How to get to Alicante-Terminal Train Station

Travel From Alicante city center to train station Alicante-Terminal

Alicante, a sunny, busy coastal city on Spain's costa blanca has always been a tourism and business hotspot in Mediterranean Europe. Being compact in size, the city is a breeze to get around. A reliable way of arriving at or departing in Alicante is from the train station Alicante-Terminal; located on Avenida de Salamanca.

This station, the only one in Alicante, offers train transportation via Renfe with connections to many parts of Spain. New high-speed rails to Barcelona and Madrid depart from here, however train station Alicante-Terminal was established all the way back in 1858, and it was at one time one of the largest train terminals in the country. Although it no longer holds the title, train station Alicante-Terminal still reflects Spanish history with its charming architectural style. As Alicante has a mixture of old-world charm and modern sensibilities, getting to the train station can be a little complicated.

What is the best way to get to the train station from the city center

Walking from the city center to the train station Alicante-Terminal takes approximately 20 minutes. However, those with children or heavy baggage have a range of more convenient options. 

An easy and inexpensive method of travel between train station Alicante-Terminal and the city center is the TAM (Transporte Alicante metropolitano) bus service. The most direct buses arriving near the station are number five, number six, number 21 and number 22 buses. The bus service runs from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Alicante does have a tram service, Tram Alicante (or the Trenet) that runs throughout the city. Service runs from 6:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. weekdays and 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

The bus and tram both cost 1,45 Euro (October 2019). 

Taxi service is another option, which costs around 10 Euro (October 2019), so worth it for passengers in groups with heavy luggage. Two major companies, Radio Taxi Alicante and Tele Taxi Alicante, service the city.

How far is it from the city center to the train station? 

Train station Alicante-Terminal is located one mile (or 1.9 km) from the city center. Walking takes around 20  minutes, and the most direct walking route from the City Hall is via Portal de Elche, following the signage. Bus stops are positioned within a 1 to 5-minute walk from City Hall (Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1).

The bus takes 10 to 15 minutes to arrive at the station. Bus number five stops at Salamanca 7 at the station. Bus number six stops at Salamanca 12, directly across the street from the station. Bus number 21 stops at Oscar Esplà 35 and is a four-minute walk to the terminal. The number 22 bus drop off is at Maisonnave 47. This location is a few blocks away and will be a five minute walk to the station.

The Alicante Tram L2 can be used to get to the station with just one stop. The closest entrance near Town Hall is Mercado Central on Avda Alfonso X El Sábio, 10. The ride will take less than five minutes. The tram station to depart is Alicant-Luceros and entails a six minute walk to the train station Alicante-Terminal via the Av De La Estacion.

A taxi from the city center to the terminal would take roughly three minutes but plan accordingly due to peak traffic times.

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

Train station Alicante-Terminal is well equipped for anyone who has limited mobility. Several of the features that make it convenient include accessible bathrooms, special elevators, adaptable stairwells, as well as wheelchairs available for those who require them, but be sure to book in advance. 

For those that are burdened with excess luggage, there is a sign-in zone to store and secure it for a fee safely. The area is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and prices range from 3,10 Euro for a small bag to 5,20 Euro (October 2019) for a large one.

Local tips: the train station points of interest

In the city, the Explanada de España is a multi-colored, marble embedded walkway filled with people watchers and restaurants near the waterfront. Towering over the city, the Castilla de Santa Barbara sits on Mount Benacantil at 500 feet above the city. It provides an unobstructed view of the coast as well as being a significant part of the city's historical importance. 

The MARQ (short for Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante) contains artifacts from both Alicante and beyond focusing on Field Archaeology, Urban Archaeology and Underwater Archaeology. Dalí, Picasso and other modern artists are represented in the city's oldest building, Museo de Arte del Siglo XX Asegurada  (20th Century Art Collection).

A sandy beach at Playa de Postiguet is recommended during the day for swimming or in the evening for a water's edge stroll. Alicante is situated in a microclimate region, and there are beachgoers from Spring to Autumn.