But there are other useful options too.
On foot The seafront promenade runs the full length of the coast. From virtually any accommodation, you can reach the beach in under 15 minutes.
Bikes and e-scooters Rental options are available through hotels and local shops. There are good pavements and cycle lanes connecting El Albir with Altea and Benidorm.
Taxis Taxi ranks are located in the town centre. Fixed fares apply to Benidorm, Altea and Alfaz del Pi. You can hail one, call by phone, or use an app.
Local buses
| Line | Route | Frequency | Approx. fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| L10 | El Albir ↔ Benidorm | Every 20 min | €1.60 |
| L12 | El Albir ↔ Alfaz del Pi | Every 30 min | €1.60 |
PRACTICAL TIPS
- If it’s your first visit, book accommodation in El Albir itself — not in Benidorm. You’ll save time and avoid daily commutes.
- If you arrive late at night, arrange a private transfer from the airport in advance. Public transport stops running between 10pm and 11pm.
- Always have Google Maps downloaded offline. There are mountain areas where mobile coverage isn’t reliable.
USEFUL LINKS FROM THIS GUIDE
From here you can go directly to:
- El Albir Beach
- Where to stay in El Albir
- Nature routes and day trips
- Real-life tips for living here
- Practical relocation guide
FINAL THOUGHTS
El Albir is one of the most accessible destinations on the Costa Blanca — even without its own airport or direct train. Road, bus, TRAM and private transfer connections make it an ideal base for a holiday, a long-term move, or an investment visit, without any unnecessary stress.
Getting to El Albir is easier than you’d expect. The hard part is wanting to leave.
TRANSPORT COMPARISON: WAYS TO GET TO EL ALBIR
| Transport | From | Approx. time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + bus | Europe / Spain | 1 h 15 min | €10–12 | International travellers |
| Own car | Any city | 1 h 30 min – 5 h | €20–60 fuel + tolls | Families or road trips |
| Train + TRAM | Alicante / Madrid | 2 h 30 min | €10–30 | Car-free travellers |
| Direct coach | Madrid, Valencia, etc. | 5–6 h | €20–35 | Budget travellers |
| Private transfer | Alicante Airport | 45 min | €60–75 | Comfort and speed |
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN TRYING TO GET TO EL ALBIR
Learn from the most frequent errors first-time visitors make:
1. Assuming El Albir has its own train station or airport It doesn’t. The nearest stations are in Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi and Alicante. Solution: follow this guide, or read our guide on getting from Benidorm to El Albir.
2. Not booking transport in advance during peak season In July and August, buses fill up fast and taxis get overwhelmed. Solution: local recommendations to avoid the rush.
3. Booking accommodation in Benidorm thinking it’s close to El Albir It’s only 6 km away, but without a car you’ll be relying on slow buses or taxis every day. Solution: recommended hotels and accommodation in El Albir.
4. Not having mobile data to use Google Maps Many international visitors don’t set up data roaming, and mountain coverage can be patchy. Solution: download offline maps before you travel, or check our practical guide.
FAQ — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GETTING TO EL ALBIR
What’s the fastest way to get to El Albir from the airport? Taxi or private transfer. Around 45 minutes, no waiting, straight to your door.
Is El Albir well connected by public transport? Yes. While there’s no train or metro, there are regular local bus lines running to:
- Benidorm
- Altea
- Alfaz del Pi
- Alicante (via connections)
Is it worth hiring a car to visit El Albir?
- Yes, if you plan to explore the wider area (Guadalest, Serra Gelada, Calpe…)
- Not necessarily, if you’re just here to relax on the beach and walk around
Which Spanish cities have direct coach services to El Albir?
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Murcia
- Barcelona
- Granada
- Seville
(Check timetables at alsa.es)
What if my flight arrives late at night? Book a private transfer. Buses and the TRAM don’t run after 11pm.
