In the first person: we got on the train to travel between Dénia and Alacant (round trip)
When they asked me to get on the Dénia train to tell the experience of traveling to Alicante, it seemed like a very interesting and fun idea. In fact, during the first sections of the journey I even enjoyed it. However, now that I have reached the end of the trip, after seven hours between trains, I cannot be more sorry for having offered to undertake this trip.
After pondering several times about the best way to tell the experience, I have decided to paste directly this transcript of the logbook that I was writing as the trip progressed. I think it is the ideal way to understand how the experience has been, told live, so that whoever reads it can be aware of what they are facing when getting a ticket in Dénia to Alicante, or vice versa.
Denia Station (08:50)
The first thing that surprises me when getting on the new train, which I had not been able to try since it was introduced, is how new it is. It is to be expected, it is clear, but I had the memory of the previous one still very present, the one that they eliminated in 2016. The one now is impeccable. And not only that, but it looks modern. It is also very comfortable, quiet, warm and does not have the usual insufferable rattle. If it weren't for the windows, you wouldn't even know it's running.
He leaves extremely punctual, there is 50 as the schedule indicates. I admit that during the urban section of Dénia I have been attentive at each crossing to check how the drivers behave when passing by the tram. And the truth is that at every traffic light the cars stopped and we didn't have to slow down. The horn has not even been used to warn someone clueless.
Being able to tour the Portland factory and the Pinaret d'Elies towards La Xara is exciting.
Gata Station (09:07)
Traveling between Gata and Dénia with the new train is a very comfortable and pleasant alternative. In about 15 minutes you can move between the two municipalities. I wish this option existed to connect more points in the Marina Alta and avoid using private vehicles.
Transfer - Teulada stop (09:17)
As promised, in Teulada the transfer is waiting for us on the track, so it's just getting off one train to get on the other. The contrast is abysmal. This vehicle has nothing to do with the one we have in Dénia. It is aged, uncomfortable and noisy. Also, it's cold inside.
The conductor warns those of us who have to take the train to Alicante, Line 1, that we will have to get off at the Benidorm Intermodal stop and take a bus to the Benidorm station. According to his account, for a few weeks both stops will be connected in this way due to some work on the road that should not last long. She is very kind at all times and she explains the process to us in detail, but she doesn't seem very convinced of that "they shouldn't last long".
The truth is that the landscape of the entire trip is incredible, giving this transport option a certain appeal. And for now, removing the laziness caused by the Teulada transfer (like any other transfer), I am very surprised for good. The problem is that it seems that in Teulada we will have to continue changing trains for a long time, because when passing through the new bridges with which Dénia will definitively join Benidorm, it can be seen that the work is too late. They do not look like they will be finished this 2023.
Calp stop (09:47)
That the connection between Dénia and Calp is 1 hour is perhaps not the best option, but for those who do not have another means of transport it is certainly a good alternative. It is an acceptable delay and, once the Teulada transfer is removed, very comfortable.
The number of people who go up in Calp towards Benidorm is striking, most of them foreigners. Taking into account that both municipalities are separated by just over half an hour by train, it is normal that there is a greater use of this transport between them. Why are they going to go to Dénia and waste an hour if they can go to Benidorm in half the time? Of course, here the landscape is no longer the same.
Transfer - From Benidorm Intermodal (10:26) to Benidorm station (10:47)
When we arrive at the Benidorm Intermodal stop, we have to get on a bus that is waiting for us on the road, a few meters from where we got off. It seems that the trip is taking longer than I expected, because I was supposed to be in Benidorm at 10:21, but at the station.
The bus ride is not very fast and takes several minutes. This transfer makes it impossible to catch the first train that leaves from Benidorm to Alicante, so the connection between Lines 9 and 1 is not direct. I would have to leave with the 10:35 train and instead I'm stuck on a bus. I can go forgetting to arrive at Luceros at 11:51 as I intended.
At the station my suspicion is already confirmed. The next train I can catch is at 11:04.
Poble Espanyol stop (11:55)
I'm amazed at how many people are inside the train right now. All the seats are taken and there are even standing passengers. I have been able to get a seat with views of the water (which, for whatever reason, I prefer at this point in the journey), but I can hardly write. The train is comfortable, but we are too cramped. The burden may also be due to the fact that I already feel fatigued, especially from so many transfers.
I understand that there are so many people. In an hour and a quarter you go from Benidorm to the Luceros de Alacant station. All the municipalities that are within Line 1 are perfectly connected, having a really useful rail connection, and not a trenet. It's quite envious.
Luceros de Alacant Station (12:24)
Indeed, I have arrived half an hour later than expected. It wasn't even 09:00 when I left Dénia and it's already past noon. That's too many wasted hours for anyone. Not only is it a useless service, since its duration makes its ordinary use impossible, but it is excessively uncomfortable. At least for now, since so much transhipment tires, and a lot.
I feel fatigued just from the fact of having to change so many times between different means of transport, from the rush, from being careful not to make a mistake and from the stress of checking the clock all the time. A trip without transfers, even if it was so long, would allow you to relax and try to cope with the hours reading, watching a series or sleeping, if necessary. But now it's 3 and a half hours of constant tension, to be ready every time you have to change to another train or bus.
I now have the turn, which I am still not sure if it will also be worth narrating. At least, it will serve to check if you live the same at another time and in the opposite direction.
La Vila Joiosa stop (13:41)
I have spent more than an hour on my feet, which was what I needed. The train is even more crowded than before, especially with young people coming home from high school. Line 1 is a luxury for those who have to study in other municipalities. Or in Alicante.
At the moment the train remains punctual.
Benidorm Intermodal stop (14:19)
What a mess! When leaving the Benidorm station we realized that the bus that was to take us to the Benidorm Intermodal stop was not there. And looking at the TRAM information signs we have realized that only one leaves every hour and the next one was at 14:40 p.m. The next train that left for Dénia was at 14:09.
After looking at Google Maps and verifying that the Benidorm Intermodal stop was a 15-minute walk away, I decided to walk as fast as possible, even running in the final stretch. Miraculously, due to some delay in departure that I have been very grateful for, I have been able to get on the train. If it weren't for that miracle that caused him to leave ten minutes later, he would have had to wait another hour for the next one.
It's still crowded, especially with students. The number of young people from the Marina Alta, especially from Calp, who go to the institute in the Marina Baixa is incredible.
Transfer - Teulada stop (15:08)
The atmosphere is very heated at the Teulada stop. The promised tram that would be waiting for us to pick us up without wasting time, the one that has connected us so well in the morning, is not on its track. According to the schedules, at 15:16 one would have to leave.
At 15:23 the tram finally arrives, which after so much waiting and hours of travel no longer seems so pleasant and comfortable.
Denia Station (15:48)
Seven hours, six trains and trams, one bus, a kilometer and a half of running and seven transfers later, I have returned to Dénia. Making the round trip by train from Dénia to Alicante has been stupid, but, whether from the capital of the Marina Alta to the province or vice versa, the ordinary complete journey is a complete waste of time.
There will be few cases in which this service can be considered useful. To go to Calp or Benissa it can be useful. To go to Teulada or Gata it is highly recommended. Any other destination is best avoided.