The tram (part of the TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante) hugs the shore for over 90 km, slipping between golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and those whitewashed villages that make your heart skip.

We love it because it’s kind, affordable (often under €8 one-way for the full trip), and wonderfully relaxed. No fighting holiday traffic. Instead, you get fresh sea air through the windows, the gentle rumble of the tracks, and the freedom to hop off whenever a spot calls your name. It’s sustainable travel with a big side of joy — exactly the kind of adventure we chase here at SunSeaSangria.

The line has history, too. Parts of this route date back to 1914–1915 when it first connected Alicante to Altea and then Denia. Today it’s a lovely blend of modern tram and scenic railway that still winds through tunnels, over viaducts, and past dramatic sea views.

Getting There from Alicante Airport

Flying into Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC)? No problem at all! The easiest way is to catch the C6 bus straight from the airport to Luceros tram station in central Alicante (about 30–40 minutes, cheap and frequent). From there, you’re just steps away from boarding Line 1 towards Benidorm and Denia.

Alternatively, some ALSA buses run from the airport towards Benidorm, where you can switch to the coastal tram. It’s all very doable with luggage and makes the whole trip seamless from touchdown to sea views.

The Full Journey: Alicante to Benidorm to Denia

We usually start at Luceros station in central Alicante or Porta del Mar if we want to wave goodbye to the beach first. Line 1 carries you north along the long, sandy Playa San Juan — think 1 hour 15 minutes of relaxed riding with the sea sparkling on your right.

Then you change at Benidorm onto the magical Line 9 — the real star of the show. This stretch to Denia feels cinematic: turquoise coves, dramatic rock formations, and those endless Mediterranean panoramas. The whole Alicante-to-Denia adventure takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you go straight through, but we always make it longer by exploring along the way.

Our Favourite Stops (and Why We Love Them)

•  Altea — Pure whitewashed magic. Get off and climb the steep, flower-filled streets to the church square for jaw-dropping views over the bay. We always linger for fresh seafood lunch and people-watching in the old town. It’s bohemian, peaceful, and ridiculously photogenic.

•  Calpe — The Peñón de Ifach (that giant rock) dominates the skyline here. We’ve hiked up for panoramic views and simply sat on the beach admiring it with a cold drink. The town has a lovely mix of fishing-port charm and lively promenade.

•  Denia — The beautiful finale! Wander the historic port filled with colourful boats, climb to the castle for sweeping views, and treat yourself to what many call the best paella on the Costa Blanca. From here, you can even catch a ferry to Ibiza or Formentera if the mood strikes.

Other lovely quick stops include El Campello for a relaxed beach vibe, Villajoyosa (known for its colourful houses), or Albir for a quieter taste of the coast.

Looking Ahead: Exciting Future Plans

Good news for future trips! There are active plans to extend the line from Denia onwards to Gandia (and Oliva) by around 2030. Studies are underway for a new TRAM connection that would link these beautiful towns, making the coastal journey even longer and more magical. We can’t wait — it’ll open up even more of the northern Costa Blanca for easy, car-free exploring.

Practical Tips from Someone Who’s Done It Many Times

•  Tickets: Zone-based system. Alicante to Denia usually falls into 3 zones — single ticket around €3.90–€7+. Return tickets and Bono 10 cards save money if you’re hopping on and off over a few days. Buy at machines (card or cash), the official app, or at bigger stations. Check current fares and zones here: tramalacant.es tariffs.

•  Timetables: Line 9 runs roughly hourly from early morning until evening. Full services from around 5:50 am to 8–9 pm. Always check the latest on the official TRAM site – tramalacant.es or use their handy route planner.

•  Pro hacks: Sit on the right-hand side heading north for the best sea views. Weekdays or early trains are quieter. Pack a small bag with sunscreen, a swimsuit, snacks, and a light jacket (it can get breezy).

Turning the Ride into a Full SunSeaSangria Day

This is where the fun really begins. Start with coffee in Alicante, beach-hop on the way up, enjoy a long al fresco lunch in Altea with a jug of sangria, then continue to Denia for sunset at the port.

We’ve done it as a relaxed day trip and as a weekend escape — staying overnight in Denia or Altea so we could wander without watching the clock. Reverse the journey on the way home for a completely different light and perspective.

Pro tip: Pair it with local flavours. Fresh seafood, horchata in the summer, or a crisp local wine as the sun dips. That’s the SunSeaSangria lifestyle right there.

Final Thoughts

The Alicante to Denia tram isn’t just transport — it’s a front-row seat to the soul of the Costa Blanca. It reminds us why we fell in love with this corner of Spain: the light, the sea, the villages, and that wonderful feeling that you have all the time in the world.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this ride never gets old.

Ready to plan your own adventure? Head over to tramalacant.es for live timetables, grab your ticket, and let the coast work its magic.

Have you ridden this tram yet? Drop your favourite stop or travel tip in the comments below — we read every single one and love swapping stories!

Until next time, keep chasing that golden-hour glow.

🍹🌊🚋

SunSeaSangria.com — Living the Spanish dream, one sunny adventure (and glass of sangria) at a time.