Valencia Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coast, is served by one primary international airport located conveniently close to the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a modern, efficient gateway for travelers visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, the vibrant old town, and the surrounding region of the Comunitat Valenciana.

This guide provides essential information about Valencia Airport, including terminal details, transportation links, and tips for a smooth arrival in this dynamic Spanish city.

Valencia Airport (VLC)

Overview: Valencia Airport, also known as Manises Airport, is the main airport serving the region. It is located approximately 8 km (5 miles) west of the city center, in the municipality of Manises. It handles a mix of domestic flights within Spain, international flights across Europe (including many low-cost carrier routes), and a growing number of intercontinental connections.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern, single-terminal building that was expanded in 2021. It handles all arrivals and departures under one roof. The layout is straightforward:
  • Ground Floor: Arrivals, baggage claim, and access to ground transport.
  • First Floor: Departures, check-in halls, and security.

The terminal is compact and easy to navigate, with Schengen and non-Schengen gates clearly signed.

Getting to and from Valencia Airport (VLC):

• Metro (Line 3 & 5):
  The best and most recommended public transport option. The airport has its own metro station (Aeroport) on Lines 3 and 5 (operated by Metrovalencia). Line 3 takes you directly into the city center, with key stops at:
  • Xàtiva: Connection to the main train station, Estació del Nord, and close to the old town.
  • Àngel Guimerà: Transfer point to other metro lines.
  • Alameda: In the heart of the Turia riverbed gardens, near the City of Arts and Sciences.

  The journey to Xàtiva station takes about 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from machines at the station (the SUMA10 ten-journey card is excellent value).

• Bus (EMT Valencia):
  Public bus line #150 runs between the airport and the city center (Plaza de España). It runs frequently, takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic, and is slightly cheaper than the metro. The stop is directly outside the terminal.
• Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Uber/Cabify/Free Now):
  The official taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals hall. Fares to the city center are metered with a minimum fare and supplements for airport, luggage, and nighttime travel. Expect to pay €20-€25 for a trip to central Valencia (15-25 minutes). Ride-hailing apps are also operational.
• Car Rental:
  All major international and Spanish rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. A car is useful for exploring the surrounding countryside (like the Albufera Natural Park or wine regions) but not necessary for staying within Valencia city.

Best for: All travelers to Valencia and the surrounding region. It is the main airport for the Comunitat Valenciana.

Essential Travel Information for Valencia Airport (VLC)

Efficiency: The airport is known for being quick and easy. Security lines are generally short. Arriving 90 minutes before a Schengen flight and 2 hours before a non-Schengen flight is typically more than sufficient.

Schengen Area: Spain is part of the Schengen Zone. Flights from other Schengen countries use domestic gates. Flights from outside Schengen (e.g., UK, Morocco) will require passport control upon arrival.

Currency: The Euro (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the arrivals hall. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted everywhere in the city.

Wi-Fi: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Dining & Shopping: The expanded terminal offers a good selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops, including local food products like horchata and turrón. There is a Mercadona supermarket landside.

Departure Tip: Check-in and bag drop are automated for many airlines. The airport can get busier during peak holiday periods (summer, Fallas festival in March), so allow a little extra time then.

Ground Transport to Key Destinations

To Valencia City Center (Old Town, Plaza del Ayuntamiento): Take Metro Line 3 to Xàtiva station (20 mins). A taxi is the most convenient door-to-door option.

To City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències): Take Metro Line 3 to Alameda station (25 mins) and walk 10 minutes. A taxi takes 15 minutes.

To Valencia Beaches (Malvarrosa, Las Arenas): Take Metro Line 3 to Àngel Guimerà, transfer to Line 6 towards Marítim, and get off at Grau–Canyamelar. A taxi takes 20-30 minutes.

To Port of Valencia (Cruise Terminal): A taxi is the most direct option (20 mins). By public transport, take the metro to Xàtiva and then a taxi or bus from there.

To Albufera Natural Park: A rental car is the most flexible option (25 min drive). Alternatively, take EMT bus #25 from the city center.

To Benidorm or Alicante: The best option is to rent a car for the 1.5-2 hour drive south. Direct long-distance buses and trains are available from Valencia’s city center, not the airport.

Which Airport Should You Use?

For all travel to Valencia, you will use Valencia Airport (VLC). There is no other commercial passenger airport serving the city.

Alicante Alternative: Some travelers visiting the southern part of the Valencia region or finding significantly better flight deals may fly into Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive or train ride north of Valencia.

Bottom Line: Valencia Airport (VLC) is a modern, convenient, and user-friendly airport. Metro Line 3 provides a fast, cheap, and reliable link to the city center. For ultimate convenience, a taxi is reasonably priced. The airport’s manageable size ensures a stress-free start or end to your visit to this beautiful Mediterranean city.