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Book a cheap car hire at Alicante Airport (ALC)
Book a cheap car hire at Alicante Airport with VIP Cars and enjoy the freedom to explore Spain’s stunning Costa Blanca region at your own pace. We make the process simple, affordable and convenient, allowing you to compare deals from trusted international and local car rental suppliers in one place.
As one of the busiest airports in southeastern Spain, ALC serves as the main gateway to popular destinations such as Benidorm, Torrevieja, Calpe, Altea and Alicante city.
Choosing an airport car rental is one of the smartest ways to start your holiday, especially if you want to avoid expensive taxi fares, crowded shuttle buses or the limitations of public transport. It is also an ideal pickup location because of its excellent road connections to major coastal towns and scenic inland routes, making day trips and spontaneous travel much easier.
With a vehicle waiting for you after landing, you can head directly to your hotel, beachfront resort, golf course or holiday villa without delays.
Whether you need a compact economy car for city driving, a spacious SUV for family travel or a premium vehicle for added comfort, we provide options for every budget and travel style.
Where are the car hire desks at Alicante Airport (ALC)?
Finding your rental provider after landing at ALC Airport is simple and convenient. Most major suppliers offering Alicante Airport car hire in terminal services have their rental desks located inside the arrivals area of the main terminal building.
Clear airport signage throughout the terminal will direct you to the car rental zone, helping you to begin your journey across the Costa Blanca without unnecessary delays.
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Onsite car hire companies at Alicante Airport
The counters of popular on-site car hire companies, including Firefly, Hertz, Budget, Record Go, Routes, Centauro, Europcar and Keddy, are located on the Ground Floor (level 0) of the Arrivals Hall in the main Terminal building.
These suppliers make it easy for you to complete paperwork and collect your vehicle shortly after baggage claim.
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Off-site car hire companies at Alicante Airport
Alicante Airport is also served by several off-site rental companies located just outside the airport grounds. Suppliers such as Centauro, Wiber Rent a Car and Victoria Cars often provide complimentary shuttle services between the airport and their offices.
To reach the pick-up point for the shuttle bus exit arrivals and head towards the elevators to go down to Level -2. Once you exit through the doors, you will see the bus stops where the shuttle service will pick you up. The shuttle runs approximately every 15 minutes.
Check your Rental Confirmation Voucher: Some companies have moved their specific meeting points to the "Parking Express" area, which is a very short walk from the terminal doors on Level -2.
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Meet & greet services
Some providers at Alicante Airport, like KeyGo Rent, Enterprise, Alquicoche, Alamo and National, also offer meet & greet services for added convenience. With this option, a rental representative meets you directly in the arrivals area and takes you to the vehicle or pickup location.
This service is especially useful for families, first-time visitors or travelers arriving during busy holiday periods who prefer a smoother and more personalized car collection experience.
Alicante Airport car rental operating hoursTypical car rental opening hours at ALC Airport range from around 7:00 AM to midnight, although timings may vary depending on the supplier and travel season.
Travellers searching for Alicante Airport car rental 24-hour services will also find several suppliers like Hertz, SIXT, Europcar and Goldcar offering after-hour pickup and return options.
However, you should always check your booking confirmation for exact timings and after-hours conditions. Some off-site suppliers may require advance notice for late pickups or returns and can charge an additional out-of-hours fee.
Returning your car hire at Alicante Airport (ALC)
Dropping off your rental car at ALC Airport is generally simple and well-organized, whether you booked with an on-site or off-site supplier. Most providers offer clearly marked return zones, helping travellers complete the process quickly before heading to the terminal for departure.
To avoid last-minute stress, it is recommended to arrive at least 2–3 hours before your flight, especially during the busy summer travel season on the Costa Blanca.
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Returning the car to on-site suppliers
If you booked with an onsite Alicante Airport car hire in terminal company such as Hertz, Europcar, SIXT or Goldcar, follow the airport signs marked “Car Rental Return” as you approach the airport.
The return parking area is located close to the main terminal building, making the drop-off process convenient for departing passengers.
After entering the designated rental return area, park the vehicle in your supplier’s marked section and remove all personal belongings.
A staff member may inspect the car and confirm fuel levels before completing the return process. Once the vehicle is checked in, you can walk directly to the departure terminal within a few minutes.
