I recently planned a few-day trip from Valencia to Alicante and researched the transportation options, finding quite a variety of choices. These two cities are about 170 kilometers apart, less than two hours by car, but the specific method depends on your personal needs.
Train is the Most Convenient Option
Departing from Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla station, take the Euromed high-speed train to Alicante’s Terminal station, taking only about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Last time I took the 9 AM departure, the carriages were very clean, seats comfortable, and free WiFi was available. Regarding fares, if you book in advance on the Renfe website, economy class costs approximately 15 to 25 euros, more expensive during peak season. It’s recommended to book at least a week in advance to save considerable money.
Train Schedule
Multiple departures are available daily, here are some commonly used time slots:
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Reference Price |
|---|
| 07:35 | 08:55 | 1h20m | 18-30€ |
| 09:00 | 10:20 | 1h20m | 18-30€ |
| 13:15 | 14:35 | 1h20m | 18-30€ |
| 17:40 | 19:00 | 1h20m | 18-30€ |
| 19:30 | 20:50 | 1h20m | 18-30€ |
Bus is a Good Budget Option
If you want to save money when traveling between Valencia and Alicante, consider taking the bus. ALSA company operates this route, departing from Valencia bus station to Alicante bus station, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with fares typically between 10 to 15 euros. Weekends and holidays have fewer departures, remember to check the schedule in advance. Although buses are slightly slower than trains, the seating space is decent and won’t be too tiring for long journeys.
I have a friend who frequently takes the bus between these two cities, and he says if you’re not in a hurry, buses offer great value. Moreover, ALSA buses are generally quite punctual, unlike some long-distance buses elsewhere that are frequently delayed.
Self-Driving Offers More Freedom
If you have a driver’s license and want to visit several places along the way to [Alicante], driving is the most flexible choice. Taking the A7 highway, the entire journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, with excellent road conditions. Tolls are about 8 to 10 euros, and fuel costs depend on your vehicle type, generally around 40 euros round trip for a small car. You can stop at coastal towns like Cullera or Gandia along the way, the scenery is truly beautiful.
Driving Considerations
When driving to Alicante, note a few points: First, parking spaces near the beach are very tight in summer, best to find parking lots in advance; second, some sections in the city center have strict speed limits, absolutely avoid speeding; third, roads in Alicante’s old town are quite narrow, which might be challenging for novice drivers.
My Recommendation
If you’re traveling alone or with one other person from Valencia to Alicante and time is limited, I recommend taking the train for speed and comfort. If it’s a family or group of friends, driving will be more economical and convenient. If budget is particularly tight, the bus is also a good choice, just requires more time on the road.
Regardless of which method you choose, remember to plan your trip in advance, especially during the summer tourist season when both tickets and accommodations should be booked early. Alicante is truly a wonderful coastal city, worth visiting!
