How to Get to Valencia Spain: Transportation Options from Spanish Cities & Abroad

Planning a trip to Spain and wondering how to get to Valencia? This sunny Mediterranean city is full of culture, sandy beaches, futuristic architecture, and incredible food that makes it easy to fall in love with.

Whether you’re flying in from abroad, traveling from another Spanish city, or arriving overland from a nearby country, getting to Valencia has plenty of options.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get to Valencia no matter where you're coming from, along with transport tips and everything you need to know before you go.

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How to Get to Valencia, Spain: Basic Info About Visiting

There are several easy ways to reach Valencia depending on where you’re traveling from. Before diving into how to get to Valencia, Spain though, let’s look at where the city is located and why it’s worth adding to your Spain itinerary.

 Why Visit Valencia?

Valencia is one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, blending Mediterranean charm with modern design, great food, and a relaxed vibe. You can wander through its historic Old Town, explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, or spend the afternoon on the beach with a plate of authentic paella.

With its markets, bike-friendly streets, lively plazas, and cultural landmarks, Valencia has a little bit of everything and is the perfect place to start or end your trip around Spain.

Not only that, but Valencia is home to some of the best celebrations in the world, like Las Fallas in March, and the Tomatina tomato-throwing festival in August.

 Where is Valencia Located?

Valencia sits on Spain’s southeastern coast, right along the Mediterranean Sea. It’s roughly halfway between Barcelona and Alicante, with excellent train, bus, and flight connections throughout Spain and Europe. Its coastal location makes it a great base for beach days, road trips, and exploring the region.

 How Do I Get to Valencia, Spain?

Even though Spain is a large country, Valencia is very easy to reach thanks to its international airport, high-speed rail lines, and well-connected highways.

Here are all the ways you can get to Valencia:

• Flying to Valencia
• Taking a train to Valencia
• Taking a bus to Valencia
• Renting a car and driving to Valencia
• Using Bla Bla Car to get to Valencia
• Hiring a private transfer to Valencia
• Visiting Valencia on a day trip
• Taking a cruise to Valencia
• Sailing on a ferry to Valencia

How to Get to Valencia, Spain: Transportation Options

Now that you know where Valencia is and why it's worth visiting, let's look at how to get to Valencia, comparing each option.

 How to Get to Valencia, Spain from Abroad

For most travelers, the easiest way to visit Valencia is by flying, but you can also reach the city from nearby regions by train, bus, or car thanks to Spain’s strong transportation network.

 Does Valencia Have an Airport?

Yes! Valencia Airport is modern, efficient, and well connected, with direct flights from cities across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. If you’re coming from North America or Asia, you’ll usually connect through Madrid, Barcelona, London, or another major European hub.

 Cities that Fly Direct to Valencia

In Europe, you can fly directly to Valencia from Amsterdam, Athens, Basel, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Cologne-Bonn, Copenhagen, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Lisbon, London, Luxembourg, Lyon, Milan, Munich, Naples, Paris, Porto, Prague, Rome, Stuttgart, Toulouse, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.

From the Middle East and North Africa, direct flights are offered from Doha, Jeddah, Marrakech, and Casablanca.

From the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, non-stop flights depart from Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela.

There are currently no direct flights from North America, South America, Asia, or Oceania, but the city is easily reached with one connection in several other European cities. Alternatively, you can fly to Madrid or Barcelona directly from the Americas and then get a bus, train, rental car, or Bla Bla Car to Valencia from there.

Search for a flight to Valencia or a nearby airport:

Valencia Airport (VLC) is about 20 minutes from the city center and is served by many budget and full-service airlines from across Europe and a few long-haul hubs.

How to Get From Valencia Airport to the City Center

There are several ways for getting to Valencia after landing at Valencia Airport:

• Metro: Metro lines 3 and 5 connect the airport to the city center in about 20–25 minutes. This is the easiest option if you’re staying near the Old Town or Ruzafa.
• Bus: The local bus (Line 150) is a cheap option, though it takes longer and doesn’t run as frequently.
• Taxi/Ride-share: Taxis are available right outside the terminal. The ride takes around 15 minutes depending on traffic.
• Private transfer: A pre-booked driver is the most convenient choice if you want to go straight to your hotel without any stress.

