Madrid to Alicante from $21: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Madrid to Alicante: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$21 RideshareBest price
362.1 kmDistance
2h 27m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid to Alicante with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $5 | $5 | $5 | $8 | $19 | $8 | $9 |
| Train | $11 | $9 | $10 | $12 | $15 | $16 | $13 |
| Fly | $39 | $45 | $45 | $46 | $50 | $39 | $37 |
Traveling From Madrid to Alicante
The journey from Madrid to Alicante lets you transition from the bustling energy of Spain's capital to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, where city life contrasts beautifully with laid-back beach vibes.
Best Neighbourhoods in Alicante
Alicante boasts vibrant neighborhoods that showcase its rich culture and charm.
El Barrio
• Known for its lively nightlife and tapas bars.
• Home to stunning medieval architecture and narrow streets.
San Juan Beach
• Features a long, beautiful coastline ideal for sunbathing.
• Offers various water sports and beachside restaurants.
Centro Histórico
• Filled with historical sites and striking plazas.
• Perfect for shopping and enjoying local cuisine.
Best Times To Visit Alicante's Attractions
Alicante's attractions offer unique experiences at various times, enhancing your visit.
Santa Barbara Castle
Early mornings provide stunning views with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures.
Explanada de España
Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a pleasant stroll and vibrant atmosphere.
Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art
Weekdays are quieter, allowing for a more intimate art experience.
Alicante Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it a delightful destination at any time. The best times to visit are spring and early fall, when pleasant temperatures enhance outdoor activities and beach outings.
Dining in Alicante: A Culinary Journey
Savor the local specialty of arroz a banda at Restaurante Casa Julio, where the rich flavors of seafood combined with saffron rice reflect Alicante's coastal heritage. This dining experience, infused with fresh local ingredients and a relaxed seaside atmosphere, starkly contrasts with the bustling tapas bars of Madrid.
Madrid - Alicante operators
Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Alicante, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en
Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Alicante-Termino
Average Duration
2h 27mEstimated price
$45-70Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino
Average Duration
2h 34mEstimated price
$45-70Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino
Average Duration
2h 38mEstimated price
$19-27Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino
Average Duration
3hEstimated price
$40-60Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$30-75Contact phone
+34 910 207 007Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home
Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Alicante
Average Duration
4h 55mEstimated price
$35-55Website
https://www.blablacar.com
Rideshare from Madrid to Alicante
Average Duration
4h 58mEstimated price
$21-24Website
https://www.iberia.com
Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Alicante–Elche (ALC)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$45-390Website
https://www.aireuropa.com
Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Alicante–Elche (ALC)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$30-260Madrid to Alicante: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Madrid and Alicante offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Madrid to Alicante, covering a distance of 421.6 km in just over 4 hours.
💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from €69 to €111 for the Madrid to Alicante drive. Plan ahead to find the best deals on fuel costs and toll fees, ensuring a pocket-friendly travel experience.
Average price
€69 - €111
🚂 The journey from Madrid to Alicante by train is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with services departing four times a day and taking approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes.
🌅 Departing from Estación de tren de Atocha, travelers can enjoy a scenic ride through the Spanish countryside before arriving at Alicante-Termino station, operated by Renfe AVE.
💰 Ticket prices for the Madrid to Alicante train range from €42 to €65, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Alicante from the bustling capital of Madrid.
Departure Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Arrival Point
Alicante-Termino station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The most popular train service for your journey from Madrid to Alicante is Renfe's AVE, which offers a café-o-bar service where you can purchase a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Menus often include sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and soft drinks, with available catering services varying depending on the train and time of day.
• Seating Options: Renfe provides several classes of seating for your journey. In Economy Class, you'll find comfortable seats with standard legroom. Business Class offers wider seats and more comfortable legroom, along with additional perks like complimentary meals and priority boarding. First Class provides an enhanced travel experience with premium seating, more space, and exclusive catering options.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arrival at Alicante train station, keep in mind that there are luggage lockers available for storing your bags if you wish to explore the city without the burden of your luggage. The station also has clean restrooms, but as of my last update, there are no shower facilities. To navigate the station, look for clear signage; the entrance/exit is just a short walk from the platforms.
🛫 Flying from Madrid to Alicante is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 10 minutes. Both Air Europa and Iberia provide flight options between these two popular Spanish cities.
🌴 Once in Alicante, travelers can expect a total flying time of 3 hours and 17 minutes from Madrid.
💸 Prices for flights between Alicante and Madrid can range from €29 to €155, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to travel between these vibrant Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Alicante–Elche Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight early with Air Europa or Iberia to secure the best prices, as last-minute fares can climb from €28 up to €150, especially in peak seasons.
• Upon arrival at Alicante–Elche Airport, follow the signs to the arrivals hall; expect a quick passport control process if flying from within Schengen and consider utilizing the express lane for a smoother exit.
• A taxi from Alicante–Elche Airport to the city center typically costs around €20-€25 and takes about 20 minutes; for a more economical option, check the local bus service which runs frequently and costs only a couple of euros.
