Planning your trip to Calpe on Spain’s stunning Costa Blanca? The good news is that this coastal gem is easier to reach than you might think. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or automobile, multiple transportation options connect you to Calpe’s beautiful beaches, the iconic Peñón de Ifach, and its charming old town. This comprehensive guide walks you through every option to help you choose the best route for your journey.
Getting to Calpe from Alicante Airport
Alicante-Elche Airport sits just 76 kilometers from Calpe, making it the closest and most convenient airport for most travelers. The journey takes between 50 minutes to 2 hours depending on your chosen transportation method.
Direct Bus Service (ALSA)
The most budget-friendly option for getting to Calpe from Alicante Airport is the ALSA bus service. Direct buses depart four times daily at 09:00, 11:00, 15:00, and 17:00. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, with tickets costing around €11 per person.
You’ll find the ALSA bus stop on Level 2 of the Departures roadway at the airport terminal. Tickets can be purchased at the airport kiosk, through the official ALSA mobile app, or online in advance. The bus arrives at Calpe’s bus station on Avenida Diputación, conveniently located near the town center.
Keep in mind that with only four departures per day, you might face waiting times of up to four hours between buses. If you miss the direct service, an alternative route involves taking a bus to Benidorm and transferring to another bus bound for Calpe.
Pro tip: Groups of four or more receive a 30% discount on ALSA tickets, making this an even more economical choice for families or friends traveling together.
Private Transfer or Taxi
For the fastest and most convenient option, consider booking a private transfer or taking a taxi from Alicante Airport. The journey typically takes 50 minutes in normal traffic conditions and delivers you directly to your accommodation’s doorstep.
Private transfers can be pre-booked starting from around €90, with prices varying based on vehicle type and group size. When taking a taxi from the airport ranks, confirm with the driver that they’re licensed for intercity transportation to Calpe, as not all taxis have this authorization. Payment in cash (euros) is recommended, though tipping isn’t expected in Spain.
Car Rental
Renting a car at Alicante Airport offers maximum flexibility for exploring Calpe and the surrounding Costa Blanca region. Multiple rental agencies operate within the terminal, making it easy to collect your vehicle upon arrival.
The drive to Calpe follows the AP-7 highway (toll road) and takes approximately 50 minutes. For a scenic, toll-free alternative, the N-332 coastal road offers beautiful Mediterranean views, though the journey takes slightly longer.
Traveling to Calpe from Valencia Airport
Valencia Airport (Manises) serves as another gateway to Calpe, located approximately 120 kilometers away. While slightly farther than Alicante, it offers competitive connections and may provide better flight options depending on your departure city.
Bus Service from Valencia Airport
ALSA operates bus services from Valencia Airport to Calpe, though departures are less frequent than from Alicante. Buses run twice weekly (Saturday and Sunday), with the journey taking approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes. Tickets start from around €21-28.
Private Transfer Options
Private transfers from Valencia Airport to Calpe take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the AP-7 highway. Pre-booking a private transfer ensures a comfortable, direct journey to your accommodation, with prices typically starting around €130 for a standard vehicle.
Self-Drive Route
The drive from Valencia Airport to Calpe covers about 120 kilometers along the AP-7 toll highway, taking roughly 1.5 hours in normal conditions. The N-332 provides a toll-free coastal alternative with spectacular Mediterranean views.
Reaching Calpe from Other Spanish Cities
From Alicante City
If you’re already in Alicante city, several convenient options connect you to Calpe:
Direct Bus: ALSA operates more than 16 daily bus services between Alicante and Calpe. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, with tickets costing €11-22. Buses depart from Alicante’s main bus station (Estación de Autobuses) and Alicante Train Station.
Tram Connection: While there’s no direct tram, you can combine the TRAM network with the L9 line. This scenic route involves a transfer at Benidorm and takes about 2.5 hours, offering beautiful coastal views along the way.
From Valencia City
ALSA buses connect Valencia with Calpe multiple times daily, with the journey taking between 3-4 hours depending on the specific route. Tickets start from approximately €20-28.
From Barcelona
Travel from Barcelona to Calpe requires a transfer in Benidorm. ALSA buses depart from Barcelona’s Estació d’Autobusos Nord, with the total journey time (including transfers) taking approximately 8 hours.
Getting Around Once You’re in Calpe
The TRAM L9 Line
Calpe sits on the L9 tram line, which connects the town with Benidorm and Denia along the Costa Blanca coast. The Calpe tram station (officially “Calp”) is located on the outskirts of town at Partida Estación II, 3.