How to Visit Valencia, Spain from Other Spanish Cities

If you're already in Spain, or looking for a more affordable flight to get to Valencia, then you may need to learn how to get to Valencia from Madrid, Barcelona, or another Spanish city. 

There are plenty of options for reaching Valencia from elsewhere in Spain, including trains, buses, Bla Bla Cars, and rental cars.

 How to Get to Valencia, Spain by Train

Spain has an excellent train network, and traveling by rail is one of the most comfortable and efficient ways to get to Valencia.

High-speed AVE and Euromed trains run from Madrid, Barcelona, and Alicante, with Madrid–Valencia taking as little as 1 hour 50 minutes. Trains arrive at either Joaquín Sorolla Station (high-speed) or Estación del Norte (local and regional), both of which are right in the city.

If you prefer relaxing travel days, scenic coastline views, or avoiding airport hassle, trains are a great option for getting to Valencia. This is can be one of the pricier options if you're traveling last-minute to Valencia, but if you book in advance, you can find great deals.

• Madrid to Valencia - starting at $19 (~2 hours)
• Barcelona to Valencia - starting at $33 (3-6 hours)
• Alicante to Valencia - starting at $16 (2-2 1/2 hours)

 How to Get to Valencia, Spain by Bus

For budget travelers, buses are sometimes the cheapest way to reach Valencia. Several companies operate routes from major Spanish cities and neighboring regions, and this is a good option in places where trains don't operate.

Travel times vary, but buses from Madrid usually take 4–5 hours, while Barcelona is around 4 hours. Although it’s not as fast as the train, it’s an easy and affordable choice if you're trying to save money and book something last minute.

• Madrid to Valencia - starting at $50 (4-4 1/2 hours)
• Barcelona to Valencia - starting at $35 (4-5 hours)
• Alicante to Valencia - starting at $16 (~2 1/2 hours)

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 Getting to Valencia by Bla Bla Car

If you can't find affordable trains or buses, or are traveling at an odd hour/ outside main cities, then you can consider looking for a ride on Bla Bla Car. It's a carpooling app that connects travelers, and is one of our favorite travel apps out there! It's affordable, fun, and a great way to be a more eco-friendly traveler.

Renting a Car and Driving to Valencia

If you want flexibility, renting a car is a great way to reach Valencia and explore the region at your own pace.

The roads in Spain are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and driving along the Mediterranean coast is especially beautiful. Parking in the city center can be tricky, but staying slightly outside the historic core makes it much easier.

A car is ideal if you’re planning to visit nearby places like Albufera, Xàtiva, Peñíscola, or the beaches south of the city.

Hiring a Driver or Private Transfer to Valencia

If you want a door-to-door option without renting a car, you can hire a private driver to bring you to Valencia from cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Alicante.

It’s more costly than the bus or train, but it’s the most comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling with a group, arriving late at night, or carrying lots of luggage.

 How to Get to Valencia, Spain on a Day Trip

Some cities offer day trips to Valencia, so that you can go there with a guide for the day and come back to city you're visiting in the evening. Alicante is the most popular city for visiting Valencia on a day trip, but some agencies from Madrid or other nearby cities may also offer this option.

 How to Get to Valencia, Spain by Sea

If you're looking for how to get to Valencia, Spain in a more unique and scenic way, you can consider arriving by sea. Valencia has a major port right next to the city, and it is used in warmer months for Mediterranean cruises and ferry routes connecting Spain with the Balearic Islands and Italy.

How to Get to Valencia, Spain with a Mediterranean Cruise

Several major cruise lines include Valencia on their Mediterranean itineraries, and we actually used to visit Valencia when we were working on cruise ships! Companies such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line feature Valencia as a port of call on Western Mediterranean or Iberian Peninsula routes.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Valencia, located right beside the city and offering easy access to central Valencia. If you’re already planning a cruise that travels through Spain, France, or Italy, there’s a good chance Valencia may be one of the featured destinations.

