Europe > Spain > Alicante (ALC)
The Car or no Car advice for Alicante can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Alicante ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Alicante ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Alicante?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Do you actually need a car in Alicante?
In short: Not if you’re staying in the city—but yes if you want to explore beyond it.
Let’s look at both options so you can choose what truly suits your trip.
🚶 No Car Needed – Ideal for Alicante City Breaks
If you’re staying in Alicante itself, the good news is that you won’t need a car at all. The city is compact, easy to get around, and designed for relaxing, not driving.
Why Going Car-Free Works So Well
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Firstly, the tram and bus network is excellent, making it easy to get around without any stress.
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Secondly, almost everything you’ll want to see—such as Alicante’s marina, Postiguet Beach, the Explanada promenade, and Santa Bárbara Castle—is within walking distance.
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Additionally, the airport is well-connected by public transport, so you don’t need a car just to reach your hotel.
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Finally, coastal trams run to popular spots like Benidorm, Altea, and Calpe, meaning you can enjoy day trips completely car-free.
🚫 When No Car is the Best Option:
| Travel Style | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| City sightseeing | ❌ No |
| Beach + old town stay | ❌ No |
| Benidorm by tram | ❌ No |
| Short weekend break | ❌ No |
✔ If you’re here for sunshine, food, shopping, and sea views—there’s no need to rent a car.
🚗 Car Recommended – If You Want to Explore More of the Costa Blanca
However, if your idea of a perfect holiday includes discovering secluded beaches, scenic mountain roads, and charming inland villages, a car becomes extremely useful.
Why Renting a Car Enhances Your Trip
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To begin with, many of the region’s most beautiful spots simply aren’t reachable by tram or bus.
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Furthermore, having your own vehicle gives you total flexibility with your schedule—you can stop at viewpoints, take detours, and explore freely.
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On top of that, rural restaurants, wineries, and traditional towns like Guadalest or Villajoyosa are far easier to visit by car.
✅ When a Car is Definitely Worth It:
| Travel Goal | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Hidden coves & scenic drives | ✅ Yes |
| Mountain towns & viewpoints | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-stop Costa Blanca adventure | ✅ Yes |
| Staying outside central Alicante | ✅ Yes |
✔ If you want to turn your trip into a regional adventure, a car unlocks a whole new side of Alicante.
🧭 Quick Decision Summary
| Your Plan | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Alicante city only | 🚫 No car |
| Benidorm, Altea, Calpe by tram | 🚫 No car |
| Exploring beaches + villages | ✅ Car useful |
| Mountain drives & vineyards | ✅ Car recommended |
| Villa stay or rural accommodation | ✅ Car essential |
🎯 Final Verdict
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If you’re staying within Alicante city and sticking to main tourist areas – you’ll be perfectly happy without a car.
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If you want to experience the real Costa Blanca—the cliffs, coves, villages, and viewpoints—then renting a car will dramatically improve your trip.
So the choice is simple:
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Relax and go car-free if you want an easy city break.
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Get a car if you’re here to explore, discover, and roam further afield.