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Returning cars to off-site suppliers
For off-site providers such as Centauro, Wiber or Victoria Cars, drivers must return the vehicle to the supplier’s office located outside the airport grounds. Rental companies usually provide return instructions and the exact address in the booking confirmation.
Once you arrive at the office, the staff will inspect the vehicle and finalize the return paperwork. Most off-site suppliers then offer a free shuttle transfer back to the airport terminal.
You should allow additional time for the shuttle journey and vehicle inspection, particularly during peak travel hours.
Best car rental categories at Alicante Airport
Whether you are visiting the Costa Blanca for a beach holiday, golf trip, family vacation or business stay, choosing the right vehicle can make your journey around Alicante much more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some of the most popular car rental categories preferred by visitors arriving at ALC Airport, Spain.
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Economy cars
Economy cars are among the most booked vehicles at Alicante Airport because of their affordability, fuel efficiency and ease of parking. Models such as the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Polo, and Peugeot 208 are especially popular with couples and solo travelers exploring Alicante city, Elche and nearby beach towns.
These compact cars are perfect for driving through narrow Spanish streets, finding parking in busy tourist areas and keeping fuel costs low during short coastal trips.
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SUVs
SUV rentals are a top choice for families and travelers planning to explore beyond Alicante. Vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage provide extra luggage space, elevated driving comfort and excellent performance for longer journeys.
SUVs are ideal for scenic drives to places like Benidorm, Altea, Calpe and the mountainous inland villages of the Costa Blanca.
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Vans & minivans
Large groups and families often prefer spacious vans or 7-seater car rentals at Alicante Airport such as the Volkswagen Caravelle. These vehicles offer generous seating and luggage capacity, making them ideal for airport transfers, beach holidays, golf trip and group travel along the Mediterranean coast.
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Luxury car hire at Alicante Airport
Luxury rentals are popular among business travelers and tourists looking for a premium driving experience. Models like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 are commonly chosen for corporate travel, luxury resort stays and stylish coastal driving between Alicante and Marbella-style destinations.
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Convertibles
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Alicante is one of the best places in Spain to rent a convertible. Popular models such as the Mini Cooper Cabrio and BMW 4 Series Convertible are ideal for scenic seaside drives along the Costa Blanca coastline.
This category is especially favored by couples and holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the Mediterranean weather while visiting beach resorts like Javea, Moraira and Torrevieja.
Alicante Airport: Overview
| Address: | 03195 L'Altet, Alicante, Spain |
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| IATA Code: | ALC |
| ICAO: | LEAL |
Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is an international airport located 9 km southwest of the city of Alicante and about 10 km east of the city of Elche in Spain. The airport has one main terminal that handles international and domestic traffic. The Main Terminal is also known as NAT (Nueva Área Terminal) or The New Terminal. The Terminal building has 4 levels and a total of 26 boarding gates. Airlines including Air Europa, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Baltic, and more operate regular scheduled and charter flights at ALC Airport. For the benefit of the passengers, a number of amenities have been made available at the airport premises including ATM machines, VIP lounges, duty-free shops, retail stores, restaurants, bars, cafes along banking services.
VIP Cars’ tips for car hire at Lisbon Airport
- Alicante is one of Spain’s busiest leisure destinations, especially between June and September when tourists arrive for beach holidays in Benidorm, Torrevieja and Calpe.
Economy cars and automatic vehicles often sell out quickly during summer, so booking your rental in advance usually gives you access to lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles. - Before driving away from ALC Airport, take photos or videos of the car, including wheels, mirrors and bumpers.
- Temperatures in Alicante regularly exceed 30°C during summer, especially in July and August. Travellers visiting beaches or coastal resorts should choose vehicles with strong air conditioning and enough luggage space for beach equipment.
- Booking directly at the rental counter after arrival can often be more expensive than reserving online in advance. Travellers who pre-book through online platforms can compare multiple suppliers, secure better prices and avoid limited vehicle availability during peak travel periods.
- Fuel stations closest to Alicante Airport can become crowded during busy travel hours. Returning customers can save time by refueling slightly earlier on the route toward the airport instead of waiting until the last minute near the terminal area.
- Download offline maps before driving through the Vall de Guadalest and the surrounding Sierra de Aitana or Sierra de Mariola mountain ranges with weaker mobile signals.
- ALC Airport car rental parking areas are clearly signposted near the terminal, but during the busy summer season, they can become crowded, so allow extra time when collecting or returning your vehicle.