Car hire at Alicante airport (ALC)
What to know before you pick up a hire car at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport: where the desks are, what the deposit and excess mean, and the local roads worth knowing about.
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Alicante airport at a glance
| Airport | Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), Spain |
|---|---|
| Operator | Aena (official site) |
| Car hire desks | The in-terminal desks are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor; follow the "Car rental" signs after baggage reclaim. Several lower-cost suppliers sit outside the airport and collect you by shuttle bus from the terminal, so check your voucher for the pick-up point before you land. |
Before you book and at the desk
- Credit card in the main driver's name. Most suppliers place a hold on the card at pick-up, and many do not accept debit cards for it. Check the voucher before you fly.
- Fuel policy. "Full to full" means you return it full and pay only for what you use. "Full to empty" charges you for a full tank up front, usually above pump prices.
- Excess. The basic price includes cover with an excess: the amount you pay if the car is damaged. The desk will offer to reduce it. Decide before you arrive, not at the counter.
- Take photos and a video of the car before you drive off, including the wheels, windscreen and fuel gauge. Do the same when you return it.
- Your UK photocard licence is all you need for a holiday in Spain or Portugal; you do not need an International Driving Permit.
Driving from Alicante airport
- The AP-7 coast motorway between Alicante and Valencia has been toll-free since January 2020, which makes the drive north to Benidorm, Altea and Denia simple.
- Benidorm and the old towns on the coast have narrow one-way streets and paid street parking. A small car is easier than an SUV.
Checked October 2026. Desk locations and rules change: your booking voucher is the final word. Sources: Aena (airport operator).
Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Alicante airport?
The in-terminal desks are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor; follow the "Car rental" signs after baggage reclaim. Several lower-cost suppliers sit outside the airport and collect you by shuttle bus from the terminal, so check your voucher for the pick-up point before you land.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Spain?
In most cases, yes: the supplier pre-authorises a deposit on a credit card in the main driver's name. Some suppliers accept a debit card if you buy their full cover. Your voucher states the rule for your booking.
Should I buy the excess cover at the desk?
Only if you have not covered the excess another way. Compare the desk price with the full cover offered when you book online; buying at the desk is usually the most expensive option.