Exploring Alicante: Airport Activities And Attractions

what to do at alicante airport

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the busiest airport in south-eastern Spain, serving the southern Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia. The airport is located about 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Alicante city centre, which can be easily reached by bus or taxi. If you have a long layover, you can explore some of the city's hotspots, such as the MARQ Archaeological Museum, or sample local produce and cuisine at the airport. The airport itself boasts a variety of dining options, from restaurants and cafes to fast-food outlets, as well as duty-free shopping and local souvenirs.

Characteristics Values
Location 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of the city of Alicante and about 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the city of Elche in Spain
Airlines Air Nostrum, EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia, Avianca, Aviaco
Passenger Traffic 18.3 million passengers in 2024
Bus Lines C6, 1A, 1B
Car Rental Services Hertz, Avis, Europcar
Restaurants and Cafes Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, Saboramar, La Tagliatella, Häagen-Dazs, etc.
Shopping Duty-free shops, local souvenirs, food items, wine, olive oils
Transportation Buses, taxis, private cars, limousines, chauffeur services

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Transportation options: buses, taxis, limousines, ride-hailing services, and car rentals

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is located about 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Alicante city in Spain. The airport is accessible by buses, taxis, limousines, ride-hailing services, and private cars.

The C-6 bus line is the only direct public transport option available from the airport to the city centre. The bus stop is located on the second floor, outside the terminal. The bus costs €3.85 per passenger and takes around 35 minutes to reach the city centre. The bus runs every 20 minutes during peak times and every 30 or 60 minutes early in the morning and late at night.

Taxis are readily available at the airport, but they can be expensive for newcomers, with some drivers charging exorbitant fees. The average cost of a taxi is around €20 during the day and €23 at night. To avoid being overcharged, you can book a taxi in advance or use ride-hailing services like Uber and Cabify, which have exclusive pickup areas at the airport.

For a more luxurious option, limousine services are available for airport transfers. These can be booked in advance, ensuring a comfortable and stylish ride to or from the airport.

If you prefer the convenience of a private car, car rental services are also available at the airport. This option provides flexibility and privacy during your stay in Alicante.

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Shopping: duty-free, local souvenirs, and food items like olive oil and wine

Alicante Airport has a number of shops to explore, including duty-free stores, local souvenir shops, and outlets selling local food products.

Duty-free shopping at Alicante Airport includes three stores operated by the World of Duty Free Group, offering discounted drinks, tobacco, cosmetics, perfume, alcohol, and accessories. Two of these are express stores, one located after customs for arriving passengers, and the other a small shop near Gate B31. The largest duty-free shop is found immediately to your left after clearing security. Remember that there are limits to the quantity of duty-free goods you can purchase and take with you.

For local souvenirs, head to the newsagents, Relay, and News & Books, where you can find typical souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keyrings, postcards, pens, and ornaments, as well as books and magazines. WH Smith, located near Gate B25, also offers a range of English-language books, newspapers, and magazines.

If you're looking for local food items, Alicante Airport has a variety of options. You can find extra virgin olive oil, rice, wines, and delicatessen products, including Iberian ham, chorizo, and salchichón sausage. There are also sweets, chocolates, and snacks available. The airport has a diverse range of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, including small local tapas outlets, where you can sample local dishes and drinks, such as beers of different origins and formats.

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Dining: restaurants, cafes, fast food, and Spanish cuisine

Alicante Airport offers a variety of dining options, from restaurants and cafes to fast-food outlets. The spacious departure lounge provides a range of seating options and dining establishments, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers.

For those who enjoy familiar flavours, international chains such as Starbucks, Subway, and Burger King are available for coffee and quick bites. These options can be especially convenient if you're craving a taste of home or seeking a quick, casual dining experience. Additionally, there are other fast-food options like Saboramar, offering a variety of dishes to suit different palates.

If you're looking for something more indulgent or fancy, the airport houses well-known brands like Deli&Cia, Lavazza, Tim Hortons, Ritazza, Exki, La Tagliatella, and Häagen-Dazs. These options provide a diverse range of culinary delights to satisfy your cravings.

