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Madrid, Community of Madrid to Alicante, Valencia Community from $21: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Alicante, Spain

How to Get from Madrid to Alicante: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
Renfe AVE
Train
Average Duration
2h  27m
Estimated price
$45-70
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
3h  27m
Estimated price
$21-77
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 362.1 km
Duration: 2h 27m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  58m
Estimated price
$21-24
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  17m
Estimated price
$31-168
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
4h  55m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  7m
Estimated price
$75-120

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 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
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Alicante

The journey from Madrid to Alicante offers a fascinating contrast between the vibrant urban energy of the capital and the relaxed coastal charm of the Mediterranean.

Best Neighbourhoods in Alicante

Alicante boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and charm.

El Barrio
• Vibrant nightlife and local tapas bars.
• Historic architecture, including the Santa Bárbara Castle.
San Juan Beach
• Stunning beach views and palm-lined promenades.
• Great for water sports and relaxing by the sea.
Explanada de España
• Lined with cafes and boutiques along a scenic promenade.
• Home to the iconic mosaic pathway and street performances.

Best Times To Visit Alicante's Attractions

Timing your visits to Alicante's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Santa Bárbara Castle
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Explanada de España
Enjoy a leisurely stroll during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
San Juan Beach
Head to the beach in the early hours for a serene atmosphere and stunning sunrise.

Alicante Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Alicante boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Spring and early fall are particularly great times to visit, as the weather enhances outdoor activities and leisurely exploration of the city.

Dining Recommendation in Alicante

A trip to Alicante isn’t complete without indulging in a bowl of traditional paella at Restaurante Dársena, where the coastal flavors shine through every bite. Compared to the diverse and vibrant culinary scene of Madrid, dining in Alicante emphasizes fresh, local seafood and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to savor the Mediterranean lifestyle.

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.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Alicante-Termino

Average Duration
2h 27m
Estimated price
$45-70

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino

Average Duration
2h 34m
Estimated price
$45-70

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino

Average Duration
2h 38m
Estimated price
$19-27

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$40-60

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Alicante-Termino

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$30-75
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Alicante

Average Duration
4h 55m
Estimated price
$35-55
Rideshare
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Madrid to Alicante

Average Duration
4h 58m
Estimated price
$21-24
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.iberia.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Alicante–Elche (ALC)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$45-390
Website
https://www.aireuropa.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Alicante–Elche (ALC)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$30-260

