Getting from Valencia Airport to the city center is very straightforward. I’ve done it a few times, and whether you choose the metro, bus, or taxi, you’ll be downtown in about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s one of those airports where transfers are very simple.
Valencia Airport, also known as Manises Airport (VLC), is located just 10 kilometers from the city center. It’s modern, efficient, and handles both domestic and international flights. One of its biggest advantages is how well connected it is to the city by public transport.
Here’s a breakdown of the best options.
How to Get from Valencia Airport to the City Center
1. Metro, the best way to get from Valencia Airport to the City Center
In my opinion, the metro is hands down the best option to go from Valencia Airport to the city center. It’s fast, reliable, and affordable.
Two metro lines run directly from the airport: Line 3 (red) and Line 5 (green). They follow the same route until Alameda station, where they split off in different directions.
To reach the city center, you can take either line and get off at Xàtiva station, which is perfectly located just steps from Valencia City Hall and the beautiful Estació del Nord train station.
The journey takes about 20 minutes. Trains run every 15–20 minutes depending on the day of the week.
A single SUMA T1 ticket costs €4.80 (covering two zones), plus €1.10 for the rechargeable cardboard travel card.
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:27 a.m. to 10:32 p.m.
- Friday: until 11:27 p.m.
- Saturday: 5:47 a.m. to 10:27 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:07 a.m. to 10:47 p.m.
On weekends, there are also two extra late-night trains at 12:47 a.m. and 2:07 a.m.
If you want a simple, no-stress option, this is the one I’d choose.
- Ticket price: €4.80 (+ €1.10 for the rechargeable card)
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes (weekdays) and every 20 minutes (weekends and holidays)
- Journey time: 20 minutes
If you’re staying several days, I strongly recommend the Valencia Tourist Card. It gives you unlimited public transport, including the airport transfer, and also includes free entry to municipal museums and discounts at attractions, shops, and restaurants. I’ve found it very convenient for short city breaks.
2. MetroBus (Line 150), cheaper but slower
Another option is Line 150 (MetroBus). The stop is located outside Terminal T1, at ground level near arrivals.
This bus takes you to central stops like Plaza España (very close to City Hall) and Mercat Central, right in the heart of the Old Town (Ciutat Vella). It also stops in Manises, Quart de Poblet, and Mislata.
The ticket costs €4.80 (€2.80 within the metropolitan area). You can buy it directly on board, and it’s valid for a single journey. You can also use the SUMA T1 card or the Valencia Tourist Card if you have one.
The main downside? It’s slower. The journey takes around 40 minutes, and buses run approximately every 26–30 minutes.
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:21 a.m. to 10:36 p.m.
- Friday: until 11:36 p.m.
- Saturday: 6:55 a.m. to 11:36 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:35 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
There’s also a night service outside daytime hours, which can be useful if you arrive late.
If you’re not in a rush and want a budget-friendly alternative, the MetroBus works fine, but personally, I prefer the metro.
- Price: €4.80 (or €2.80 metropolitan area)
- Frequency: Every 26–30 minutes
- Journey time: About 40 minutes
3. Taxi, the most comfortable and direct option
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage, arriving late, or just don’t want to think about public transport, a taxi is a very easy solution.
The ride to the center takes about 20 minutes and usually costs between €20 and €25. There’s no flat rate, the fare is calculated by the meter, and there’s a €5.40 airport surcharge added to the final price.
Taxis are available right outside the terminal, and you won’t have to wait long.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s definitely the most convenient door-to-door choice.
- Price: Approximately €20–25
- Frequency: Available at all times
- Journey time: 20 minutes
4. Private Transfer, a premium xxperience
If you prefer to have everything arranged in advance, a private transfer is a very comfortable option.
A driver waits for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name and takes you directly to your hotel in a high-end vehicle. It feels seamless, especially after a long flight.
If you’re traveling as a group or simply want a smooth arrival without any hassle, this is a great option.
- Price: Depends on vehicle type
- Frequency: Continuous availability
- Journey time to city center: 20 minutes
Check prices here: Private transfers from Valencia Airport
5. Car rental, only if you’re exploring beyond valencia
Renting a car just to get from the airport to the city center doesn’t make much sense. Valencia’s public transport is simply too good for that.
However, if you’re planning to explore beyond the city, maybe heading to small coastal towns or inland villages, then renting a car at the airport is a smart move.
The drive into the city takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
As usual, you’ll find several rental companies operating right at the airport.
- Price: Depends on vehicle type and rental company
- Frequency: Continuous availability
- Journey time to city center: 20 minutes
Check prices here: Car rental in Valencia Airport
FINAL THOUGHTS
One of the things I really appreciate about Valencia is how easy it is to get from the airport into the city. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for comfort, there’s an option that fits.
If I had to choose? I’d take the metro every time: quick, cheap, and stress-free.