Valencia to Alicante

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Valencia and Alicante sit roughly 170 kilometres apart along Spain's Mediterranean coast, and the journey between them is genuinely easy. A fast Renfe train gets you there in under two hours; a coach is nearly as quick; and for those exploring the Costa Blanca, a car gives you freedom that public transport cannot match. Here is how the options compare.

The quickest and easiest way: Renfe train

Renfe runs frequent services between Valencia Joaquín Sorolla (or Valencia Nord) and Alicante Término throughout the day. The fastest services — Euromed and Alvia trains — do the journey in about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Slower regional services take a little longer but stop at more towns along the coast.

The Euromed is a comfortable, modern train that runs along a partly high-speed corridor and drops you at Alicante's central station, just a short walk from the seafront, the Explanada promenade and the old quarter. Reservation is required on Euromed services; regional trains typically do not require advance reservation.

Advance booking through Renfe's website or app secures the best fares. For the broader context of booking Renfe trains, see our guide to the Spanish high-speed and long-distance rail network. If you hold an Interrail or Eurail pass, check whether your specific service requires a reservation supplement.

The cheapest way: long-distance bus

ALSA operates several coach services a day between Valencia and Alicante, departing from Valencia's bus station (Estació d'Autobusos de Valènci) and arriving at Alicante's Estación de Autobuses, which is central and easy to reach. Journey times on the faster services are around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on stops.

Bus fares are typically lower than the cheapest Renfe tickets, so if every euro counts, the coach is worth checking. The slower journey time is the main trade-off — you will not save a huge amount of time on the train for this relatively short distance, but the difference in comfort and speed is noticeable.

The scenic way: driving

The drive from Valencia to Alicante is around 165 km, mostly on the AP-7 toll motorway that hugs the coast. In normal traffic, it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. The toll is modest for this stretch, and the drive is pleasant — you pass through the orange grove lowlands south of Valencia before the scenery turns drier and more dramatic around Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.

A car is worth it if you plan to explore the Costa Blanca at your own pace: towns like Dénia, Jávea (Xàbia), Calpe and the inland valleys are poorly served by public transport and much more rewarding with wheels. If you are simply going from city centre to city centre, the train makes more sense.

The tram option: TRAM Metropolità d'Alacant

Alicante has a unique light rail and tram network — TRAM Metropolità d'Alacant — that extends north along the coast through Benidorm and as far as Dénia. If you are travelling from Valencia to Benidorm or Dénia, the combination of Renfe train to Alicante and then the TRAM onwards is a viable and scenic alternative to driving. The TRAM runs along the coast and through the mountains in stretches — it is one of the most attractive urban transit lines in Spain.

Note that the TRAM does not connect directly to Valencia; you would still need to take a Renfe train to Alicante first.

Is flying realistic?

No. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) does receive flights, but almost entirely from international origins, not Valencia. There are no scheduled direct flights between the two cities and, at 170 km apart, there would be no reason to fly. The train is easily the fastest motorised option.

Arriving at Alicante Término: getting your bearings

Alicante's main railway station, officially Alicante Término (also signed as Estación de Alicante-Terminal), sits just north of the city centre, a walkable 10–15 minutes from the Explanada seafront promenade and the old town (Casco Antiguo). Taxis wait outside the station forecourt, and local buses connect to the wider city and the airport if needed. If you are continuing onward by TRAM, note that the TRAM's city terminus is a separate stop near the Mercado Central, a short walk from the Renfe station rather than a direct interchange.

Practical tips and seasonal notes

• Summer (June–September) sees the highest demand on this corridor, both for the train and for hire cars along the Costa Blanca — book Euromed seats and any rental car well ahead if travelling in peak season.
• Regional trains without compulsory reservation offer more flexibility if your plans are not fixed, at the cost of a somewhat longer and less direct journey.
• Luggage space on the Euromed is adequate for standard suitcases in the racks at each carriage end; the train is not designed for large group loads, so consider splitting bulky luggage between more than one bag if travelling as a family.
• If your trip continues further south, Alicante to Murcia is a short onward rail leg, and Valencia to Málaga covers the longer haul down the coast.

Which should you choose?

For almost everyone, the Renfe train is the right choice: fast, comfortable, frequent, and both stations are central. Take the bus if you want the lowest possible fare and can handle a longer journey. Drive if you want to explore the Costa Blanca at your own pace, and consider adding the TRAM if your itinerary takes you to Benidorm or the coast beyond Alicante.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Valencia to Alicante take?

The fastest Renfe Euromed services take about 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Slower regional services take a little longer but serve more stops along the coast.

Do I need to book a seat in advance?

Reservation is required on Euromed and Alvia services. If you want to travel on a specific train at a specific time, book online through Renfe or at the station. Regional trains usually allow walk-up travel.

Is there an airport between Valencia and Alicante worth using?

Not for travel between the two cities. Alicante-Elche Airport serves international routes. For intra-Spanish travel on this short corridor, rail or road are the only realistic options.

What is the TRAM in Alicante?

The TRAM Metropolità d'Alacant is a coastal light-rail and tram network based in Alicante, running north through Benidorm to Dénia. It is a scenic and practical way to explore the Costa Blanca beyond Alicante itself, though it does not reach Valencia.