Valencia Airport (VLC) is located about 8 km west of the city centre, and the journey in is straightforward. Metro lines 3 and 5 both call at the airport station and whisk you into central Valencia in around 20–25 minutes for a modest fare. The bus is an alternative, and taxis are waiting if you prefer door-to-door comfort.
Metro lines 3 and 5: the best way into Valencia
The airport has its own metro station — Aeroport — served by both Metrovalencia line 3 (towards Rafelbunyol) and line 5 (towards Maritim-Serreria). The two lines share the same tracks between the airport and the city, so either gets you into central Valencia; they diverge in the city east of the centre.
From the airport station, the metro takes around 20–25 minutes to reach Xàtiva, the main interchange stop that sits between the historic city centre and the Estació del Nord (Valencia's main rail station). From Xàtiva you can change to line 1 for further stops. Alternatively, Àngel Guimerà, a couple of stops before Xàtiva, is the main interchange hub of the entire network and is useful if you are heading further west or south.
Trains run every 5–10 minutes during the day, less frequently in the evenings. The metro operates from around 05:30 until roughly midnight Sunday to Thursday, and through the night on Fridays, Saturdays and the night before public holidays — useful to know if you are heading back to the airport after a late dinner or evening out.
Tip: Buy a T-2 or T-10 multi-trip card at the station machine to save money over single tickets if you plan to use the metro more than once. The airport journey falls within zone A/B, so confirm which card covers it.
Tickets and the surcharge
Valencia's metro uses a zone-based fare system. Note that the airport station carries a small airport supplement on top of the standard fare — this is clearly shown at the ticket machines. Single tickets can be bought from the machines in the terminal and on the platform, accepting cash and card. The Metrovalencia app also allows mobile tickets. Keep your ticket throughout the journey, as it is needed at exit barriers.
Airport bus: Aerobus and public bus
Several bus options connect the airport to the city. The 150 bus is the main public route, operated by EMT Valencia, running between the airport and Valencia city centre. Journey times vary with traffic but are typically 30–40 minutes to the central stops. Fares are standard EMT rates, making this one of the cheapest options — though the metro is usually faster and more predictable.
Some private shuttle services also operate, particularly targeting the main tourist areas around the historic centre and the beach district; they can be useful if you have lots of luggage and want a more comfortable seat without paying full taxi prices.
Taxi
Licensed taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and are easy to find at any hour. The drive to central Valencia takes 15–25 minutes in light traffic, though the CV-30 ring road and city approaches can slow things during morning and evening rush hours. Fares are metered and include a legitimate airport supplement — this is normal and above board. There is also a standard rate for specific city-centre zones published by the city's taxi authority; you can ask to see it if unsure.
For a couple travelling together with luggage, the taxi can represent reasonable value compared to the metro, especially with the supplement factored in. Alone or as a single traveller, the metro is hard to beat.
Rental car
Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Valencia's city centre has pedestrian zones and limited parking, so a hire car is most useful if you are planning to explore the surrounding region — the Costa del Azahar coast, L'Albufera Nature Park or the inland towns of the Valencian Community. For the city itself and for intercity connections to Madrid or other Spanish cities, public transport and the AVE high-speed train are usually more practical.
Getting to Valencia's beaches
If you are heading directly from the airport to Valencia's beach districts (Malvarrosa, Cabanyal), the metro line 5 is particularly useful — it runs along the coast side of the city and has stops close to the seafront. Cross-reference with current Metrovalencia maps, as the network continues to develop.
Getting back to the airport
The metro is by far the safest bet for the return journey during the day. Allow 25–30 minutes from Xàtiva plus time to walk through the terminal. Valencia Airport primarily handles short-haul European and domestic Spanish flights; the standard advice is to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. On Friday and Sunday evenings the metro can be busier with travellers and returning residents — it still runs well, but allow a few extra minutes of buffer.
Frequently asked questions
Which metro line goes to Valencia Airport?
Both line 3 (purple) and line 5 (green) serve the airport station (Aeroport). They share tracks between the airport and central Valencia and both reach Xàtiva, the main city-centre interchange, in around 20–25 minutes.
How often does the metro run from Valencia Airport?
During the day, trains run roughly every 5–10 minutes. Late at night services become less frequent, but on Fridays and Saturdays the metro runs through the night.
Is there an airport bus from Valencia Airport to the city centre?
Yes. EMT bus 150 connects the airport to Valencia city centre, taking around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. It is cheap but slower and less frequent than the metro.
How much does a taxi from Valencia Airport to the city cost?
Taxis are metered and include a legitimate airport supplement. The fare to the city centre varies with traffic; it is higher than the metro but reasonable when shared between two or more travellers.
Sources and further reading:
- Metro routes and timetables: Metrovalencia (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana).
- Bus information: EMT Valencia.
- Airport transport overview: Aena (Valencia Airport, VLC).