Flights to Valencia & Airport Guide
Direct flights from the UK and Ireland, metro to the center (€5.50, 20 min), buses, taxis, trains to Barcelona/Madrid, and practical tips.
About Valencia Airport (VLC)
Valencia Airport (official name: Aeropuerto de Valencia-Manises, IATA code: VLC) is Spain's eighth busiest airport, handling over 8 million passengers annually. The airport is located 8 km west of Valencia's city center in the municipality of Manises, serving the entire Valencia region including towns like Gandía, Cullera, and Sagunto.
The airport features one modern terminal split across two floors: Arrivals (Level 0) and Departures (Level 1). It usually takes only 5–10 minutes to walk from the gate to baggage reclaim. Facilities include duty-free shopping, restaurants, free WiFi, and car hire desks. From Valencia, you also have fantastic high-speed train connections to Barcelona (2h 30min) and Madrid (1h 40min).
Quick Facts
- IATA Code: VLC
- Distance to Valencia Center: 8 km (15 min car / 20 min metro)
- Distance to Gandía: 75 km (50 min car)
- Distance to Alicante: 170 km (1h 50min car, 1h 55min train)
- Terminals: 1 terminal, 2 floors
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Direct Flights to Valencia from the UK & Ireland
Valencia is highly accessible from the UK and Ireland, with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways flying the route year-round. The direct flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.
| From | Airlines | Flight Time | Frequency (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (STN/LGW) | Ryanair, easyJet, BA | 2h 25min | Multiple daily |
| Manchester (MAN) | Ryanair, easyJet | 2h 40min | Daily |
| Dublin (DUB) | Ryanair | 2h 45min | Daily |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | Ryanair | 3h 00min | Several times/week |
Tips: Book 2–3 months in advance for the best prices. The high seasons (the Las Fallas festival in March, and the summer months of June–August) have the most frequent departures but flights fill up quickly.
Transport from Valencia Airport to the City Center
Valencia has excellent public transport from the airport: metro, bus, taxi, or car hire. The Metro is by far the fastest and cheapest option for most travelers.
Metro (Recommended)
Metro Lines 3 and 5 run straight from the airport into the heart of Valencia. This is the absolute easiest way to travel.
- Price: €5.50 per person (Zone A+B single ticket), or €10 for a 10-journey discount pass (worth it if you plan to use the metro during your stay).
- Travel Time: 20–25 minutes to the center (Xàtiva or Colón stations)
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes (06:00–23:00), every 20 mins late at night
- Stops in Center: Xàtiva (by the train station), Colón (shopping street), Àngel Guimerà
- Where to find the metro: Level 0 (Arrivals), follow the "Metro" signs – the station is located directly beneath the airport building (a two-minute walk).
Tips: Buy your tickets at the machines by the station (they accept cards and cash). If you are heading all the way to Malvarrosa beach, switch to the tram (Line 6 or 8) at Marítim-Serrería.
Bus 150 (Aero-bus)
Line 150 is a bus operated by MetroBus Valencia that runs from the airport into the city center.
- Price: €3.00 per person (paid to the driver, cash/card accepted)
- Travel Time: 30–40 minutes, depending on city traffic
- Frequency: Every 25 minutes (05:40–22:00)
- Stops in Center: Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square), Xàtiva train station
- Where to find the bus: On Level 0 (Arrivals), walk out the main entrance and the bus stop is right outside.
Taxi
A taxi from the airport to central Valencia costs around €20–25 during the day and about €23–28 late at night and on weekends. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes. The official taxi rank is located just outside the exit on Level 0. All taxis run on a meter.
Tips: Services like Uber and Cabify work perfectly in Valencia and are often slightly cheaper than standard taxis (€18–23). Order via the app just before stepping out of the terminal.
Private Transfer (Pre-booked)
A private transfer (e.g., Welcome Pickups, Civitatis) costs around €35–45 for a 4-passenger car. Benefits: the driver meets you with a name sign in the arrivals hall, helps with luggage, and there is zero waiting time. Ideal for families with children or late-night arrivals.
Trains from Valencia to Other Cities
Valencia has fantastic rail connections with the rest of Spain via AVE (high-speed trains), OUIGO (budget high-speed), and RENFE (regional trains). The Valencia Joaquín Sorolla train station is located in the center, easily reached in 20 minutes by metro from the airport.
| To | Train Type | Travel Time | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | AVE/OUIGO | 1h 40min | €30–60 |
| Barcelona | RENFE Euromed | 3h - 3h 30min | €22–33 |
| Alicante | RENFE Euromed | 1h 55min | €9–25 |
| Seville | AVE/OUIGO (via Madrid) | 4h 30min | €60–90 |
Tips: Book train tickets on renfe.com or via Trainline. Buying tickets 2–4 weeks in advance often yields prices 40–60% lower than buying on the day. High-speed trains (AVE/OUIGO) are extremely comfortable and much faster than taking the bus.
Car Hire at Valencia Airport
Renting a car is a great choice if you plan to thoroughly explore the Valencia region (e.g., Albufera natural park, Cullera, Gandía, Peñíscola) or drive down along the Costa Blanca. All major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall.
