Getting Around Alicante. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation Systems

Alicante boasts comprehensive public transport, mainly buses and trams, connecting the city center to various neighborhoods and surrounding towns. The bus system (TAM) covers Alicante and its metropolitan areas. The tram (TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante) is a modern light rail network.

The tram links Alicante city center with northern coastal towns like Benidorm, Altea, and Denia, offering scenic coastal journeys and efficient exploration beyond the city center.

Features

Bus: Extensive network by Vectalia. Air-conditioned fleet.
Tram: Modern light rail by FGV. Connects to coastal towns.
Single ticket: €1.45. BonoBus (bus): €8.70 for 10 journeys.
Bono Móbilis (tram) or TAM Card (both) for discounted fares.

Route Maps & Hubs

Bus hubs: Plaza de los Luceros, Mercado Central. Tram stations: Mercado, Luceros (underground).

Operating Hours

Buses: Generally 06:00-23:00. Trams: Approximately 06:00-00:00. Frequency 10-30 minutes.

Accessibility

Modern buses and trams are typically accessible with ramps and designated spaces.

Navigation Tips

Digital Aids

Download the Vectalia app for bus tracking.
Use Google Maps for public transport route planning.
The TRAM Alicante App provides schedules and routes.

Cost & Comfort

Purchase multi-trip cards (BonoBus/Bono Móbilis/TAM card) for savings.
Plan journeys during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Modern vehicles with air conditioning provide comfort.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi ID

White vehicles, green roof light.

Hailing

On street, at stands, or via app.

Fares

Minimum ~€4-€5. Airport ~€20-€25.

Ride-sharing

Cabify, Bolt available; Uber has limited presence.

Rental Options

Car, motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle rentals provide flexibility for exploration. Requirements for car rentals include a valid driving license (IDP for non-EU/EEA citizens), passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit.

Car Rental Information

Minimum age 21-25; young driver surcharge may apply.
Driving experience: held license for at least 1-2 years.
Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Available from specialized rental shops.
Valid motorcycle license (A1, A2, or A) or B license (car) held for 3+ years for scooters up to 125cc.
Helmets are mandatory for all riders.
Bicycle sharing (BiciPunto) and private bike rental shops offer daily/weekly rates.

Driving & Parking Information

Roads are well-maintained.
Speed limits are enforced (120 km/h motorways, 90 km/h national, 50 km/h urban).
Traffic can be heavy in city centers during rush hours.

Parking is challenging and expensive in central Alicante.
Blue zones (zona azul) indicate paid street parking.
Low Emission Zones (ZBE) regulations are evolving; check city sources.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas

Explanada de España, Barrio de Santa Cruz, Postiguet Beach promenade are ideal for strolls. Santa Bárbara Castle paths offer rewarding views.

Walking Tours

Guided tours (history, gastronomy) by local operators. Self-guided walks with maps or apps are popular.

Cycling Safety

Dedicated bike lanes exist. Helmets are mandatory for children under 16, recommended for all. No specific "no-go" areas. Exercise caution in high-traffic zones.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard public and private options, Alicante presents unique ways to move around or experience the city.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Hop-on-hop-off tourist bus (Turibus) provides city tours with commentary.
Excursions to Tabarca Island depart regularly from Alicante port via ferry/catamaran.
No regular internal water taxi service within Alicante city itself.
Main water transportation is for leisure trips to nearby islands.

Unique Local Transport & Accessibility

Santa Bárbara Castle Elevator (ascensor) from Postiguet Beach. Costs €2.70 up; free down with valid tram ticket.
This is an efficient way to reach the castle without steep walks.
Newer public transport vehicles (buses and trams) are generally accessible with ramps.
Central areas like Explanada and Postiguet Beach are flat. Old town (Barrio de Santa Cruz) has steep, uneven streets, posing challenges.

Accessibility Resources

Public Transit

Modern buses and trams feature ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.

Accessible travel options.

City Areas

Many central areas like Explanada de Españan and Postiguet Beach are flat and easy to navigate.

Smooth pathways for movement.

Challenges

The old town, Barrio de Santa Cruz, with its steep and uneven streets, presents challenges for mobility.

Awareness for planning.

Sightseeing Efficiency

Castle Descent

For efficient sightseeing, start your day at Santa Bárbara Castle.
Take the elevator up to the castle from Postiguet Beach.
Walk down through the old town.

City Exploration

The walk leads to the Explanada and port.
This route offers a comprehensive city view.
Excellent photo opportunities along the way.

Safety on the Go

Taxis are regulated; confirm the meter is running.
Ride-sharing apps (Cabify, Bolt) transparency: driver name, vehicle details, fare estimate.
Always confirm driver and vehicle match app information.
Share trip details with a trusted contact if traveling alone.

Old town has steep, uneven surfaces; exercise caution.
Generally safe areas; exercise standard urban precautions, stick to well-lit streets at night.
No "no-go zones" for tourists during the day.
Be aware of surroundings in bustling nightlife areas.

Public Transportation Use

Using Alicante's public transportation is efficient and cost-effective. The system caters to various travel needs, from quick city hops to scenic coastal journeys.

Bus Travel Advantages

Extensive network covers the entire city and metropolitan area.
Economical, with the option to purchase multi-trip BonoBus cards.
Frequent service on main routes, typically every 10-20 minutes.
Vectalia app provides real-time bus tracking.

Tram Travel Benefits

Modern light rail system connecting to northern coastal towns.
Offers scenic journeys along the coast.
Bono Móbilis or TAM card for discounted fares.
Operates from early morning until late evening, with good frequency.

Efficient Navigation

Utilize Google Maps for comprehensive public transport routes and real-time updates.

Ticket Purchase

Bus tickets from driver (exact change). Tram tickets from station machines. Multi-trip cards at tobacconists and kiosks.

Family Friendly

Designated spaces for strollers and wheelchairs on modern vehicles. Easy access for all.

Public Transport Network

Bus Hubs

Plaza de los Luceros.
Mercado Central.
Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio.

Central Tram Stations

Mercado (underground, for lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L9).
Luceros (underground, for lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L9).
Clear signage and maps at all stations.

Final Local Transportation Insight

Alicante’s city center is very walkable. For longer distances or when tired, the bus and tram networks present convenient and economical options.

Planning your routes using recommended apps like Google Maps optimizes your travel time and experience within the city.

Getting Around Alicante