Madrid 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 scenic road trip from Madrid to Alicante, covering a distance of 262 miles. The journey takes around 4 hours and 7 minutes, promising an enjoyable drive through Spain's beautiful landscapes. 💰 Explore affordable travel options with prices ranging from €69 to €111 for the trip by car. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a comfortable ride, there are choices to suit your preferences for your journey to Alicante from Madrid.
Average price
€69 - €111
Useful tips for car travellers
• As you travel from Madrid to Alicante, use the A-3 and A-31 highways, which are the most direct routes; however, consider stopping at gas stations like Repsol or Cepsa along the way, where prices are around €1.45 - €1.60 per liter.
• In Alicante, expect daily parking rates to range from €10 to €20 in city center locations; keep an eye out for restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the city, especially in areas like El Barrio, where access may require a special permit.
• Upon arrival in Alicante, utilize the local GPS navigation tools such as Google Maps or Waze to easily find your parking spot, and be mindful of the limited street parking availability; a great option is the Plaza de los Luceros parking, which offers convenient access to the city.
🛤️ The journey from Estación de tren de Atocha in Madrid to Alicante-Termino station takes approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. Renfe AVE operates this route, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride through the Spanish countryside. 💰 Ticket prices for the Madrid to Alicante train range from €41 to €64, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to travel between these two vibrant cities. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route as you make your way from Madrid to Alicante by train.
Departure Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Arrival Point
Alicante-Termino station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: On your train ride from Madrid to Alicante, expect quality catering services. The high-speed AVE trains typically offer a selection of light meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase at your seat. The menu features local Spanish delicacies, sandwiches, and beverages, including wine and coffee. Make sure to check their menu beforehand, as offerings may change.
Seating Options: The AVE train providing this route offers several seating options. You can choose from First Class (Preferente), which features larger, more comfortable seats with complimentary catering services, and Business Class (Club), which offers similar comfort but may include extra amenities like quieter carriages and added privacy. Economy Class (Turista) is also available, providing a comfortable journey at a more affordable price. Booking in advance can help you secure the best possible seat.
Operators: The primary operator for this route is Renfe, Spain's national railway company. You can find more details and book tickets on their official website: Renfe. Other operators may include private providers, but Renfe is the most prominent for this route. Additionally, you can access useful links like local transport schedules at Alicante Transport.
🛫 Experience a swift journey from Madrid to Alicante with a quick direct flight that only takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines like Air Europa and Iberia conveniently operate flights between Madrid Airport and Alicante–Elche Airport. 🏝️ Enjoy the scenic views from above during this efficient 1-hour and 10-minute flight as you make your way from the bustling capital of Madrid to the picturesque coastal city of Alicante. 💸 Prices for flights between Alicante and Madrid are quite reasonable, ranging from €29 to €155, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget for this approximately 3-hour and 17-minute journey.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Alicante–Elche Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with either Air Europa or Iberia for this route; these airlines provide direct flights that typically take around 1 hour and 10 minutes, ensuring a quick and convenient trip.
• Upon arrival at Alicante–Elche Airport, follow the clearly marked signs for car rental and public transport; you can expect it to take around 15 minutes to reach the city center by taxi, with fares averaging around €25.
• For a seamless travel experience, check Air Europa's website and Iberia's website for updated flight schedules, and consider browsing Alicante's local transport options through Alicante Airport's official website, which includes information on shuttle buses and dining options.
🚌 Experience a convenient journey from Madrid to Alicante on a direct bus departing from Estación Sur de Autobuses. With departures every four hours and operating daily, the trip takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. 🌞 Enjoy the scenic route as ALSA bus services transport you from the vibrant capital city of Madrid to the beautiful coastal town of Alicante. Departing and arriving at Estación Sur de Autobuses in Madrid and Alicante stations, respectively, your travel time is efficient at just under 5 hours. 💰 Prices for the Madrid to Alicante bus tickets range from €32 to €51, offering budget-friendly options for your seamless journey between these two iconic Spanish destinations. Sit back, relax, and soak in the Spanish countryside as you make your way to modern metropolis meets coastal charm.
Departure Point
Estación Sur de Autobuses station
Arrival Point
Alicante station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your bus ticket online in advance with ALSA or other operators like FlixBus and Avanza to ensure you get the best prices, which range from €32 to €50, particularly during peak travel times; check their schedules at ALSA and FlixBus.
• Arrive at Estación Sur de Autobuses at least 30 minutes prior to departure to navigate security checks and find your platform easily, as the station can get busy and there may be multiple buses leaving around the same time.
• Upon arriving at Alicante station, take a moment to review the signage for local buses; the station connects you to various parts of the city, so familiarize yourself with the Magreb and Playa de San Juan routes if you're heading to popular tourist spots; download the Alicante public transport app for real-time schedules.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Alicante.

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The distance between Madrid and Alicante is 225 miles by air, with a travel time of 3 hours and 18 minutes. By train, the travel time is shorter, taking 2 hours and 23 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the road distance is 262.2 miles and it takes approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes. Lastly, if you choose to take the bus, it will take around 5 hours and 5 minutes to reach Alicante from Madrid.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Madrid to Alicante is to rideshare, which typically costs around €19-€22. However, this option may take longer, approximately 4h 58m. If time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option is to take a train, which takes around 2h 23m. Though it is slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from €41-€64, it allows for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
When traveling from Madrid to Alicante, the prices for a train ticket can range from €41 to €64. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Alicante to Madrid can vary from €59 to €86. It is advisable to check with the specific train and bus operators for the most up-to-date prices and any potential discounts or promotions that may be available.
To get from Madrid to Alicante without using public transportation, you can consider using carpooling services like Blablacar. This allows you to share a ride with someone who is driving in the same direction. The driving distance between Madrid and Alicante is 262 miles and it takes around 4 hours and 7 minutes to drive. Prices for carpooling services vary, ranging from €68 to €109. Carpooling can be a convenient and cost-effective option for traveling between these two cities.
To travel from Madrid to Alicante without a car, the best option is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes and costs between €41 and €64. Another option is to take a bus, which takes longer but is more affordable, with a travel time of 5 hours and 5 minutes and costs between €59 and €86. Lastly, you can also choose to fly, which is the fastest option, taking 3 hours and 18 minutes, but can range in price from €27 to €137.
Yes, there is a direct link between Madrid and Alicante via train and bus. The train journey from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Alicante-Termino takes approximately 2h 23m and operates twice daily. Alternatively, the bus journey from Madrid Estacion Sur to Alicante takes approximately 5h 5m and operates four times a day. Both options provide convenient and direct transportation between the two cities.
The flight duration between Madrid and Alicante is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, it is important to note that flight times can vary depending on the specific route and airline. As for the cost, ticket prices for flights between Alicante and Madrid can range from €30 to €135, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It is recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal for your desired travel dates.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Alicante. With over 2659 hotels to choose from, you can find a place that suits your budget and preferences. Prices start at €66, but there are also luxurious and more affordable options available. Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel or a cozy boutique accommodation in the city center, Alicante has plenty of choices to offer.

Trips to Alicante