Car Rental Companies at VLC
- International: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise
- Spanish: Centauro, Record Go, Firefly, OK Rent a Car, Goldcar
- Prices: From approx. €18/day (Economy), €28/day (Mid-size), €45/day (SUV)
- Insurance: Basic insurance is almost always included, but we highly recommend full coverage (zero excess) for an extra €10–15 per day for peace of mind.
- Fuel: Always choose the "Full-to-full" policy (pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank).
Tips: Book online at least 1 week in advance. Walk-in prices at the airport are usually 30–50% more expensive. Use sites like Rentalcars.com to easily compare prices across all providers.
🚗 Our car rental recommendations
To avoid long queues and hidden fees at the desk, we highly recommend booking in advance through our trusted picks:
- Rentalcars.com – Best for comparing prices. We always use this to find the cheapest option from reliable companies.
- Wiber – A local favorite! Choose their "All Inclusive" rate to skip the deposit and desk fees entirely.
- Hertz – The safest choice for premium cars and fast service directly in the terminal building.
Driving Rules and Parking
Spain drives on the right. Speed limits are: 50 km/h in urban areas (sometimes signed 30 km/h), 90–100 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on motorways. Tolls: The AP-7 motorway (the stretch between Valencia–Alicante/Barcelona) has been completely toll-free since 2020. Parking in Valencia: street parking with meters costs approx. €1.50–2.50/h, while parking garages and hotel parking typically charge around €15–20 per day.
Airport Facilities
Valencia Airport is well-equipped for both short and long layovers. Here is what you have access to:
- Shopping: Duty-free (perfume, liquor, tobacco), Spanish delicacies (turrón, wines, fine jamón), clothing (Zara, Women's secret), and electronics.
- Food & Drink: 8+ restaurants and cafés (including Starbucks, Café del Mar, Lizarran tapas, Dehesa Santa María, and Rodilla).
- WiFi: Unlimited free WiFi throughout the terminal (choose the network: "VLC_FREE_WiFi").
- Luggage Storage: Available on Level 0 (Arrivals) near the baggage carousels (costs approx. €6–10/day).
- Pharmacy: On Level 1 (Departures), open 08:00–21:00.
- VIP Lounge: "Sala VIP Valencia" (Level 1, after security) – entry is €28 per person, giving you food, drinks, comfortable seating, and stable WiFi. Can be pre-booked via loungepass.com.
- Family Friendly: Baby changing rooms and a small play area are located on Level 1.
- ATMs: Cash machines are available on both floors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How early should I arrive at Valencia Airport before departure?
For domestic and Schengen flights: approx. 1.5 hours before. For non-Schengen flights (e.g., to the UK): 2 hours before, to allow time for passport control. During peak season (Fallas festival in March, July–August): Add an extra 30 minutes as a buffer. Valencia is a relatively small and manageable airport compared to Barcelona or Madrid, so security is usually quick.
What is the easiest way to get from Valencia Airport to the center?
The Metro (Lines 3 or 5) is unquestionably the fastest and most affordable way: it costs €5.50, takes just 20–25 minutes, and departs every 10–15 minutes right from beneath the airport building. Alternatives are bus 150 (takes approx. 35 mins) or a taxi (takes approx. 15 mins, costs €20–25).
Are there direct flights from the UK to Valencia?
Yes! Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways offer direct routes from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin year-round (with increased frequency in the summer). The flight time is about 2.5 hours.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the city?
Around €20–25 during the day, and roughly €23–28 late at night and on weekends. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes. Both Uber and Cabify operate in Valencia and typically cost between €18–23.
Is it easy to take the train from Valencia to Barcelona or Madrid?
Yes, very easy! High-speed trains (AVE and OUIGO) depart from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station, which you can reach by metro in 20 minutes from the airport. To Barcelona: approx. 2.5 hours, tickets from €25. To Madrid: only 1h 40min, tickets from €30.
Do I need to hire a car in Valencia?
Absolutely not if you plan to stay in central Valencia and down by the city's beaches; the public transport network (metro, bus, and tram) covers the entire area incredibly well. A rental car is recommended, however, if you want to make day trips to Albufera, cozy neighboring towns, or drive down to Alicante.
Is there duty-free shopping at the airport?
Yes, there is a large duty-free shop on Level 1, right after security. Post-Brexit, UK travelers are fully eligible for duty-free shopping! You can buy alcohol, tobacco, perfume, and cosmetics at tax-free prices upon presenting your boarding pass.
Where is Valencia Airport located in relation to Alicante and Málaga?
Valencia → Alicante: approx. 170 km (1h 50min driving south, 1h 55min by train). Valencia → Málaga: approx. 550 km (5 hours driving). Geographically, Valencia is situated roughly halfway between Barcelona to the north and Alicante to the south.
Updated: February 2026. Prices, bus schedules, and transport options are subject to change depending on the season. Always check with official sources (metrovalencia.es, renfe.com, airline websites) before departure. Data sourced from the official Valencia Airport website, Metro Valencia, Renfe, and Rome2Rio.