Valencia Airport (VLC), often called Manises, is located just 8 kilometers west of the city center. Whether you are staying in the historic center or by the famous Malvarrosa beach, the journey into the city is both short and easy.
Here is our complete guide to help you choose between the metro, a private transfer, and renting a car, so you can start your Spanish city break in the best possible way.
⚡ Quick Overview: Valencia Airport
- Fastest & Most Comfortable: Private transfer (approx. 20 min). Drives you straight to your hotel door, even down to the beach.
- Cheapest: Metro Line 3 or 5 (approx. €4.80). Takes about 25 minutes to Xàtiva station.
- Most Flexible: Rental car. Perfect for excursions to Albufera National Park or the coastal towns.
1. Private Transfer (Recommended for the beach and late arrivals)
Are you staying down by the beach (Malvarrosa or Cabanyal)? Unfortunately, the metro does not go all the way down to the coast. To avoid changing from the metro to a bus with heavy luggage, a pre-booked driver is the absolute dream.
Through Welcome Pickups, you can book an English-speaking driver who will be waiting in the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed price in advance, which is often cheaper than taking a regular metered taxi from the airport.
Check private transfer prices to Valencia here
2. Metro (The Budget-Friendly Option)
Valencia has a fantastic metro that runs directly from the airport into the city center. Both Line 3 (Red) and Line 5 (Green) will take you to the hubs of Xàtiva (right by the train station) and Colón (in the middle of the shopping district).
- Where: The metro station is located on the lower floor of the airport.
- Travel time: Approx. 20-25 minutes.
- Price: Around €4.80 for a single ticket (including the card fee).
3. Car Rental at Valencia Airport
Valencia's city center is compact and made for walking or cycling. But if you plan to drive along the coast to explore the secret beaches of the Costa Blanca, a rental car is a must. All major companies are represented at the airport.
Compare car rental prices in Valencia
Things you MUST do in Valencia
Once your transport is sorted, you should secure tickets to the city's biggest attraction! The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) and Oceanogràfic sell out fast.
- 🎟️ Buy 3-in-1 Combo Ticket to the City of Arts and Sciences: Skip the queue and see Europe's largest aquarium!
Need accommodation? See our guide to the best hotels in Valencia, and read more about other exciting things to do in the city.