How to Get to Valencia, Spain with a Ferry

Other than cruising, Valencia has regular ferry services connecting with other Spanish destinations. The Port of Valencia is a transportation hub that connects to Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca, as well as occasional routes to Italy.

Companies like Balearia, Trasmed, and GNV offer frequent ferries to and from the Balearic Islands. While these routes are more practical than scenic cruises, they are a unique way to reach Valencia if you prefer slow travel and want to combine mainland Spain with an island visit.

How to Get to Valencia's City Center from the Port

If you arrive by sea, you will dock at the Port of Valencia. Getting into the city center is super simple, with several convenient options available.

How to Get to Valencia's City Center from the Port Most Easily

A taxi or ride share is the fastest and easiest option. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach central Valencia depending on traffic. This is the best choice if you want a direct and comfortable ride.

How to Get to Valencia's City Center from the Port Most Comfortably

You can also reach the city by metro. The Grau-La Marina and Marítim–Serrería stations are the closest to the port area. From there, Line 5 and Line 7 connect directly to major stops such as Xàtiva, Colón, and Ángel Guimerá.

How to Get to Valencia's City Center from the Port Most Affordably

Buses are another budget-friendly option, although they take a bit longer than taxis or the metro. Several EMT bus routes connect the port area with key points in the city center, making it an affordable and still pretty easy choice.

How to Visit Valencia: Entry Requirements for Spain

Now that you know how to get to Valencia, Spain, let's make sure you know what you need to visit the country.

Before traveling to Valencia, it is important to understand the entry requirements and customs rules. Spain follows the same regulations as other countries in the Schengen Area.

Visa Entry Requirements for Spain

Most travelers from Europe, North America, and other visa exempt countries are able to enter Spain for short stays without a visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.

Visitors from the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, and many other countries do not need a visa to visit Spain, and can stay up to 90 days in a 180 day period inside the entire Schengen Zone.

The 90/180 Rule

Don't forget about the 90/180 rule! You can spend 90 days within a 180 day period inside the Schengen Zone in total. If you spend 10 days in Portugal, for example, those 10 days count toward your overall total stay in Spain and anywhere else in the Schengen area.

We always use the Schengen visa calculator, which is very helpful for travelers planning long term or multi country trips.

Schengen Visas

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Zone, or if your nationality requires a visa, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa beforehand. Make sure to check your specific entry requirements so that your trip to Spain goes smoothly.

How to Get to Valencia, Spain: Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

Now that you know how to get to Valencia, Spain, here are a few quick tips for visiting:

 Getting Around Valencia: Walking is a great way to explore the center, and you can use buses, trains, and metros to move around as well.

 Where to Stay: Stay in Valencia's historic center to be close to restaurants, markets, and top cultural sites.

 Language: Valencian is the official language of Valencia, which is a dialect of Catalan. Spanish is spoken everywhere, and English is spoken in many hotels and tour companies.

 Currency: Spain uses the Euro.

 Safety: Valencia is generally safe for tourists, with no major safety concerns.

 Weather: Valencia experiences all four seasons, and has a lot of sunshine throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are very mild and just cooler.

What's Next?

Now that you've learned how to get to Valencia, Spain, you probably want to learn more about visiting! We have weekly guides coming up about Valencia coming up. But in the meantime, we have some guides about other destinations in Spain:

 Celebrating Feria de Abril in Sevilla

 Experiencing Tomatina Festival

 Things to Do in Sevilla

 Granada Travel Guide

 Canary Islands Travel Guide

 Most Instagrammable Spots in Barcelona

 Barcelona Travel Guide

 Places to Visit in Costa Blanca

 Madrid Travel Guide

...and more coming up each Friday!

So are you ready to start planning your trip to Valencia? This city is one of the sunniest in Europe, and one of our favorite Spanish cities.

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