MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Valencia

How to Get to Valencia

Valencia Spain Travel Guide

Air Travel to Valencia

Valencia Airport VLC

Valencia Airport (Manises Airport) is the main gateway, located 8 km (5 miles) west of the city. It mainly serves European cities.

Airlines & Routes

  • Airlines: Ryanair, Vueling, Iberia, Lufthansa, British Airways.
  • Routes: Direct connections to major European hubs (Madrid, London, Paris, Rome).
  • Limited direct intercontinental flights; connect through Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN).

Airport Transfers

Efficient and affordable options connect VLC to the city center.

Transfer Choices

  • Metrovalencia (Lines 3 & 5): 20-25 mins to city center (~€4.80 single).
  • EMT Bus 150: Cheaper, ~40-50 mins, no Sunday/holiday service.
  • Taxi: Fixed rate ~€20-€25 to city center. Cabify additionally runs.

Flight Availability

High season (summer, Fallas) sees highest prices; shoulder seasons (spring, autumn) offer better value; low season (winter, excl. holidays) has lowest fares. Book 3-6 months in advance for peak times. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Airport Facilities

Single terminal, easy navigation. Duty-free, restaurants, cafes, car rental desks, ATMs, currency exchange, VIP lounge. Free Wi-Fi throughout.

Public Transport Card

Purchase a SUMA 10 card at the airport metro station. This reusable card offers discounted costs for 10 trips on metro, bus, and tram, simplifying your public transport use.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Main Bus Station

  • Valencia Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses) is north of the central area.
  • Accessible by public transport.
  • ALSA is Spain's largest bus operator.
  • Book tickets online, at the station, or by a way of travel agencies.

Services & Connections

  • Extensive connections across Spain (Barcelona, Alicante, Granada, Seville).
  • Some international routes available.
  • Buses are comfy, reliable, and cost-effective.
  • Good alternative to trains to specific destinations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Requirements

Valid driving license; International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU/EEA. Age 21-25+; major credit card for deposit. Compare options at DiscoverCars.com.

Roads & Safety

Well-maintained motorways (A-7, A-3). Drive defensively, observe speed limits. Use 112 for breakdowns.

Parking

Challenging in city centers. Use underground public car parks. Blue zones require payment; green zones are for people who live there. Some toll roads exist.

Land Transportation to Valencia

Train Connections Renfe

Spain's national rail company, Renfe, provides comprehensive train services to Valencia.

Train Stations & Services

  • Estación del Norte: City center, local and commuter lines (Cercanías).
  • Estación Joaquín Sorolla: High-speed trains (AVE) to Madrid (~1h 40m) & Barcelona (~2h 45m).
  • Buy tickets in advance via the Renfe website or app for best prices.

Border Crossing & Bus Options

As part of the Schengen Area, travel from other Schengen zone nations usually has no border checks. Long-long-haul buses provide an an alternative to travel within Spain and internationally.

Bus Travel & Schengen Info

  • No routine border checks from other Schengen countries.
  • Valencia Bus Station is a main hub for ALSA and other operators.
  • Buses are generally comfortable, reliable, and cost-effective.

Ferry Services

Port of Valencia offers regular ferry connections to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) via Balearia and GNV. Great for combining a city trip with an island escape.

Cruise Port

Valencia is a popular stop for Western Mediterranean cruises. The boat trip ports provide facilities and shuttle transport to downtown for disembarking passengers.

River Transportation

No significant river getting around in the city. Albufera Lake offers traditional boat trips, popular for scenic views and sunset experiences, but not for commuter transport.

Sea/River Arrivals to Valencia

Immigration & Connections

For international sea arrivals (outside Schengen), standard passport/customs controls. For Schengen arrivals, minimal procedures. Port is connected to the downtown area by public bus (EMT) and taxis/Cabify.

Port Travel Insights

  • Standard immigration for non-Schengen arrivals.
  • Public bus (EMT) connects port to city.
  • Taxis and Cabify readily available.

Departure Information

Spain has no specific exit fees for tourists. Any airport/port taxes are typically included in your ticket price.

Departure Timing

  • Air Travel: 1.5-2 hours before Schengen flight, 2-3 hours for non-Schengen.
  • Train Travel: 20-30 minutes before departure (allow for AVE security).
  • Travel By ferry: 1-2 hours before departure (check operator).

Airport & Station Facilities

Valencia Airport VLC

Shops, restaurants, cafes, duty-free. Lounges and free Wi-Fi.

Train Stations

Cafes, small shops, waiting areas. Luggage storage (check current status).

Bus Station

Cafes, small convenience shops, waiting areas.

Departure Planning Tip

For early morning departures, pre-book a taxi ride or arrange transportation-sharing service the night before. This ensures peace of mind and timely transport to the airport.