- Alicante Airport Car Hire – Best Deals, Tips & Price Guide
- 🌟 Why Rent a Car at Alicante Airport?
- 🚘 Car Rental Companies at Alicante Airport
- On-Airport Companies (Desks Inside Terminal)
- Off-Airport Companies (Shuttle Required)
- 💶 Car Rental Prices at Alicante Airport
- Average Price Table (Alicante Airport)
- ⭐ Tips to Get the Best Price
- 📄 Documents Required to Rent a Car at ALC
- Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- 💳 Deposits & Payment Requirements
- Typical Deposit Amounts
- How to avoid a high deposit?
- 🛡 Insurance Options Explained
- Standard Coverage (Usually Included)
- Optional Insurance (Extra)
- Should you buy full insurance?
- ⛽ Fuel Policies at Alicante Airport
- 📍 Driving Tips for Alicante & Costa Blanca
- Speed Limits
- Tolls
- Parking
- Important
- 📅 Best Time to Rent a Car in Alicante
- 🛄 Picking Up Your Rental Car at Alicante Airport
- 🔍 Car Inspection Checklist Before Driving Away
- 📥 Returning the Car at Alicante Airport
- 🌴 Best Road Trips from Alicante Airport
- 🚗 Benidorm – 40 min
- 🚗 Altea – 50 min
- 🚗 Calpe – 1 hour
- 🚗 Murcia – 50 min
- 🚗 Torrevieja – 45 min
- 📘 Summary: Renting a Car at Alicante Airport
Alicante Airport Car Hire – Best Deals, Tips & Price Guide
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) is one of the busiest airports in Spain’s Costa Blanca region — and renting a car here is the best way to explore Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Calpe, Murcia, and the entire Mediterranean coastline at your own pace.
This complete car rental guide helps you choose the right rental company, understand prices, insurance, deposit rules, fuel policies, driving regulations, and smart tips to save money.
🌟 Why Rent a Car at Alicante Airport?
Renting a car directly at ALC offers several advantages:
- Freedom to explore Costa Blanca, beaches, mountains, and hidden villages at your own speed
- Cheaper than taxis — especially if you plan to visit multiple destinations
- Convenient pickup — most companies are inside the terminal
- Wide choice of vehicles — economy, family MPVs, convertibles, and SUVs
- Fast access to major roads — AP-7 and N-332 highways
Alicante Airport is extremely rental-car friendly, making the process quick and traveler-oriented.
🚘 Car Rental Companies at Alicante Airport
You will find both on-airport and off-airport providers.
On-Airport Companies (Desks Inside Terminal)
These are the most convenient:
| Company | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avis / Budget | Terminal | Reliable, high-quality fleet |
| Hertz / Thrifty | Terminal | Good for premium cars |
| Europcar | Terminal | Strong insurance options |
| Sixt | Terminal | Best for luxury & new models |
| Enterprise | Terminal | Excellent customer service |
Off-Airport Companies (Shuttle Required)
These offer lower prices:
| Company | Transfer | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Goldcar | Shuttle | Very cheap in low season |
| Record Go | Shuttle | Good weekend deals |
| OK Mobility | Shuttle | Large fleet, low deposits |
| Centauro | Shuttle | Transparent fuel policy |
Off-site companies usually save money but may take 10–15 extra minutes due to shuttle transfer.
💶 Car Rental Prices at Alicante Airport
Prices depend on season, car type, supplier, and pickup time.
Average Price Table (Alicante Airport)
| Car Type | Low Season (€/day) | High Season (€/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat 500) | €10–€20 | €30–€55 |
| Compact (VW Golf) | €18–€30 | €40–€75 |
| SUV (Nissan Qashqai) | €30–€55 | €70–€120 |
| Automatic cars | +€8–€15 | +€10–€20 |
| Minivan / 7-seater | €55–€90 | €110–€180 |
⭐ Tips to Get the Best Price
- Book 4–8 weeks in advance
- Avoid last-minute airport bookings
- Check full-to-full fuel policy options
- Compare insurance packages carefully
- Choose off-airport companies if you want the lowest cost
📄 Documents Required to Rent a Car at ALC
Prepare these before arrival:
- Valid driver’s licence (EU licence works everywhere; non-EU may need IDP)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the main driver’s name (for deposit)
- Booking confirmation
- Voucher (printed or digital)
Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- EU/UK licences: No
- US, Canada, Australia: Recommended but often not required
- Asia, Middle East, Latin America: Often required — check your country’s rules
💳 Deposits & Payment Requirements
Deposits vary by supplier and car class.
