Airport Hubs:
VLC → Valencia City Center (Xàtiva & Colón) Updated for 2026

How to Get from Valencia Airport (VLC) to City Center

Distance 9 km
Fastest 20 min
From €1.50 (~$1.65)
Top Pick Metrovalencia Line 3 & 5
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The Metrovalencia (Lines 3 and 5) is the undisputed best way into Valencia, departing directly from the underground airport station every 10-15 minutes and reaching Xàtiva (Central Station) and Colón in just 20-22 minutes for €4.80 (€3.80 ticket + €1 reusable card). For extreme budget travelers, local Fernanbus Line 150 costs only €1.50 (approx. 40 min). Official taxis cost €20 - €25.

Valencia Airport (VLC) is situated in Manises, just 9 km west of the historic city center. With direct underground metro platforms right inside the terminal, getting to Valencia's old town (Barrio del Carmen), main train stations, and hotels is effortless.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Metrovalencia (Lines 3 & 5) Fastest
20–23 min
€4.80
~$5.20 / €4.80
 Every 10-15 min Nearly all travelers heading to Xàtiva, Colón, Alameda, or city center hotels See Boarding Steps ↓
Official City Taxi Best Overall
15–20 min
€20 - 25
~$22 - $27 / €20 - €25
 Continuous queue Late-night arrivals, travelers with heavy luggage, or groups of 3-4 Book Private Valencia Transfer

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Fastest

Metrovalencia (Lines 3 & 5)

€4.80 ~$5.20 / €4.80
Travel time 20–23 min
Frequency Every 10-15 min
Operating hours 05:30 - 23:30 (Weekends to 01:30)
Where to buy tickets Automated ticket machines in the airport underground metro station.
Main advantage: Fast 20-minute ride; immune to road traffic; station inside terminal; frequent departures.
Keep in mind: Closes at 23:30 on weekdays.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Follow the "Metro" signs down to the lower level of the terminal.
  2. Select an AB Zone ticket (€4.80 with card) at the ticket machine using card or cash.
  3. Tap your card at the turnstiles and board either Line 3 or Line 5.
  4. Disembark at Xàtiva (Central Station) or Colón.
Option #2 Best Overall

Official City Taxi

€20 - 25 ~$22 - $27 / €20 - €25
Travel time 15–20 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Official taxi rank outside terminal arrivals.
Main advantage: Direct doorstep drop-off; 15-minute quick trip; 24/7 service.
Keep in mind: Higher fare than the metro for solo travelers.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Walk out of arrivals to the clearly marked taxi queue.
  2. Take the first available white taxi with the green roof light.
  3. Pay metered fare via credit card or cash at your hotel.
Book Private Valencia Transfer
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Cabify / Uber / Free Now & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Cabify / Uber / Free Now pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Spain eSIM on Airalo →Compare Spain Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Valencia (VLC) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Valencia Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Buy your Metrovalencia ticket at the multilingual automated ticket machines in the airport metro station. Select "AB" zones (ticket €3.80 + €1.00 for the reusable SUMA card, total €4.80). Keep the card to reload cheaper city fares later.

Traveling with Suitcases

Metro trains feature wide carriages with ground-level boarding and space for large luggage.

Arriving After Midnight

Metrovalencia runs from 05:30 to 23:30 (until ~01:30 on Friday and Saturday nights). For arrivals past midnight, official white taxis are queued outside 24/7.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Throwing away the cardboard SUMA transport card—it is reusable and can be topped up for tram and bus trips in the city for much cheaper rates.
  • Assuming Fernanbus 150 runs on Sundays—Line 150 does NOT operate on Sundays or public holidays.
  • Only take official white city taxis from the clearly signposted rank outside arrivals. Taxis from the airport have a regulated minimum airport starting fee of €12.50 included in the metered fare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which metro line goes from Valencia Airport to central Valencia?

Both Line 3 (red) and Line 5 (green) depart from Aeroport station and pass through central stations Xàtiva (Main Train Station) and Colón.

How much is a taxi from Valencia Airport to the city center?

An official metered taxi costs between €20 and €25, including the mandatory €12.50 airport minimum starting charge.