Departing from Alicante Airport – General Information
Alicante Airport only has one terminal, which makes it extremely easy to find your way around. It is a spacious and modern area designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
How to get to Alicante Airport
By car
Alicante Airport has both short and long-term parking just metres from the terminal. The multi-level car park is connected to the terminal by a walkway. The car park is also the drop-off and pick-up point for car rental.
By public transport
Airport buses run regularly throughout the day and night. The bus stop is located right outside the departures area of the terminal on level 2. There is no train or tram connection to Alicante Airport.
By taxi
A taxi will drop you off right outside the departures hall. If you want to avoid unnecessary stress on your return journey to the airport, you may want to book your airport taxi transfer in advance.
How long before my flight should I arrive at Alicante Airport?
To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight departure time. Your specific arrival time can vary depending on various factors, including the airline, the destination, and whether you have checked in online or have any baggage to drop off. Do also keep in mind that during peak travel periods or for certain destinations, it might be advisable to arrive even earlier to account for potential congestion or delays.
As a general guideline, for domestic and Schengen flights, it is advisable to arrive around 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. This allows for sufficient time to check in, drop off any baggage, pass through security screening, and reach your gate.
For non-Schengen flights, the general recommendation is to arrive around 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. International, non-Schengen travel involves additional procedures such as passport control, customs, and sometimes additional security screenings, which can take more time.
Your airline will be able to inform you of how long before your scheduled departure time the check-in/bag drop opens.
Where are the check-in desks at Alicante Airport?
If you haven’t been able to check in online or if you have luggage that needs to go in the aircraft hold, you will need to go to the check-in desks. These can be found on level 2 of the terminal building. Check the screens to find out which check-in desk is open for your flight.
If your check-in has not yet opened when you arrive at Alicante Airport, you have the option of leaving your luggage at the left luggage facility located on level 2 of the terminal building.
Where is the security checkpoint at Alicante Airport?
Before you can proceed to your boarding gate, you will need to go through airport security, where passengers and their hand luggage are screened with the aid of metal detectors and scanners. The security checkpoint can be found on level 2. For more information about the procedures at the Alicante Airport security check and to find out which items you can and can’t carry in your hand luggage through security, please see our page Security Check at Alicante Airport.
Where is passport control at Alicante Airport?
Passport control can be found after you have cleared the security checkpoint, near the boarding gates. You will need to check the information screens to find out from which gate your flight departs and then follow the signs to your boarding gate. If you are flying to a country that requires a passport check, you will be channelled through passport control on your way to the gate.
What travel documentation do I need when flying from Alicante Airport?
That depends on the country you are flying to. In addition to your passport, you may also need a visa and/or other documentation. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the individual requirements of the country you are travelling to in good time before you are planning to fly.
Entry/Exit System
A new computerised border control system for third-country nationals, called EES or Entry/Exit-System is due to be launched in October 2024. Find more information about this on our EES page.
When do I need to be at the boarding gate?
The amount of time you need to be at the boarding gate before your flight departure can vary depending on the airline and the destination. You will find this information on your boarding pass and on the information screens at the airport. As a general guideline, it is advisable to be at the boarding gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before your flight departure time.
Making your way to the boarding gate early allows you to complete any necessary procedures, such as presenting your boarding pass and travel documents, going through any additional security checks, and boarding the aircraft in a timely manner. It also gives you some buffer time in case there are unexpected delays or queues on the way to the gate.
Please note: If you arrive late and the gate is already closed, you may be denied boarding and miss your flight!
What facilities can be found after security control at Alicante Airport?
There is a wide range of facilities and amenities to enhance your travel experience at the “airside” of Alicante Airport.
Retail stores: Alicante Airport features a wide selection of retail shops where you can purchase clothing, accessories, books, magazines, electronics, travel essentials, and souvenirs.
Duty-free shops: These shops offer a wide variety of products, including cosmetics, fragrances, electronics, clothing, alcohol, and tobacco, often at tax-free prices.
Restaurants, cafes and bars: Numerous dining options are available, ranging from fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops. You can find a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. You will also find some bars and pubs where you can relax, have a drink, and unwind before your flight.
Airport Lounge: The VIP lounge at Alicante Airport is called “Costa Blanca”. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi access, charging stations, and other amenities. Lounge access can be booked in advance at a reduced price.