🚌 Traveling from Madrid to Alicante by bus is a convenient and comfortable option. The journey departs every four hours from Estación Sur de Autobuses and takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes.
💰 The bus ticket prices from Madrid to Alicante range from €32 to €51, making it an affordable way to travel between these two beautiful Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Estación Sur de Autobuses station
Arrival Point
Alicante station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at Estación Sur de Autobuses at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to comfortably navigate the station, as it can get busy, especially during weekends. Check the latest departure schedules on the official ALSA website: alsa.es
• Bring snacks or a light meal for your journey, as while there may be food options available on the bus, having your own can save time and enhance your travel experience. Look for local specialties in Madrid such as 'tapas' that you can pack easily.
• Upon arrival at Alicante's bus station, be ready to use the local tram or taxi services to reach your final destination; the station is well-connected but can be confusing for first-time visitors. You can find tram schedules and routes on the Alicante public transport website: tramontana.es
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Madrid to Alicante.
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The distance between Madrid and Alicante is approximately 362.1 km by road, while the road distance is 422.0 km. Traveling by train is the fastest option, taking around 2 hours and 23 minutes. By plane, the journey takes about 3 hours and 18 minutes. If you prefer to drive, it will take around 4 hours and 7 minutes, and by bus, the travel time is approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Madrid to Alicante is to rideshare, which typically costs between €19 and €22. However, this option takes slightly longer, with a travel time of around 4 hours and 58 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option is to take a train, which typically takes 2 hours and 23 minutes and costs between €41 and €64.
The prices for a train ticket from Madrid to Alicante range from €41 to €64, depending on the type of seat or class. On the other hand, bus tickets from Alicante to Madrid can cost between €60 and €87, which may also vary based on the bus company and the amenities provided.
To get from Madrid to Alicante without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service, which offers rideshare options between the two cities. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Madrid and Alicante is approximately 421.6 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes to drive between the two cities. The cost of a car ride from Madrid to Alicante through Blablacar can range from €69 to €110, depending on various factors.
To travel from Madrid to Alicante without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes and the ticket prices range from €41 to €64. Another alternative is to take a bus, which takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €60 to €87. Lastly, flying is also an option, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, and ticket prices ranging from €28 to €138.
Yes, there is a direct link between Madrid and Alicante. You can take a direct train from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Alicante-Termino, which operates twice daily and takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Madrid Estacion Sur to Alicante, which operates four times a day and takes approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes.
The flight between Madrid and Alicante typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from €30 to €136.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Alicante. With over 2659 hotels to choose from, you will certainly find something that suits your needs and budget. Prices start at €66 per night, offering a range of affordable options as well as more luxurious ones.
Trips from Madrid
- Madrid to Barcelona
- Madrid to Bilbao
- Madrid to Marbella
- Madrid to Faro
- Madrid to Zaragoza
- Madrid to Seville
- Madrid to Lisbon
- Madrid to Amsterdam
- Madrid to Vigo
- Madrid to Murcia
- Madrid to Santander
- Madrid to Milan
- Madrid to Pamplona
- Madrid to Porto
- Madrid to Rome
- Madrid to Toledo
- Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid to Granada
- Madrid to Valencia
- Madrid to Segovia
- Madrid to Edinburgh
- Madrid to Girona
- Madrid to Ronda
- Madrid to Benidorm
- Madrid to Liverpool
- Madrid to Malaga
- Madrid to Salamanca
- Madrid to Avila
- Madrid to Cordoba
- Madrid to London
- Madrid to Cadiz
- Madrid to Palma de Mallorca
- Madrid to Paris
- Madrid to Leon
- Madrid to Manchester
- Madrid to Bristol
- Madrid to Monaco
- Madrid to Calais
- Madrid to Lima
- Madrid to Madrid
Trips to Alicante
- Barcelona to Alicante
- Benidorm to Alicante
- Bilbao to Alicante
- Seville to Alicante
- Valencia to Alicante
- Torrevieja to Alicante
- Malaga to Alicante
- Murcia to Alicante
- Elche to Alicante
- Granada to Alicante
- Almeria to Alicante
- Altea to Alicante
- Santander to Alicante
- London to Alicante
- Paris to Alicante
- Calpe to Alicante
- Sax to Alicante
- Denia to Alicante
- Southampton to Alicante
- Exeter to Alicante
- Manchester to Alicante
- Dublin to Alicante
- Faro to Alicante
- Bournemouth to Alicante
- Newquay (Cornwall) to Alicante
- Aberdeen to Alicante
- Cala Ferrera (Mallorca) to Alicante
- Liverpool to Alicante
- Edinburgh to Alicante
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Alicante
- Doncaster to Alicante
- Marbella to Alicante
- Norwich to Alicante
- Birmingham to Alicante
- Los Alcazares to Alicante
- Glasgow to Alicante
- Belfast to Alicante
- Stansted Mountfitchet to Alicante
- Newcastle (Down) to Alicante
- Prestwick to Alicante