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Plans for a future tram system in Elche are starting to stretch beyond the city itself, with fresh talk of a possible connection to Torrevieja and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

 

During a recent visit to Elche Town Hall, Torrevieja’s mayor publicly backed the long-term expansion of the planned Elche tram system, suggesting it could eventually stretch south towards Vega Baja, with the airport acting as the key transport hub.

 

At this stage, the tram project in Elche itself is still only in the study phase. Routes, operating models and costs are being analysed, and there is no confirmed construction start date. Even under optimistic timelines, the first phase is unlikely to be operational before 2027.

 

However, what makes the discussion relevant for residents of Torrevieja and the wider southern Costa Blanca is the emphasis on the airport.

 

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport is the main international gateway for the area, serving millions of passengers every year. For many foreign residents, it is quite literally the connection to family, work and travel abroad.

 

Currently, most journeys from Torrevieja to the airport depend on the N-332 or the AP-7. In summer, traffic volumes rise sharply, and delays are common. A future tram or light rail link feeding into the airport could provide an alternative to driving and reduce congestion on key routes.

 

The concept being discussed would see Elche better connected to Alicante by modern public transport first, followed by potential extensions inland and southwards.

 

In that wider vision, Torrevieja and the rest of Vega Baja could eventually be integrated into the same network, with the airport forming the central interchange point.

 

It’s important to underline that this remains a long-term ambition rather than a funded project. No extension towards Torrevieja has been approved, budgeted or formally designed. For now, the focus remains on technical studies in Elche.

 

Even so, the fact that Torrevieja is being mentioned as part of a future tram network shows that better links to the airport are at least being talked about. For a city with so many international residents and visitors, having another way to reach Alicante Airport without relying entirely on the road would be a huge improvement.

 

Image: ICIE