Arriving in Benidorm by Train and TRAM
Benidorm is one of the largest and best tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca. Its microclimate, beaches, wide range of hotels, theme parks, and social life attract thousands of tourists year-round. One of the most comfortable and fastest options to reach this top-tier tourist destination is by combining the high-speed train to Alicante with the commuter TRAM train.
Getting to Benidorm by Train is very simple; you just need to follow these steps:
- Regardless of the train you choose to reach Alicante, you'll end your journey at the Alicante AVE Renfe station.
- Once you get off the train, follow the signs exiting the train station through its main hall. After leaving the platform area, continue walking straight, passing various commercial spaces in the station, until you reach a smaller hall with the Tourist Information Office and a small staircase.
- Head to the TRAM station at Plaza de los Luceros and take Line 1 bound for Benidorm, as shown in the previous image. The TRAM station is right in front of the AVE station, about 350 meters away in a straight line. Note that the TRAM station is underground, like a subway. To locate it, look for the sculpture in Plaza de los Luceros, which you can see clearly from the top of the train station staircase. The TRAM station is right below.
- Once you arrive at the TRAM station in Plaza de los Luceros, you'll need to go down to the first level to purchase the tickets you need. The platforms are on a lower level.
- The train frequency to Benidorm is very high, with a connection to Benidorm every 30 minutes every day between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
As you can see, getting to Benidorm by train from Madrid or any other city in the interior is very easy, and the return trip is just as straightforward. However, one challenge during the return journey is that once you check out of your accommodation, you'll need to carry your luggage until you catch your return train, which can limit your last day of vacation. A fantastic option to make the most of your last day is to explore the city of Alicante, the capital of the Costa Blanca. And there's nothing better than booking a luggage storage service in Alicante Locker. This way, as soon as you arrive in the city, you can drop off your bags and enjoy the rest of the day without any baggage.
Alicante Locker is a luggage storage service located between the main train stations in Alicante. The Alicante AVE station is about 180 meters away, and the TRAM station at Plaza de los Luceros, where Line 1 of the TRAM connects Alicante with Benidorm, is about 200 meters away. This makes it the ideal place to store your luggage when you arrive in the city and pick it up when you leave.
What to Do in Alicante in a Day or a Few Hours
We propose two itineraries and activities you can easily enjoy in Alicante. In the following map, you can find the most relevant points of interest in the city.
Cultural Itinerary
This itinerary focuses on the city's monumental and museum offerings, including the following must-see places:
- Plaza de los Luceros: Although it often goes unnoticed, it's worth spending a few minutes admiring its impressive sculpture.
- Explanada de España, Paseo Marítimo, and Casa Carbonell: Behind Casa Carbonell, you can access the Town Hall square, whose building is also worth a visit.
- Plaza Gabriel Miró: Notable for its modernist post office, fountain, and monumental ficus trees.
- Plaza Abad Penalva: The cathedral here serves as the starting point for the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood, the old quarter of Alicante.
- Plaza de Santa María: Where you'll find the Church of Santa María and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Santa Bárbara Castle: Dominating the city, this fortress offers spectacular views and is in excellent condition.
- MARC (Archaeological Museum of Alicante).
* The visit to Santa Bárbara Castle and MARC requires quite some time due to their location and the duration of the visits.
Shopping and Gastronomic Itinerary
When you're away from home, it's always nice to spend a few hours shopping, either for gifts for loved ones or for yourself. Alicante offers an extensive range of shopping and gastronomic options, including:
- The Avenida Maisonnave and Surroundings flanked at its ends by two large shopping centers is, without a doubt, the shopping hub of Alicante. Here, you'll find stores from major fashion and accessory brands.
- The gastronomic and entertainment options are more centered towards the city center, on the streets leading from the Explanada inland. In terms of food, it's essential to remember that Alicante's typical dish is not paella but "arroz alicantino," which comes in various preparations such as vegetable, lean meat and vegetables, seafood, "del señoret," and "a banda," among others. The choice of where to dine ultimately depends on your budget and tastes, but whatever they are, you're sure to find a suitable place.
