Terminal layout and arrivals flow Common upsells at pickup Valencia Pickup Valencia VLC (VLC) is the usual arrival point for Calpe rentals, and the road distance to Calp is about 125 km. Travellers from London or Manchester routes may prefer the Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) pickup option instead. Most Iberia, Vueling, and similar short-haul flights use Valencia Manises' main passenger terminal, not a large multi-terminal complex. After landing, follow the bilingual signs for "Recogida de equipajes / Baggage reclaim" and then “Salida / Exit.” Passengers arriving from outside Schengen may pass through passport control before reaching the arrivals hall. 💡 Tip: Keep your rental voucher and passport in your hand luggage. You’ll need both before the desk agent can release the vehicle. Terminal layout and arrivals flow Baggage reclaim is on the ground-floor arrivals level, often marked Planta 0. Once you collect your bags, continue through customs and into the public arrivals hall. The terminal is compact, so most rental desks and meeting points are easy to find within a few minutes. Step What to follow Result 1 “Recogida de equipajes / Baggage reclaim” Reach the baggage hall 2 “Salida / Exit” Enter the arrivals hall 3 Customs channel Move into the public area 4 Rental desk signs Locate your provider The key difference is whether your rental is on-airport or off-airport. Check the voucher for the office address and shuttle instructions before leaving the baggage hall. Brands listed at the terminal are usually in the arrivals hall, while lower-cost operators often use an external lot. Rental type Typical location What to expect On-airport Inside the terminal arrivals hall Short walk from baggage reclaim Off-airport Shuttle pickup outside the terminal Free transfer to an external office Mixed fleet brands Confirm on voucher Desk or shuttle details vary by booking Budget operators External compound Branded minibus and a short ride On-airport companies Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Keddy, and Sixt commonly operate from counters inside the arrivals hall. After baggage claim, turn right and look for the illuminated desk row. During July and August, a queue is normal, so allow 15–30 minutes for pick-up. Off-airport companies Centauro, OK Mobility, and Record Go often use a free shuttle from outside the terminal. Exit the arrivals hall, cross the taxi and drop-off area, and follow signs for the rental shuttle pickup zone, often referenced as P6. Shuttles usually run every 10–15 minutes, but the voucher instructions should always take priority. ⚠️ Warning: Do not assume every low-cost company uses the same pickup point. The exact shuttle stop and phone number are printed on your voucher. At the desk, the agent will ask for four items: driving licence, passport, credit card, and voucher. The main driver’s credit card should match the booking name, and it is used for the security deposit or excess hold. Debit cards are often refused for the deposit even if they are accepted for the booking payment. Document Purpose Common issue Driving licence Confirms you are licensed to drive Expired or damaged card Passport Verifies identity Name mismatch with booking Credit card Holds the excess or deposit Debit card not accepted Rental voucher Confirms reservation details Missing supplier reference The agent may offer extra insurance, a larger car, or a fuel plan. The most common insurance add-on is Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), which can reduce the excess to zero. Full-to-full fuel is usually the clearest policy because you return the tank at the same level you received it. Common upsells at pickup Extra insurance: Check whether your travel policy or card benefits already cover the excess. Fuel plan: Compare full-to-full with pre-purchased fuel before agreeing. Upgrade offer: Confirm the daily price and any extra deposit before accepting. Additional driver: Ask for the per-day charge if someone else will share the driving. Child seat: Reserve in advance if you need one, as airport stock can be limited. On-airport rentals usually park in the multi-storey car park opposite the terminal. Off-airport cars are generally in the lot beside the rental office. Before leaving, do a full walkaround and compare the car with the damage report. Check What to look for Why it matters Bodywork Scratches, dents, and scuffs Avoids disputes at return Wheels and tyres Kerb damage and tread condition Common inspection point Windscreen and mirrors Chips, cracks, and cracks near sensors Safety and liability Interior and fuel gauge Clean cabin and correct fuel level Confirms handover condition Inspect the car for any damage not listed on the agreement. Take time-stamped photos or a short video of every side, the wheels, and the windscreen. Check the fuel gauge, lights, wipers, air conditioning, and mirrors. Adjust the seat and handbrake before you leave the parking bay. 🚗 Local insight: In summer, the parking areas around VLC can be hot and crowded. A quick photo set before departure is easier than arguing about a scratch at return. Then plan your day trips from Calpe once you're on the road. After the AP-7 drive south, you will face Calpe's Blue and Orange parking zones on arrival. Follow the signs for “Salida / Exit” from the rental car park. At the barrier, insert the parking ticket you collected on entry. Short-term parking often allows 15 minutes free, but the exact grace period can vary by zone, so check the ticket machine if you expect a delay. From the exit ramp, you will join the V-11 and then follow blue signs for the A-7 / E-15 toward Castellón and Barcelona. Stay alert for lane splits around the airport perimeter, because the signs change quickly once you clear the car parks. If you are using Google Maps or Waze, enter Calpe or Calp before leaving the terminal. The most direct route is the AP-7, also known as the Autopista del Mediterráneo. The drive is about 125 km and usually takes 1 hour 20 minutes, though Friday and Sunday traffic can add extra time. Tolls are payable on this route, and the cost is commonly around €10 to €15 depending on the route and vehicle class. Route option Distance Typical time Notes AP-7 toll route About 125 km 1 hour 20 minutes Fastest and most direct N-332 coastal road Similar distance 1 hour 45 minutes or more More local traffic and junctions Via Valencia bypass sections Varies Adds 10–20 minutes Useful in peak congestion Late-night drive Same distance Variable Traffic is lighter, but services are fewer Keep following signs for Alicante and Benidorm after joining the motorway. At the toll booth, take the ticket if the machine issues one, then keep it until you leave the AP-7 near Calpe. Exit 64 for Altea / Calp / N-332 is the usual turn-off, after which local road signs use the Valencian spelling Calp. 💡 Tip: Card payment is usually the simplest option at Spanish toll booths. Keep a backup card handy in case one terminal declines. The N-332 feeds directly into Calpe, and the Peñón de Ifach is a useful landmark once you reach the town. Narrow one-way streets are common in the centre and near the beaches, so hotel parking is usually simpler than street parking. If your accommodation includes a space, head there first and unload before looking for public parking. Parking option Typical use Main advantage Zona Azul Beachfront and central streets Convenient for short stays Public car parks Town centre and beach access areas Less pressure than on-street parking Accommodation parking Hotels and apartments Best for luggage and longer stays Out-of-centre parking Edge of town locations Easier entry and exit In summer, blue-zone spaces near the seafront fill quickly, especially between 10:00 and 14:00. Public car parks are often the least stressful choice if you arrive with luggage or are staying more than a few hours. Once parked, you can walk to the seafront, the old town, or the base of the Ifach area from most central locations. Compare Car Rental Deals