Valencia Airport

Valencia Airport (VLC), also known as Manises Airport, serves Spain's third-largest city and the surrounding Valencia region. Located 8 km west of Valencia city center, it handles over 9 million passengers annually and serves as the main base for Air Nostrum (Iberia's regional carrier) and a significant hub for Ryanair.

The airport has a single terminal built in three connected stages, making navigation straightforward. The terminal operates on two levels:

• Level 0 (Ground floor): Arrivals, metro station, baggage claim
• Level 1 (Upper floor): Departures, check-in, security, gates

Gates are divided into zones:

• Zone B: Primarily low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet)
• Zone C: Full-service and international carriers (Iberia, Air Europa, Lufthansa)

With 26 gates total and a compact layout, the farthest gate is no more than a 10-minute walk from the central area. There are no inter-terminal shuttles needed.

VLC is located 8 km west of Valencia city center (Plaça de l'Ajuntament). Multiple transport options connect the airport to the city:

Method	Time to City Center	Cost	Notes
Metro (Lines 3/5)	25-30 min	EUR 5.80 (USD 6.30)	Includes EUR 1 card fee
Bus 150	40-45 min	EUR 1.50 (USD 1.65)	No Sunday/holiday service
Aerobus	25 min	EUR 2.50 (~USD 2.70)	Direct to center
Taxi	20-25 min	EUR 20-25 (~USD 22-27)	Fixed supplement applies
Uber/Cabify	20-30 min	EUR 18-30 (~USD 20-33)	Variable pricing

Traffic is generally manageable, but rush hours (8-10 AM, 6-8 PM weekdays) can add 10-15 minutes to road journeys.

Taxis

Official taxis (white with green light and license number) queue outside the arrivals terminal 24/7.

• To city center: EUR 20-25 (~USD 22-27) including airport supplement
• Night/weekend surcharge: Slightly higher rates apply
• Luggage fee: ~EUR 0.50 per large bag
• Journey time: 20-25 minutes (traffic dependent)

Tip: Only use official taxis from the designated rank. Avoid unlicensed drivers approaching inside the terminal.

Rideshare

Both Uber and Cabify operate at Valencia Airport, unlike Barcelona where Uber is restricted.

• Pickup: Designated rideshare zones outside arrivals
• Fare to city center: EUR 18-30 (~USD 20-33) depending on demand and traffic
• Bolt: Also available as an alternative

Tip: Download apps before arrival. Payment is handled through the app.

Metro (Recommended)

Metrovalencia Lines 3 and 5 connect the airport directly to the city center. The metro station is on the ground floor near arrivals.

Fare: EUR 5.80 (USD 6.30) including the required EUR 1 SUMA/Multi-Card

Key stops:

• Xativa: 20-25 min (central Valencia, near train station)
• Colon: 25 min (city center, shopping district)
• Maritim-Serreria: 30 min (beaches, port area)

Frequency: Every 15 minutes (weekdays) / Every 20 minutes (weekends/holidays)

Operating hours: ~5:30 AM to 11:30 PM

How to take the metro:

1. Purchase a SUMA or Multi-Card at ticket machines (EUR 1)
2. Load a Zone AB ticket (EUR 4.80)
3. Board Line 3 (red) or Line 5 (green) toward Valencia center
4. Exit at Xativa for the main train station or Colon for the city center

Tip: For multiple trips, purchase a SUMA 10 pass (10 rides) for better value. The Valencia Tourist Card includes unlimited metro rides plus airport transfers.

Bus 150

MetroBus Route 150 connects the airport to Valencia's city center bus station.

Fare: EUR 1.50 (USD 1.65) / EUR 2 with SUMA card credit

Journey time: 40-45 minutes

Frequency: Every 25-35 minutes

Operating hours: ~5:25 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday-Saturday only)

Important: No service on Sundays or public holidays. Use metro or taxi on these days.

Aerobus

The Aerobus provides a direct connection to the city center.

Fare: EUR 2.50 (~USD 2.70) one-way

Journey time: ~25 minutes

Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily

Night Transport

After the metro closes (~11:30 PM), options are limited:

• Night bus: Available with SUMA card (EUR 1-4.80 depending on card type)
• Taxi: Available 24/7, most reliable late-night option
• Rideshare: Uber and Cabify operate throughout the night

Valencia Airport offers parking directly adjacent to the terminal.

