If you’re staying in Altea and want to visit other towns along the Costa Blanca without dealing with driving or parking fees, the Altea tram will be your best friend! The TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante connects Altea to many of the other towns on the coast, making it perfect for spontaneous day trips.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know where the station is, which towns you can reach, how much tickets cost, and the insider tips that’ll help you make the most of the tram network.
Altea Tram Station Location
The main tram station in Altea is called Estación de Altea, and you’ll find it right in the heart of town on Carrer la Mar. It’s modern and well-signposted, so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
Estación de Altea: Carrer la Mar, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
The location is brilliant – just a short walk from the old town and close to the main beach. You can grab a coffee before your trip or pop to the shops when you get back. Everything’s right there.
Altea Tram Routes
From Altea, you’re connected to the L9 line which runs all the way from Dénia down to Benidorm. Here’s the full route with all stops:
- Dénia
- La Xara
- Gata de Gorgos
- Teulada
- Benissa
- Calpe
- Olla Altea
- Cap Negret
- Garganes
- Altea (your starting point)
- El Albir
- L’Alfaz del Pi
- Camí Coves
- Benidorm Intermodal
- Benidorm
Once you reach Benidorm, you can connect to Line 1 (L1) which takes you all the way down to Alicante city via Villajoyosa. This means you’ve got access to pretty much the entire northern Costa Blanca from Altea.
Altea Tram Timetable
The trams run regularly throughout the day, making it easy to plan your trips without stressing about connections:
- First tram from Altea: 6:15 AM
- Last tram from Altea: 10:15 PM
- Frequency: Every hour
The early morning service means you can get out early and beat the crowds at popular spots. The late evening tram gives you plenty of time to enjoy dinner or Benidorm’s nightlife before heading back.
I’d recommend checking the official TRAM Alicante website before you travel for any schedule changes, particularly during holidays or maintenance periods.
How much do tram tickets cost from Altea?
Tickets are really affordable, and getting a return ticket saves you money over buying two singles:
- Return to Benidorm: €2.50
- Return to Calpe: €2.50
- Return to Dénia: €4.00
- Return to Alicante: €4.70 (requires change at Benidorm)
You can buy tickets directly from the machines at the station. They’re available in English and accept both cash and cards, so it’s straightforward. If you’re planning multiple trips, ask about multi-journey tickets which work out even cheaper.
Best towns to visit from Altea by tram
You can use the tram to plan day trips from Altea to any of the towns on the line. I’ve added some recommendations below!
Calpe (15 minutes north by tram)
Calpe is practically on your doorstep! The tram drops you at the edge of town, and it’s about a 15-minute walk to reach the famous Peñón de Ifach rock.
This is perfect for a half-day trip. You can climb the rock in the morning (it takes about 2 hours return), then spend the afternoon on one of Calpe’s lovely beaches before heading back to Altea for dinner.
Benidorm (30 minutes south)
Benidorm offers a completely different vibe from Altea’s relaxed atmosphere. The tram journey takes you right into the city centre, where you’ll find massive beaches, theme parks, and buzzing Benidorm nightlife in the Benidorm English Square.
It’s brilliant for families wanting to visit Terra Natura zoo or Aqualandia water park, or if you fancy experiencing the famous Benidorm nightlife without worrying about getting back.
Dénia (45 minutes north)
This is one of my favourite day trips from Altea. Dénia has a stunning castle, fantastic beaches, and some of the best seafood restaurants on the coast.
The tram takes you right into Denia centre, not far from the port and Denia Marina. You can actually catch ferries from Denia to Ibiza if you’re feeling adventurous, or simply enjoy watching the fishing boats come and go.
Tips for using the tram
The trams are modern and air-conditioned, which makes them perfect for hot summer days when driving becomes uncomfortable. There’s plenty of space for luggage or beach bags too.
If you’re travelling with bikes, most trams have dedicated bike storage areas – just make sure to check the specific carriage when boarding.
The absolute best part about using the tram is arriving right in the town centres without any parking stress. In places like Calpe and Benidorm, parking can cost €10-15 for the day and be impossible to find in summer. The tram just drops you in the middle of everything.
When the tram works brilliantly
I find the tram works brilliantly for:
- Beach hopping along the coast
- Shopping trips to Benidorm or Alicante
- Cultural trips (such as Dénia’s castle and museums
- Food tours (each town has its own specialities!)
- Terra mitica theme park visits without driving stress
The early morning and late evening services mean you can make the most of your day trips, whether you want to catch a sunrise in Calpe or enjoy Benidorm’s nightlife.
The tram really opens up the whole northern Costa Blanca from your base in Altea, making it easy to experience different towns and their unique personalities without any of the usual travel hassles!
Tram journey planning tips
Allow extra time for connections – If you’re changing at Benidorm, factor in 10-15 minutes between trams. Check the connection times on the timetable before you set off.
Download the tram app – The TRAM Alicante app shows real-time arrivals and lets you plan journeys. Really handy if you’re out and about.
Keep your ticket – Inspectors do check, and they’re not lenient with tourists who’ve “lost” their tickets. Keep it safe until you’re completely done with your journey.
Peak times get busy – Summer mornings (around 9-10am) and evenings (6-7pm) can be packed. Try travelling slightly earlier or later if you want a seat.
Consider a multi-day pass – If you’re planning several tram trips, ask about tourist passes. They can work out much cheaper than buying individual returns.
What the tram doesn’t reach
While the tram network is brilliant, there are some fantastic places near Altea that you can’t reach by tram. Guadalest (that gorgeous mountain village) and Algar Waterfalls both need a car or organized tour. Javea is also off the tram network.
For those destinations, you’ll need to either rent a car, book a tour, or use the bus network. But for coastal destinations, the tram absolutely wins.
Can I use the tram to get from Alicante Airport to Altea?
Not directly. The tram doesn’t serve the airport. You’ll need to take a bus or taxi from the airport to Alicante city centre, then catch the tram from there. Honestly, it’s easier to just get a direct bus or car from the airport to Altea. I’ve written a guide on getting from Alicante Airport to Benidorm which covers similar routes.
The tram really opens up the whole northern Costa Blanca from your base in Altea. You can experience different towns and their unique personalities without any of the usual travel hassles – no parking stress, no fuel costs, no designated drivers. Just hop on, relax, and enjoy the coast!
