Last month I traveled from Alicante Airport to Calpe for a vacation, and after several trips back and forth, I finally figured out the best routes. Since I’ve seen many people on forums asking about the most convenient way to get from the airport to Calpe, I’m sharing my experience here.
Bus Route: Most Economical Option
From Alicante Airport to Calpe, the most budget-friendly option is definitely the bus. The airport has the C6 line that goes directly to Benidorm, and then you transfer to a bus heading to Calpe in Benidorm. The C6 line operates from around 6 AM to 11 PM, with one bus per hour, and a single ticket costs approximately 5.8 euros. Once you arrive in Benidorm, you need to walk about 10 minutes to the bus station to transfer. Buses to Calpe run quite frequently, basically every half hour during the day.
The entire journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, with a total ticket cost of less than 15 euros. If you’re not in a hurry, this option offers the best value for money. However, note that schedules may change on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to check the timetable on the ALSA official website in advance.
Car Rental: Most Flexible
If you’re planning to spend several days exploring around Calpe, including visiting Calpe attractions, renting a car would be a better choice. The airport terminal has several car rental company counters, including Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Last time I rented a compact car for three days with full insurance for about 120 euros, averaging 40 euros per day.
Driving from the airport to Calpe via the AP7 highway is the fastest route, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The highway toll is around 7 euros one way. Although it’s more expensive than the bus, it offers much more flexibility with your time. Important reminder: Parking spaces in Calpe’s old town are very limited, so it’s recommended to check in advance whether your hotel provides parking.
| Transport Method | Cost | Duration | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Bus | 15 euros | 2.5-3 hours | Cheapest | Requires transfer |
| Car Rental | From 40 euros/day | 1.5 hours | Free and flexible | Parking hassle |
| Taxi | 100-130 euros | 1 hour | Most time-saving | High price |
Taxi: Most Convenient Direct Option
If you’re traveling with elderly people or children, or have lots of luggage, taking a taxi directly is also a good choice, especially when staying at Calpe hotels. There are official taxis queuing at the airport exit, with a fixed price to Calpe of around 110 euros. You can also book in advance on Uber or Cabify, which can sometimes save you 10-20 euros. For late-night flights, taking a taxi is basically the only option since buses stop running at that time.
My Personal Recommendation: If you’re traveling alone and have plenty of time, taking the bus is most economical; for two or more people or traveling with family, renting a car is more comfortable; if you’re in a hurry or arriving in the early morning hours, just take a taxi. The beaches and old town in Calpe are really worth staying for several days, and planning your transport in advance can save a lot of hassle.
If you have any other questions about accommodation in Alicante, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll reply when I see it. I previously considered taking the train, but later found out there’s no direct line so I gave up on that idea. Wishing everyone a pleasant journey!