For those interested in immersing themselves in the local cuisine, several restaurants and bars serve delicious Spanish dishes. You can savour the unique flavours of the region and enjoy a taste of Alicante's culinary culture without even leaving the airport. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely meal or a quick tapas break, the airport's dining options cater to your needs.

Alicante Airport ensures that travellers have a variety of dining choices, making it a convenient and enjoyable hub for passengers passing through.

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Lounge services: spacious seating, shopping, and dining

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the busiest airport in south-eastern Spain, serving the southern Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia. The airport is located about 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Alicante city and about 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Elche. It is accessible by bus, taxi, and private car.

The airport offers a range of lounge services to ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience for travellers. The lounges feature spacious seating areas, providing a quiet and tranquil environment to relax or work before heading to the gate.

In addition to comfortable seating, the lounges at Alicante Airport offer a variety of dining options. Passengers can enjoy a selection of wines, beers, spirits, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Light snacks may also be available to purchase. The airport also has a variety of dining options outside the lounges, including restaurants and cafes.

For travellers who enjoy shopping, Alicante Airport offers a range of duty-free and regular shops. Passengers can browse a variety of products, including local specialties, souvenirs, fashion and accessories, electronics, and more. The airport also features convenience stores for any last-minute travel essentials.

Overall, Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport provides a comprehensive range of lounge services, ensuring that passengers have a pleasant and convenient experience while waiting for their flights. The spacious seating, dining options, and shopping opportunities allow travellers to relax, refresh, and even pick up some last-minute gifts or necessities.

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Nearby attractions: the MARQ Archaeological Museum and Alicante city

Alicante is a beautiful city with plenty to offer tourists. The city has a rich history and is home to many archaeological sites. One of the most prominent sites is the Santa Bárbara Castle, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline. The castle has a fascinating history of its own, having been invaded many times over the centuries.

The MARQ Archaeological Museum is another must-visit site in Alicante. The museum offers an immersive journey through the city's history, showcasing its rich and varied landscape and monuments. The museum is located near the Roman ruins of Lucentum and the Albufereta beach, making it a convenient stop for those interested in history and archaeology. The museum is also committed to making history accessible to all audiences, with interactive exhibits, detailed information, and descriptions of the archaeological pieces on display.

Alicante's Casco Antiguo is a charming neighbourhood with a higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow, mostly pedestrianised squares and lanes. The Santa Cruz district, with its steep stairways and colourful flower-filled houses, is a particular highlight. The neighbourhood is known for its authentic atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy drinks and tapas.

For those interested in religious sites, Alicante's grandest church, the Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari, is a beautiful late-Renaissance building constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. The church is dedicated to the city's patron saint, and its smaller neighbouring tapas bar is a popular spot for locals to enjoy creative dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Alicante truly has something for everyone, from history and archaeology to charming neighbourhoods and religious sites.

Frequently asked questions

Alicante Airport is located about 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of the city of Alicante and about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) east of the city of Elche. You can get to and from the airport by bus, taxi, private car, or ride-hailing services such as Uber and Cabify. Bus line C6 connects the airport to Alicante city centre, passing through the Alicante Bus Station, Port of Alicante, and Alicante Railway Station. This route is available 24/7 and runs every 15 minutes from 6:00 to 23:00 and every 60 minutes from 23:00 to 6:00. There are also hourly bus services to Benidorm, Torrevieja, Santa Pola, Guardamar del Segura, and Murcia.

If you have less than 4 hours, it's recommended to stay inside the airport lounge and relax. The airport has a variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets such as Starbucks, Subway, and Burger King. There are also plenty of shopping options, including duty-free shops and stores selling local souvenirs and produce, such as Alicante wine and olive oils.

If you have more than 12 hours, you can explore the city of Alicante. It's recommended to book a car service in advance to make the most of your time. You can also visit the nearby MARQ Archaeological Museum.

It is recommended to check-in online to bypass long queues and proceed directly to baggage drop-off. For international flights, arrive at least two hours in advance, and for domestic flights, arrive at least 1.5 hours in advance. Keep all travel documents and identification readily accessible, and ensure that any liquids are in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a transparent, resealable bag.

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