Getting around Alicante

Public transport

TAM (tel: +34 902 106 992; www.alicante.subus.es) operates Alicante's public transport. Alicante is a relatively compact city and its major attractions are all within walking distance. However, a reliable bus service does operate in and around the city. Bus 9 goes to San Juan Beach every 20 minutes from the railway station. You can buy single tickets from the driver or passes for discounted travel from kiosks, Caja Rural de Alicante offices and TAM ticket offices. The buses run frequently from morning until night and some services extend into the early hours at weekends. City transport passes known as Mobilis are available.

Public transport in Alicante also includes five tram lines (tel: +34 900 720 472; www.tramalicante.es) that connect all the main areas of Alicante and its suburbs with Benidorm, Altea and Denia. Special tourist trams also exist. These include: 'Tren Arqueológico' archaeological train covering the MARQ archaeological museum, Lucentum and L’Illeta dels Banyets (in El Campello); 'Tren Ambiental' taking passengers into the countryside; 'Tren Cultural' cultural train connecting outlying districts and towns; 'Tren Senderista' ramblers’ train connecting with the starting points for excursions; and the night tram that runs in July and August to major nightlife spots.

Taxis

Reliable companies include RadioTele Taxi (tel: +34 96 510 1611 or 525 2511) and Area Taxi (tel: +34 96 591 0591).

Driving

Driving in Alicante is generally problem-free. The Explanada de Espana along the seafront is a good reference point, as it connects to the centre of the city and most of the major routes. Parking can be a problem but there are two large car parks available - one near the Meliá Hotel, and one near the Panoramis shopping mall, both near the harbour.

Car hire

Supplements are often charged for drivers under the age of 25 wishing to hire a car in Spain. A valid passport is required as proof of identity. Along with several smaller agencies, the following major companies provide car hire in Alicante: Avis (tel: +34 902 103 652; www.avis.es), Enterprise (tel: +34 96 512 2172; www.enterprise.es), Europcar (tel: +34 902 503010; www.europcar.es) and Hertz (tel: +34 96 592 2587; www.hertz.es).

Bicycle hire

You can hire bicycles and scooters from Rent and Go!, Avenida de Costa Blanca 95, San Juan beach (tel: +34 96 515 0914; www.rentandgo.es).