Official AENA Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Walk to Terminal	Notes
P1 (Short-Stay)	EUR 15/day (first 4 days)	1 min	3,012 spaces, covered
Long-Stay (Orange)	EUR 14.65 (1-4 days)	5 min	218 spaces
Long-Stay (5+ days)	EUR 5.85/day	5 min	Best for longer trips

Short-stay rates: EUR 0.036 per minute, capped at EUR 15/day for the first 4 days. From day 5, the rate drops to EUR 11.90/day.

Tips:

• Book online through AENA for discounts (up to 40% off)
• Long-stay parking offers better value for trips over 4 days
• Both lots offer 24-hour service

Off-Site Parking

Third-party lots like V.L.C Low Cost Parking offer rates from EUR 10.90/day with shuttle service. Book via Parkos or ParkVia for best rates (average EUR 35/week).

Valencia Airport has modest dining options concentrated in the departures area (Level 1).

Airside (After Security)

• Starbucks: Coffee, pastries, light meals
• Burger King: Fast food, convenient for quick bites
• Amstel Cerveza: Spanish beer and snacks
• Mahou: Another beer/tapas option
• Trib's: Sandwiches and Mediterranean fare
• La Pausa: Mediterranean dishes with fresh local ingredients (sit-down)

Landside (Before Security)

Limited options - mainly cafes and vending machines. Eat after security for better selection.

Spanish Products

Foodies (airside) offers authentic Spanish products:

• Enrique Tomas: Premium Iberian ham (jamon)
• Christian Escriba: Spanish chocolate
• Regional rices, olive oils, and canned goods

Tip: No 24-hour food options exist. Vending machines (snacks, drinks) are available throughout the terminal.

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Network name: "AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA"

How to connect:

1. Select the network on your device
2. Open a browser - you'll be redirected to the AENA portal
3. Register with email
4. Accept terms to connect

Quality: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming. Speed may vary during peak hours.

Important: There are no SIM card vendors at Valencia Airport. The terminal is small with minimal retail presence at arrivals.

Alternatives

Before arrival:

• eSIM: Holafly, Airalo, and Maya Mobile offer Spanish data packages starting around EUR 10. Set up before landing.
• Online order: Movistar and Vodafone allow online SIM purchase for airport pickup

In the city:

• Vodafone, Orange, Movistar stores: Available throughout Valencia (Calle Colon, major shopping areas)
• Prepaid SIMs start at EUR 10-20 for basic packages

Major Spanish Carriers

Carrier	Tourist SIM Price	Data
Movistar	From EUR 15	Variable
Vodafone	EUR 10-20	Up to 3.5GB
Orange	From EUR 15	Variable

Requirements: Passport required for SIM purchase in Spain.

Tip: eSIM is the easiest option for Valencia. Purchase online before your trip and activate on arrival.

ATMs are available throughout the terminal in both arrivals and departures areas.

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Major banks with ATMs:

• CaixaBank (most common, lower fees)
• BBVA
• Santander

Avoid: Euronet and independent ATMs - these charge higher fees and offer poor exchange rates.

Currency exchange: Global Exchange operates bureaux de change at the airport, but rates are unfavorable (5-10% markup typical). Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• When ATMs ask "with or without conversion" - always choose without for your bank's exchange rate
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout Spain
• Carry some cash for small purchases and traditional markets

Shopping options at VLC are modest but cover essentials and Spanish specialties.

Duty-Free

A World Duty Free store is located airside with:

• Spanish wines (Rioja, Cava)
• Spirits and liqueurs
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Tobacco products

Notable Stores

• Foodies: Spanish gourmet products - jamon, olive oil, chocolates, regional foods
• WHSmith: Books, magazines, snacks, travel essentials
• Souvenirs: Traditional Spanish crafts, ceramics, Valencia-themed gifts

Spanish Products Worth Buying

• Jamon Iberico: Vacuum-packed Iberian ham (check import rules for your destination)
• Turron: Traditional Spanish nougat (especially good near Christmas)
• Horchata mix: Valencia's signature drink (tiger nut-based)
• Paella rice: Bomba or Calasparra varieties
• Olive oil: Premium Spanish extra virgin

Tip: Shopping options are limited compared to major hubs like Barcelona or Madrid. For serious shopping, visit Valencia's Mercado Central or city shops before your flight.

Sala Joan Olivert VIP Lounge

The only lounge at Valencia Airport, located airside on Level 1 near Gate 12.