Important note: The tram station sits about 1-1.5 kilometers from Calpe’s town center and beaches, requiring a short bus ride or taxi to reach most accommodations. The walk involves navigating hills and may be challenging in hot weather or with luggage.
Single tram tickets range from €1.35-7.15 depending on distance traveled. The L9 operates from approximately 6:12 AM to 10:21 PM daily.
Local Bus Network
Autobuses Ifach operates three local bus routes within Calpe and to neighboring towns:
Line L1: Runs daily throughout Calpe with more frequent service than L2 Line L2: Operates Monday through Friday with additional stops Line L3: Connects Calpe with Moraira and Teulada
Buses typically run from early morning (around 7:47 AM) until late evening (around 9:22 PM). Check current schedules as they may vary on weekends and holidays.
Taxis and Bike Rentals
Taxis are readily available in Calpe’s town center and at the tram station (approximately €8-10 for short trips). For a more active way to explore, several bike rental shops offer competitive rates, and Calpe features dedicated bike lanes throughout town.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
Book in Advance: Whether you’re choosing bus tickets, car rentals, or private transfers, booking ahead often secures better rates and guarantees availability, especially during peak summer season.
Consider Your Luggage: If traveling with significant baggage or young children, direct transfer options will be more comfortable than public transportation involving multiple changes.
Check Current Schedules: Public transportation timetables can change due to holidays and special events. Verify schedules closer to your travel date through official company websites or apps.
Download Transport Apps: The Moovit app provides real-time information for bus and tram services in the Alicante region, including Calpe.
Prepare for Summer Travel: July and August see peak tourist traffic on Costa Blanca roads. Allow extra time for potential delays if driving or taking buses during these months.
Planning Your Calpe Stay
Now that you know how to get to Calpe, it’s time to plan the perfect accommodation for your Costa Blanca holiday. Whether you’re seeking a beachfront apartment with stunning Mediterranean views, a family-friendly villa with a private pool, or a pet-friendly rental where your four-legged friend is welcome, Costa CarpeDiem offers carefully selected properties to suit every traveler’s needs.
Browse our full collection of Calpe holiday rentals or explore properties perfect for your travel style:
- Family-Friendly Rentals – Spacious villas and apartments ideal for creating unforgettable family memories
- Pet-Friendly Properties – Because your furry family members deserve a holiday too
- Beachfront Accommodations – Wake up to the sound of waves and spectacular sea views
- Senior-Friendly Rentals – Comfortable, accessible properties perfect for relaxed getaways
Every Costa CarpeDiem property offers the best price guarantee when you book directly through our website, ensuring excellent value for your Costa Blanca vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Calpe
1. What is the closest airport to Calpe?
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the closest airport to Calpe, located just 76 kilometers away. The journey takes 50 minutes by car or private transfer, or approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes by direct bus. Valencia Airport is a secondary option at 120 kilometers away, offering an alternative for travelers who find better flight connections there.
2. How much does the bus from Alicante Airport to Calpe cost?
The ALSA direct bus from Alicante Airport to Calpe costs approximately €11 per person for a single journey. Groups of four or more people qualify for a 30% discount on the total ticket price, making it an economical choice for families or friends traveling together. Tickets can be purchased at the airport kiosk, through the ALSA mobile app, or online in advance.
3. Is it better to rent a car or take public transport to Calpe?
The choice depends on your travel plans and budget. Renting a car offers maximum flexibility for exploring Calpe and surrounding Costa Blanca towns like Benissa, Moraira, Altea, and Denia at your own pace. Public transport (buses and trams) is more economical and environmentally friendly but operates on fixed schedules. If you’re planning to stay primarily in Calpe and only take occasional day trips, public transport combined with local taxis may suffice. For families with young children or those planning extensive exploration, a rental car often proves more convenient.
4. Can I take a train directly to Calpe?
There is no direct train service from major Spanish cities to Calpe. However, you can take a train to Alicante and then connect via bus or the TRAM L9 line (with a transfer in Benidorm) to reach Calpe. The Calpe tram station sits on the outskirts of town, approximately 1-1.5 kilometers from the center, so you’ll need local transport to reach your final destination.
5. How far is Calpe tram station from the town center?
The Calpe tram station (officially named “Calp”) is located about 1-1.5 kilometers from the town center and main beaches. The walk involves navigating uphill terrain and can be challenging in hot weather or with luggage. Local buses (Lines L1, L2, L3) and taxis provide connections between the tram station and town center for approximately €8-10 by taxi or around €1.35 by bus.
