Getting to Calpe is one of those things nobody really warns you about — and after ten years living on the Costa Blanca, I've seen the same mistakes happen every summer. People land at Alicante airport, grab an expensive taxi because they didn't know about the bus, spend twenty minutes circling the port looking for parking in August, and then wonder why their holiday started on a stressful note. This guide fixes all of that.
Whether you're flying in from Manchester, driving down from Valencia, or arriving by train from Madrid, here's exactly how to get to Calpe — and what to do once you're here.
Getting to Calpe from Alicante Airport (ALC)
Alicante-Elche Airport is the closest major airport to Calpe, sitting roughly 75 kilometres south. This is where the vast majority of British, German, and Dutch visitors arrive.
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Find rentals →By rental car (recommended): The drive takes around 50–60 minutes via the AP-7 motorway (toll road) or about 75–80 minutes via the free N-332 coastal route. I always take the AP-7 on arrival — you're tired, it's quicker, and the toll is only around €6–8 depending on your exit. Every major rental company has a desk at ALC. Book well in advance for September stays — cars go fast.
By airport transfer: Private transfers from Alicante airport to Calpe cost around €65–90 each way for up to 4 passengers. Companies like Shuttledirect and local operators offer good rates. Fine for a one-off but not cheap if you want flexibility during your stay.
By bus (the cheapest option): This is the secret most tourists don't know. ALSA runs services from Alicante bus station (Estación de Autobuses), which you reach by TRAM from the airport in about 20 minutes. From Alicante bus station, there are several direct or nearly-direct services to Calpe daily. Total journey time is around 2–2.5 hours and costs as little as €7–10 each way. Not the fastest, but perfectly doable with light luggage.
Getting to Calpe from Valencia Airport (VLC)
If you're flying into Valencia — which is increasingly popular with budget carriers from Northern Europe — Calpe is actually closer than you might think: roughly 110 kilometres via the AP-7.
Driving takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. By bus from Valencia's Estació del Nord, you can reach Benidorm and then connect to Calpe, though this takes 2.5–3 hours. Honestly, for Valencia arrivals, a rental car is the practical choice.
Driving to Calpe: Routes & Practical Tips
Calpe sits right on the AP-7 / A-7 motorway corridor, making it very easy to reach by car from almost anywhere in Spain or Europe.
- From the north (Valencia/Barcelona): Exit 63 (Calpe/Benissa) off the AP-7
- From the south (Alicante/Murcia): Exit 63 (Calpe/Benissa) — same exit, different direction
- From the UK/France overland: The journey through France, over the Pyrenees via La Jonquera, and down the AP-7 is genuinely manageable in 2 days. Many British expats and long-stay visitors do exactly this.
Petrol stations: There's a Repsol on the edge of town near the Avenida de la Marina, and a Cepsa on the way in from the N-332. Both have 24-hour pumps.
Parking in Calpe: The Real Story
Right — let's talk parking, because this is where people suffer most.
July and August: Parking in central Calpe, near Arenal beach, or anywhere near the Peñón is genuinely brutal. The streets around Calle Delfín and the port fill up by 10am. Your best bets: - Parking del Puerto: Paid underground car park near the fishing port. Around €10–12/day. Worth every cent in peak season. - Parking de la Fossa: Surface car park near Playa la Fossa. Gets busy but is larger. - Blue zone parking (zona azul): Free 2-hour parking marked in blue on roads. Strictly enforced — wardens are on the ball.
September onwards (which is RIGHT NOW): The parking situation relaxes dramatically. You can usually find free spots within a 5–10 minute walk of the beaches without any drama. This is one of the many reasons I tell everyone that September is the best time to visit Calpe.
If you're staying in a holiday rental: Most holiday apartments in Calpe include private parking or have access to a communal garage — always worth checking when you book. A rental with parking can save you €70–100 over a week's stay in peak season alone.
Getting Around Calpe: On Foot, by Bus & by Bike
Calpe town is surprisingly walkable. The old town, the Peñón trail entrance, Arenal beach, and the port are all connected by a flat seafront promenade. If your apartment is anywhere near the centre, you genuinely may not need a car during the day.
Local bus: The local UBESA bus service connects different parts of Calpe — useful for reaching Playa de la Fossa from the old town, or heading to the salinas (salt lagoon). Tickets cost around €1.50.
TRAM (Alicante-Dénia line): One of the most underrated transport options on the Costa Blanca. The TRAM stops at Calpe station and connects the town with Benidorm (south) and Dénia (north). Trains run roughly every hour. A single to Benidorm costs around €3.50. It's slow — about 45 minutes — but gorgeous, running right along the coast. I use it for day trips regularly.
Taxi: Local taxis are plentiful and honest. A ride within Calpe town should cost €6–10. There's a taxi rank at the bus station and near the port.
Bikes: Calpe has a growing network of cycle paths and plenty of bike hire shops. See our full cycling guide for Calpe for routes and rental spots.
My Honest Recommendations
After ten years here, this is what I'd actually do:
- Fly into Alicante, rent a car. Having wheels gives you freedom — Jalón valley wine route, Guadalest, Benidorm for an evening — it all opens up.
- Book a holiday rental with private parking. It's not a luxury, it's a practical necessity in summer. Browse apartments in Calpe with parking here — and remember, booking direct through JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com.
- Use the TRAM for day trips. Park the car at your apartment and take the TRAM. Zero stress.
- Arrive in September. Parking is easier, roads are quieter, the sea is still 25°C. It's the sweet spot.
Calpe is one of the most rewarding destinations on the Costa Blanca, but like any place worth visiting, it rewards a little bit of planning. Get the logistics right and everything else — the sunsets over the Peñón, the rice dishes at the port, the warm September sea — falls beautifully into place.