Access options:

• Priority Pass: Accepted
• DragonPass: Accepted
• AENA VIP: Day pass purchase available
• Airline status: Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, Star Alliance Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus (subject to airline partnerships)
• Credit cards: American Express Platinum provides Priority Pass access

Location: After security, between terminals 1 and R, near gate 12

Opening hours: 5:00 AM - 10:30 PM (may vary seasonally)

Time limit: 3 hours maximum

Entry condition: Valid same-day boarding pass required; entry permitted up to 4 hours before departure

Amenities:

• Two floors with comfortable seating
• Hot and cold buffet (limited selection)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Free WiFi
• Charging stations
• Showers
• Children's play area (downstairs)
• Newspapers and magazines
• Workspaces

Assessment: A clean, modern lounge that can be quiet outside peak times. Food selection is basic - don't expect a gourmet spread. Good for a comfortable pre-flight wait, especially with shower facilities for early morning departures.

Day pass: Available through AENA or LoungeBuddy (~EUR 35-50)

Hotels near Valencia Airport range from budget chains to mid-range business hotels. The airport is compact with limited on-site options, but several hotels are within 10 minutes.

Near the Airport

• Ibis Budget Valencia Aeropuerto: Budget option, 0.9 km from terminal. Metro station 5-minute walk. From EUR 50/night.
• Port Azafata Valencia: 500m from terminal, free airport shuttle, outdoor pool, gym. From EUR 70/night.
• Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto: Modern budget hotel next to airport. From EUR 55/night.

For Early Departures

For very early flights, staying near the airport is practical since the metro doesn't start until ~5:30 AM.

Tip: Valencia's city center hotels offer better value, dining options, and atmosphere. The 25-minute metro ride or EUR 20 taxi makes staying downtown practical even for early flights.

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, combining stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and world-famous cuisine. It's the birthplace of paella and home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Plaça de l'Ajuntament (city center)	25-30 min	Metro Lines 3/5 to Xativa
City of Arts and Sciences	35-40 min	Metro to Alameda, 10-min walk
Malvarrosa Beach	35-45 min	Metro to Maritim-Serreria
Mercado Central	30 min	Metro to Xativa, 5-min walk
Valencia Cathedral	30 min	Metro to Colon, 10-min walk
Bioparc Valencia	20-25 min	Metro Line 5 to Nou d'Octubre

Must-See Attractions

• City of Arts and Sciences: Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex featuring Europe's largest aquarium (L'Oceanografic), a science museum, planetarium, and opera house. Allow a full day.
• La Lonja de la Seda: UNESCO World Heritage 15th-century silk exchange with stunning Gothic architecture. Free entry Sundays.
• Valencia Cathedral: Claims to house the Holy Grail. Climb El Micalet bell tower for panoramic city views.
• Mercado Central: One of Europe's largest covered food markets. Perfect for sampling local products and breakfast.
• Turia Gardens: A 9 km park in a former riverbed, running through the city center to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Beaches

Valencia's urban beaches are easily accessible:

• Playa de la Malvarrosa: Most popular, wide sandy beach with beachfront restaurants
• Playa del Cabanyal: Adjacent to Malvarrosa, slightly less crowded
• Playa de la Patacona: North of Malvarrosa, more local atmosphere

All beaches are 35-45 minutes from the airport by metro (Line 5 to Maritim-Serreria).

Paella

Valencia is the birthplace of paella. For authentic versions:

• El Palmar: Village in Albufera Natural Park, 25 minutes south of Valencia. Traditional thatched-roof restaurants serve wood-fire paella. Worth a half-day trip.
• La Pepica: Beachfront institution since 1898, Hemingway's favorite
• Authentic Valencian paella: Made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and snails - not seafood (that's a different dish)

Tip: Paella is traditionally a lunch dish. Many restaurants only serve it midday. Expect EUR 15-25 per person.

Day Trips

• Albufera Natural Park: Wetlands, rice paddies, boat rides, and the birthplace of paella. 25 min by bus/car.
• Xativa: Historic hilltop castle and old town. 45 min by train from Estacio del Nord.
• Sagunto: Roman theater and castle ruins. 30 min by train.
• Peniscola: Dramatic coastal fortress town. 2 hours by train.

Transport Tips

• Valencia Tourist Card: Unlimited public transport (including airport metro) plus museum discounts. 24h (EUR 15), 48h (EUR 20), 72h (EUR 25).
• SUMA 10: 10-ride pass for metro, bus, tram. Best value for stays over 3 days.
• Valenbisi: Public bike share, EUR 13.30/week. Great for beach and Turia Gardens.
• The historic center is compact and walkable.

Food and Drink

• Horchata: Valencia's signature drink made from tiger nuts. Try it at Horchateria Santa Catalina or Daniel.
• Agua de Valencia: Local cocktail (cava, orange juice, vodka, gin)
• Fideua: Similar to paella but made with short pasta instead of rice
• Bunyols: Sweet fried dough, especially popular during Fallas festival (March)