How Far Is Calpe From Benidorm? (And Can You Get There Without Crying in the Heat)
Ah, the age-old question pondered by countless sun-seekers on Spain’s glistening Costa Blanca! If you’re debating whether to pop from the bright lights of Benidorm to the more refined shores of Calpe (or vice versa), I’m here to give you the full lowdown on the journey between these two coastal gems.
To cut to the chase – Calpe and Benidorm are approximately 23km (14 miles) apart as the seagull flies. But unless you’ve packed your wings, you’ll need some practical advice on how to traverse this stretch of Spanish coastline.
After countless trips between these two resorts (sometimes bleary-eyed after Benidorm’s nightlife, sometimes fresh as a daisy for Calpe’s morning market), I’ve tested every conceivable transport option. Here’s my no-nonsense guide to making the journey, complete with costs, faff factors, and the occasional holiday disaster story.
By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Option
Cost: €4.25 one-way (price correct as of my last trip) Journey Time: 45-60 minutes Faff Factor: Moderate
The ALSA bus service connects Benidorm and Calpe with reasonable frequency. You’ll find the main bus station in Benidorm near the outdoor market area, while Calpe’s station is conveniently central. I suggest Omio is the place to check tickets and times.
Pros: Easy on the wallet, follows a scenic coastal route, and gives you a slice of authentic Spanish life as you eavesdrop on locals.
Cons: The timetable is… how shall I put this… more of a gentle suggestion than a strict commitment. During one memorable August journey, I waited 40 minutes in scorching heat only to board a bus so packed I was practically sitting on a kind Spanish grandmother’s lap the entire way.
Top tip: Download the ALSA app to check timetables, as they vary significantly between peak season and winter months. In summer, buses typically run every hour or two from around 7am until early evening.
Option 2: Tram – The Scenic Superstar
🚋 Cost: Around €1.35 one way
Ah, the TRAM d’Alacant. A slow-moving delight that glides along the coastline like it’s got all the time in the world (because it does).
Trams run roughly every 30 minutes, and the journey from Benidorm to Altea takes about 20–25 minutes. It’s cheap, cheerful, and you get some cracking views along the way.
Where to board: Benidorm TRAM station, tucked away near the old town. Altea station is a short walk from the town centre and the beach.
Pros:
- Ridiculously affordable. Less than your mid-morning ice cream.
- Relaxing. Gaze out at the sea and pretend you’re in a Spanish indie film.
- No traffic. Which, in this part of the world, is a rare and glorious thing.
Cons:
- Stations not central. Bit of a walk at both ends—but hey, steps matter, right?
- No air-con in older trams. Just open windows and the breeze of hope.
Verdict: An absolute gem. Take the tram, eat gelato in Altea, and feel cultured without trying too hard.
By Taxi: The Convenient Option
Cost: €35-45 one-way Journey Time: 25-30 minutes Faff Factor: Minimal
When the thought of navigating bus timetables brings you out in a cold sweat, taxis offer sweet, sweet simplicity.
Pros: Available around the clock, door-to-door service, mercifully air-conditioned, and no need to haul your shopping/beach gear/slightly sunburnt self to a bus stop.
Cons: Not exactly kind to the holiday budget. Also worth noting that during absolute peak times (think August bank holiday), you might struggle to hail one without pre-booking.
During a particularly spectacular thunderstorm last September, my taxi driver Miguel regaled me with tales of British tourists attempting to walk between the two resorts (spoiler: not recommended). The journey took us through some breathtaking coastal scenery that almost made me forget the eye-watering fare.
By Car Hire: The Freedom Seeker’s Choice
Cost: Daily rental from €30 plus petrol Journey Time: 25 minutes direct Faff Factor: Variable (depends entirely on your parallel parking skills)
If you’ve already got a hire car for your holiday, this is a no-brainer. The N-332 coastal road links the two towns directly.
Pros: Ultimate flexibility, potential for delightful detours to hidden beaches or viewpoints, boot space for souvenir shopping.
Cons: Parking in both towns ranges from mildly irritating to utterly infuriating depending on the season. Calpe’s narrow streets around the old town have claimed many a wing mirror from unwary drivers.
Last June, I hired a suspiciously cheap Fiat 500 that seemed to run primarily on prayers rather than petrol. Despite this, the drive along the coastline with its stunning views of Calpe’s iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation was nothing short of magical – even when I had to coax the car up the steeper hills with gentle encouragement and promises of an oil change.
By Train: The Non-Option
I feel duty-bound to tell you that, despite what some optimistic guidebooks might suggest, there is no direct train service between Benidorm and Calpe. Benidorm’s narrow-gauge TRAM service heads north towards Dénia but doesn’t directly serve Calpe. Don’t make the same mistake I did, arriving at the station with ice cream dripping down my arm and a misplaced confidence that quickly melted faster than my Magnum.
Walking or Cycling: For the Brave (or Foolhardy)
Is it possible? Technically yes. Advisable? That’s another question entirely.
The distance makes walking impractical for all but the most determined hikers. The 23km would take around 5-6 hours, much of it along busy roads without proper pedestrian paths.
Cycling is more feasible if you’re reasonably fit and have experience cycling on roads with Spanish drivers (who tend to view cyclists with a mixture of confusion and mild irritation).
Cost: Bike rental from €15 per day Journey Time: 1.5-2 hours Faff Factor: Substantial
I attempted this once, in what I now refer to as “The Great Cycling Misjudgment of 2022.” What started as a picturesque morning ride turned into a sweaty, traffic-dodging ordeal that saw me arriving in Calpe looking like I’d been through some sort of tropical storm. The cold beer at the end, however, has never tasted so deserved.
The Verdict: What’s Best?
For sheer convenience, nothing beats having your own hire car – especially if you’re planning to explore other areas of the Costa Blanca during your stay.
For the budget-conscious, the bus service offers excellent value despite its occasional timing quirks. Just pack water and patience in equal measure.
Taxis make sense for evening trips when you’re planning to enjoy Calpe’s seafood restaurants (and perhaps a pitcher or three of sangria) without worrying about driving back.
As for cycling or walking – save your energy for beach activities or the climb up the Peñón de Ifach instead.
The journey between these two resorts offers a glimpse into the dual personality of the Costa Blanca – from Benidorm’s unabashed British-friendly revelry to Calpe’s more subdued charm with its working fishing port and traditional Spanish atmosphere. Despite being just 23km apart, they offer distinctly different holiday experiences.
So…….:
For the experience: Tram there, bus or taxi back.
On a budget: Bus or tram both ways.
Feeling posh or lazy? Taxi.
Want a story to tell? Walk it, then brag endlessly.
My final tip? Whichever transport option you choose, make time for a stop at one of the viewpoints along the way. The sight of the Mediterranean stretching endlessly blue against the dramatic coastline is worth every euro, minute, and bead of sweat spent getting there.