Typical Deposit Amounts
| Supplier Type | Deposit Range |
|---|---|
| Premium brands (Sixt, Hertz) | €300–€500 |
| Mid-range (Avis, Europcar) | €400–€900 |
| Low-cost (Goldcar, Record Go) | €900–€1500 |
How to avoid a high deposit?
- Take full coverage insurance
- Choose companies offering low-deposit or deposit-free plans
Some rental firms accept debit cards, but conditions may apply.
🛡 Insurance Options Explained
Understanding insurance helps you avoid surprises.
Standard Coverage (Usually Included)
- CDW – Collision Damage Waiver
- TP – Theft Protection
- Third-Party Liability
These often include an excess (deductible) of €600–€1500.
Optional Insurance (Extra)
- Full Cover / Super CDW
Removes or minimizes the excess - Glass & Tire coverage
- Roadside assistance premium
Should you buy full insurance?
If you’re unfamiliar with Spanish roads, parking, or highway rules → Yes, full cover is recommended.
⛽ Fuel Policies at Alicante Airport
Fuel policy affects the total cost significantly:
| Fuel Policy | Description | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | Pick up full, return full | ⭐ Best, most transparent |
| Full-to-Empty | Return empty, pay fuel at high rate | Avoid |
| Same-to-Same | Returns same level | Acceptable |
Always keep your fuel receipt when returning the vehicle.
💸 Don’t Overpay at the Airport
Compare real-time rental deals with no hidden fees or credit card needed.
📍 Driving Tips for Alicante & Costa Blanca
Driving in the Costa Blanca region is easy and enjoyable, but here are key rules:
Speed Limits
- Motorways (Autopista/AP-7): 120 km/h
- Main roads (N-332): 90–100 km/h
- Towns: 50 km/h
Tolls
- Many toll roads in the region are now free, but some sections still require payment.
Parking
- Blue zones: Paid street parking
- Yellow curb: No parking
- White lines: Free parking
Important
Spain has strict drink-driving laws and high fines. Avoid driving after alcohol consumption.
📅 Best Time to Rent a Car in Alicante
| Season | Demand | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Medium | Affordable | Great weather |
| Summer | Very high | Expensive | Book early! |
| Autumn | Low | Very cheap | Best deals |
| Winter | Medium | Low–medium | Popular for long-term rentals |
Autumn is the sweetest spot for both price and comfort.
🛄 Picking Up Your Rental Car at Alicante Airport
The process is simple:
- Go to the rental desk on the ground floor
- Show documents & credit card
- Sign the contract
- Follow directions to the parking area
- Inspect the vehicle carefully
- Take timestamped photos & videos
- Start your trip!
🔍 Car Inspection Checklist Before Driving Away
Make sure to check:
- Scratches, dents, bumpers
- Tires & rims
- Glass (including mirrors)
- Interior condition
- Fuel level
- Navigation / infotainment
- Child seat installation (if rented)
Photos protect you in case of disputes.
📥 Returning the Car at Alicante Airport
Most companies have a dedicated return area in the parking building.
Steps:
- Fill up the tank (keep receipt)
- Park in the signed return zone
- Show rental agreement
- Request final inspection & deposit release confirmation
For early morning returns, a drop-box service is available.
🌴 Best Road Trips from Alicante Airport
Here are top routes you can enjoy with your rental car:
🚗 Benidorm – 40 min
Beaches, nightlife, family attractions.
🚗 Altea – 50 min
White-walled town with picturesque views.
🚗 Calpe – 1 hour
Famous Peñón de Ifach rock and crystal beaches.
🚗 Murcia – 50 min
Historic city with cathedral and tapas bars.
🚗 Torrevieja – 45 min
Pink salt lakes and beaches.
📘 Summary: Renting a Car at Alicante Airport
✔ Easy and fast pickup
✔ Best car selection on Costa Blanca
✔ Affordable prices, especially off-season
✔ Driving is simple and roads are modern
✔ Full-to-full fuel policy recommended
✔ Always inspect and photograph the car
With the right preparation, renting a car at Alicante Airport ensures a smooth, stress-free, and budget-friendly travel experience.