6. What’s the best way to get from Valencia to Calpe?
The fastest option is driving or taking a private transfer, which takes approximately 1.5 hours via the AP-7 highway. ALSA buses operate between Valencia and Calpe with multiple daily departures, taking 3-4 hours depending on the route. Bus tickets start from around €20-28 per person. For those prioritizing scenery over speed, the coastal N-332 road offers beautiful Mediterranean views.
7. Do I need to book transportation in advance?
While not always required, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer season (June-September). Pre-booking ensures seat availability, often secures lower prices, and eliminates stress upon arrival. This applies to ALSA bus tickets, private transfers, and car rentals. During off-peak seasons (autumn and winter), you’ll have more flexibility with walk-up bookings.
8. Are there direct flights to Calpe?
Calpe does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Alicante-Elche Airport (76km away) and Valencia Airport (120km away). Both airports offer international connections from major European cities, with Alicante providing more frequent services to Costa Blanca destinations. Many UK, German, Dutch, and Belgian travelers use Alicante as their primary gateway to Calpe.
9. How do I get around Calpe without a car?
Calpe offers several transportation options for visitors without cars. The local Autobuses Ifach network operates three bus lines (L1, L2, L3) connecting different parts of town and nearby Moraira and Teulada. Taxis are readily available in the town center. Bike rentals provide an active way to explore, with Calpe featuring dedicated cycling lanes. The TRAM L9 line connects Calpe with coastal towns including Benidorm, Altea, and Denia. Most of Calpe’s main attractions, beaches, and restaurants are within walking distance if you stay centrally located.
10. What documents do I need for bus travel in Spain?
For ALSA bus travel, you need your ticket (digital or printed) and the identification document used during purchase. If you applied any discounts (senior, student, group), bring supporting documentation. EU citizens can use national ID cards, while non-EU travelers should carry their passport. Children traveling with parents typically don’t need separate ID for domestic routes, though it’s recommended to have it available.
11. Is Calpe accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
Yes, Calpe accommodates travelers with reduced mobility, though some planning is required. ALSA buses offer adapted seats for passengers with wheelchairs, but these must be booked at least 36 hours in advance. Many of Calpe’s main beaches feature disabled access, lifeguards, and facilities. When booking accommodation through Costa CarpeDiem, you can explore our senior-friendly and accessible properties designed with comfort and accessibility in mind.
12. Can I bring my pet on public transport to Calpe?
Yes, pets are allowed on ALSA buses and the TRAM L9 line, though specific rules apply. Small pets must be transported in carriers that fit under the seat or on your lap. Guide dogs are always permitted. Some bus services may charge a small fee for pet transport. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, Costa CarpeDiem offers a wonderful selection of pet-friendly holiday rentals with fenced gardens, nearby walking trails, and pet amenities.
13. What’s included in ALSA bus luggage allowance?
ALSA buses allow one suitcase or backpack up to 20 kilograms free of charge, plus hand luggage that fits in overhead bins. Bicycles can be transported for a €10 surcharge, but they must be packed in proper transport bags (not boxes) with the front wheel disassembled. ALSA sells bike covers for €15 at ticket offices. Arrive at the bus station at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for luggage loading.
14. Are private transfers worth the extra cost?
Private transfers offer significant advantages despite higher costs: door-to-door service directly to your accommodation, no waiting for scheduled departures, comfort for families with young children or elderly travelers, and flexibility with luggage. Starting from around €90 from Alicante Airport, they’re particularly valuable for groups of 3-4 people where the per-person cost becomes comparable to other options while offering superior convenience and comfort.
Your Journey to Calpe Starts Here
Getting to Calpe is straightforward regardless of which airport you fly into or where you’re traveling from in Spain. From budget-friendly buses to convenient private transfers, multiple transportation options accommodate different travel styles, group sizes, and budgets.
The key to a smooth journey is planning ahead: book your preferred transportation early, verify current schedules, and choose the option that best matches your needs. Whether you prioritize cost savings, convenience, or flexibility, you’ll find a suitable way to reach this beautiful Costa Blanca destination.
Once you arrive in Calpe, you’ll discover why this coastal town captivates visitors year after year. The dramatic Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, golden sandy beaches, charming old town, and excellent Mediterranean cuisine await your exploration. And with comfortable, professionally managed holiday rentals from Costa CarpeDiem, you’ll have the perfect home base for your Spanish adventure.
Contact our team if you need assistance planning your journey or selecting the ideal accommodation for your Calpe getaway. We’re here to help make your Costa Blanca holiday unforgettable.