Getting to Calpe: The Best Ways to Arrive & Get Around (2026 Guide)

Getting to Calpe is easier than most people expect — but choosing the wrong route or transfer option can cost you hours and a small fortune. After a decade of living on the Costa Blanca and watching thousands of holidaymakers make the same avoidable mistakes, I've put together this complete, practical guide to reaching Calpe and getting around once you're here.

Whether you're flying into Alicante or Valencia, thinking about renting a car or taking the bus, or wondering whether a taxi is worth it — this guide covers everything. And if you book your holiday rental in Calpe direct with us, you'll save up to 18% compared to Airbnb, which is basically a tank of fuel paid for.

Which Airport Should You Use for Calpe?

This is the first big question, and the answer depends on where you're flying from.

Alicante Airport (ALC) is the most popular choice. It's around 90 kilometres from Calpe — roughly 60 to 75 minutes by car via the AP-7 toll motorway, depending on traffic. Alicante has the best connections from the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, with Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Vueling, and Transavia all operating routes in summer.

Valencia Airport (VLC) is roughly 120 kilometres to the north, about 90 minutes to two hours by car. If you're flying from cities not well served by Alicante — Amsterdam direct to Valencia is often cheaper, for example — it can be worth it. Valencia also has better rail connections if you're arriving by high-speed train from Madrid or Barcelona.

My recommendation: check both airports when you search. In June especially, prices vary wildly. I've seen flights from Manchester to Valencia £40 cheaper than the equivalent to Alicante on the same day.

Getting from Alicante Airport to Calpe

By rental car: This is the option most visitors choose, and for good reason. Collect your car at the airport, join the AP-7 heading north, exit at junction 64 (Calpe/Benissa), and you're done. The toll from Alicante to Calpe is roughly €8-10 each way. If you're staying a week and plan to explore the coast — Altea, Dénia, Moraira — a car is almost essential.

By taxi or private transfer: A private transfer from Alicante Airport to Calpe costs roughly €90-130 depending on the company and time of day. It's comfortable and stress-free, especially if you're arriving late at night with tired kids. Companies like Benidorm Transfers and Costa Blanca Airport Transfers are reliable. Book in advance — don't rely on finding one at the airport.

By public bus (ALSA): This is the budget option. ALSA runs services from Alicante bus station (not the airport itself) to Calpe. You'll need to take the airport bus into Alicante city centre first (around 30-40 minutes, €3.85), then catch the ALSA coach to Calpe. The total journey can take 2.5 to 3 hours with connections. A one-way ticket to Calpe costs around €8-10. It's doable, but not much fun with luggage in summer heat.

By train: There's no direct train to Calpe, but the FGV narrow-gauge tram/train (Trenet) runs from Alicante (Luceros station) all the way up the coast to Dénia, stopping at Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, and beyond. It's slow — around 2.5 to 3 hours from Alicante to Calpe — but genuinely scenic and surprisingly enjoyable if you're not in a hurry. The Calpe stop is called El Tossal de la Cala and is a short taxi ride or 20-minute walk from the town centre.

Getting from Valencia Airport to Calpe

By rental car: Head south on the AP-7 or the A-7 (free but slower), exit at Calpe/Benissa. About 90-100 minutes in normal traffic.

By taxi/transfer: Budget €140-180 for a private transfer from Valencia. Worth sharing if you're a larger group.

By train + tram: Take the Cercanías train from Valencia Airport to Valencia Nord station, then an Alicante-bound AVE or regional train to Benidorm or Villajoyosa, and connect to the FGV tram. In practice, this takes 3+ hours and involves multiple changes — I'd only recommend it to serious public transport enthusiasts.

Getting Around Calpe Without a Car

Calpe is a walkable town if you're staying near the centre or the Arenal-Bol beach area. The old town (Casco Antiguo), the seafront, and most restaurants are within easy walking distance of each other.

However, if your vacation rental in Calpe is up in the hills — which many of the best villas are — you'll want a car or be prepared to use taxis regularly.

Local taxis: Reliable and not expensive for short hops. Calpe town to the Peñón de Ifach car park is about €6-8. The main taxi rank is on Avenida Gabriel Miró. You can also call Radio Taxi Calpe on +34 965 83 00 00.

The FGV tram: Great for day trips. Jump on at El Tossal de la Cala or the Calpe stop and you can be in Altea in 15 minutes (€2.50) or Benidorm in around 35 minutes. In June, the tram runs frequently and it's a genuinely enjoyable way to explore the coast without worrying about parking.

Cycling: Calpe is making real efforts with cycling infrastructure, though the hilly terrain around the Peñón makes it demanding. E-bike rentals are available in town — Calpe Bikes on Avenida de la Llibertat is one option — and the flat coastal path between Arenal-Bol and La Fossa is pleasant on two wheels.

Scooter/moped rental: Available from a couple of local operators. Fine for exploring, but be aware that Spanish roads are not always cyclist or scooter-friendly.

Practical Tips for Arriving in June

June in Calpe is busy but not yet at peak August levels. A few things to know:

• Book your rental car early. June is high season and local depots run low on stock. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead through comparison sites like Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com.
• Avoid arriving on Friday evenings — the AP-7 between Alicante and Benidorm gets genuinely horrible between 4pm and 8pm on Fridays as Spanish residents head to their coastal apartments.
• The free municipal shuttle (known locally as the bus turístico) runs in summer between the main car parks, the beaches, and the town centre. Check the Calpe town hall website for the current schedule.
• Fuel: There are two petrol stations in Calpe — one on the N-332 on the way into town from the south, and one near the commercial area off Avenida de la Llibertat. Both are cheaper than motorway service stations.

Ready to Book Your Stay in Calpe?

Now you know how to get here, the next step is finding the right place to stay. Browse our holiday rentals in Calpe — from beachside apartments to hilltop villas with views of the Peñón de Ifach. When you book direct with JV Properties, you'll pay up to 18% less than the same property on Airbnb or Booking.com, and you'll deal with a real local team who knows Calpe inside out.

Any questions about getting here? Drop us a message — we're happy to advise on the best route, whether a car is worth it for your trip, and which part of Calpe suits you best.