After living in Alicante for nearly half a year, I’ve gotten pretty familiar with the local transport system. I often see people on forums asking how to get around and which tickets offer the best value, so today I’m sharing my experience to help newcomers.
TRAM Light Rail System Overview
Alicante’s TRAM light rail is the most convenient transport option, with 5 lines covering the city center and surrounding beaches. Line L1 is the main trunk line, running from Benidorm all the way to Alicante city center, passing through beach stations like El Campello and San Juan. Trains run from 6 AM to 11 PM, with extended service until the early morning on weekends. Single journey fares range from €1.45 to €4.90 depending on distance, but Alicante TransportI strongly recommend getting a rechargeable card - the 10-trip ticket can save you quite a bit.
Bus Network
City buses are mainly operated by TAM company, with route numbers from 01 to 99. Personally, I find the C-6 route most useful - it circles the city covering major commercial and residential areas. There’s also the 24 night bus for emergencies during late hours. Single tickets cost €1.45, purchased on board, but note that drivers don’t give change. If Alicante Transport you live in the suburbs, there are also intercity buses connecting places like Elche and Santa Pola - fewer services than TRAM but cheaper.
Transport Card Comparison
| Card Type | Suitable For | Price Advantage | Purchase Location |
|---|
| Tarjeta 10 | Short-term visitors | 10-trip ticket 20% off | TRAM stations |
| Tarjeta 30 | Commuters | Unlimited monthly pass | Post offices, tobacco shops |
| Bono Joven | Under 30 | Additional 30% off | Online application required |
| Tarjeta Oro | 65+ seniors | Free or half price | City hall |
Practical Travel Tips
The most economical way from the airport to city center is the C-6 bus - €3 direct to downtown, more than ten times cheaper than a taxi. I foolishly took a taxi once and spent €25. For beach trips, I recommend buying a TRAM day pass - unlimited rides for the day, €9 on weekends and €7 on weekdays. The FGV official app shows real-time arrivals - interface is a bit dated but quite accurate.
One final reminder: always tap your card or buy a ticket when boarding. There are many plainclothes inspectors, and if caught the fine starts at €50. My colleague got caught once - saying “I forgot to tap” doesn’t work. Also, during summer tourist season the TRAM gets very crowded, so try to avoid peak times around 10 AM and 5 PM.
