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Wheelchair accessible transport in Alicante: airport, beaches and van hire
The Costa Blanca is one of the favourite destinations for British travellers, and one of the hardest places to find a van with a ramp to drive yourself.
Updated 26 October 2026 · AbleVan · 3 min read
In short: Request free assistance at Alicante-Elche Airport at least 48 hours before the flight. Ramp vans are scarce on the Costa Blanca, so ask months ahead for the summer. In summer, Alicante's city beaches offer free assisted bathing.
Arriving at Alicante-Elche Airport
The airport runs Aena's free assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility. Request it at least 48 hours before the flight, through the airline or Aena's website. There are signposted meeting points in the terminal, at the arrivals kerb and in the car park. If you are collecting a vehicle, agree the handover point in advance. Leave time to be shown how the ramp and restraints work.
Ramp vans are scarce here, so ask early
Most car hire companies at the airport have no adapted vehicles. The few that exist are booked up in high season. So:
- Ask several months ahead for June to September or Easter.
- Ask whether the van can be delivered to the airport, and the cost.
- Confirm that it suits your chair before you pay.
Here is what to check.
How AbleVan can help: our base is Madrid, but we take requests for Alicante and the Costa Blanca. We look for options with rental companies in the area and only send you an offer if we find a van that suits your chair. If we cannot find one, we tell you straight away and you owe nothing.
Accessible beaches in summer
From about July to September, Alicante city runs a free accessible beach service. Staff help you bathe at San Juan, El Postiguet, Saladares-Urbanova and Tabarca island. Check the current dates and hours with Alicante tourist information before you travel.
Benidorm, the coast and parking
Benidorm's council publishes accessibility information for the town on its website. Seafront promenades are generally flat, but hillside old towns such as Altea's have steep streets and steps. For parking, each local authority decides whether it accepts the UK Blue Badge. Carry it with a translation and check local rules.
Need a van with a ramp? Tell us about your trip and your chair, and we look for a van that suits it before we send you an offer. Free, no commitment, reply within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a wheelchair accessible van at Alicante Airport?
There are few, and they are booked early in high season. Ask several months ahead, and check whether the company can deliver the van to the airport.
Does Alicante-Elche Airport have assistance for wheelchair users?
Yes. Aena offers a free assistance service. Request it at least 48 hours before the flight through the airline or Aena's website.
Are there accessible beaches in Alicante?
Yes. In summer the city runs a free assisted bathing service at San Juan, El Postiguet, Saladares-Urbanova and Tabarca. Check current dates before travelling.
Sources
- Aena, Alicante-Elche Airport assistance service
- Alicante City Council, accessible beaches (Spanish)
- Scope community forum, looking for an adapted car at Alicante and Murcia airports
- GOV.UK, using a Blue Badge in the European Union
About AbleVan
AbleVan helps visitors to Spain who use a wheelchair hire a van with a ramp. We do not own vehicles: we find one from a Spanish rental company, check that it suits the traveller's chair and arrange the booking. This guide is written by the AbleVan team from official sources, listed above, and is reviewed when the rules change.