Valencia Layover Guide (VLC)

What are you looking for in VLC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Valencia Airport (VLC) is an international airport located in Manises, about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Valencia, Spain. The airport officially opened in 1933. Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and is renowned for its vibrant culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s considered one of the best places to live in Spain, known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a wide range of leisure and cultural activities throughout the year.

Can you leave Valencia Airport (VLC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave VLC during a layover in Valencia. As part of the Schengen Area, travelers need a valid Schengen visa or be from a visa-exempt country to clear immigration and pass passport control to exit the airport. Otherwise, a short-stay Schengen or airport transit visa is still required. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Valencia: Full Tuk Tuk Tour 2H

Hop aboard a comfortable tuk-tuk for a two-hour guided ride through Valencia’s highlights. Admire the 14th-century Serranos Towers, cross the vibrant Floral Bridge, and marvel at the City of Arts and Sciences, all with a local guide, free bottled water, lunch, and monument fees included » book this tour

Valencia: 2-Hour City Highlights Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Discover Valencia in a private 120-minute tuk-tuk adventure. Cruise past the Torres Serrano, La Marina and Malvarrosa Beach, Las Arenas and Cabañal neighborhoods, then glimpse the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and vibrant Mercado de Colón—all with hotel pickup/drop-off and personalized commentary » book this tour

Valencia Old Town Guided Tour

Stroll through Valencia’s historic center on this two-hour walking tour. Explore medieval squares, grand churches, and traditional markets while your guide shares vintage photos and the city’s evolution. Small groups (max 10), free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and a flexible “reserve now, pay later” policy make it ideal for tight schedules » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias A futuristic cultural complex housing a science museum, opera house, aquarium and IMAX cinema in iconic Calatrava architecture. Check schedules on the official site. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Alameda then bus 95 (~40 min) or taxi (~20 min))
  • L’Oceanogràfic Europe’s largest aquarium with over 45,000 marine creatures in themed habitats, featuring sharks, dolphins and penguins. Explore immersive exhibits and shows on the official site. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Alameda then Tram 4 (~30 min) or taxi (~20 min))
  • Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete A stunning Gothic cathedral blending Romanesque and Baroque styles, home to the Holy Grail chapel. Climb El Miguelete tower for panoramic views. See hours on the official site. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Colón then 10 min walk (~30 min) or taxi (~20 min))
  • Mercado Central One of Europe’s oldest food markets with over 1,000 stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses and gourmet bites in a Modernist gem. Plan a tasting tour on the official site. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Xàtiva then 5 min walk (~30 min) or taxi (~20 min))
  • Turia Gardens A vast former riverbed turned lush park with walking paths, bridges, playgrounds and fountains. Perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride through the city’s green heart. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Túria station (~25 min) or taxi (~15 min))
  • Malvarrosa Beach Relax on golden sands lined with palm trees, cafés and chiringuitos serving paella. Enjoy sea views and a refreshing Mediterranean dip at this urban beach. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Metro 3 to Xàtiva then Bus 32 (~50 min) or taxi (~25 min))
  • Plaza de la Virgen Historic square surrounded by the Cathedral, Basilica of the Virgin and Turia fountain. Experience a lively atmosphere with street musicians and outdoor cafés—ideal for people-watching and photos. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Metro Line 3 to Colón then walk (~30 min) or taxi (~20 min))
  • Albufera Natural Park A peaceful freshwater lagoon framed by rice paddies and dunes. Take a traditional boat ride at sunset and sample authentic paella in El Palmar. Details on the official site. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 150 to El Saler (~45 min) or taxi (~30 min))

Things to Do in Valencia Airport (VLC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Joan Olivert VIP Lounge, airside on Level 1 near Gate 12, is open 05:00–23:00 for both Schengen and non-Schengen departures. It features comfortable seating, workstations with charging points, free Wi-Fi, refreshments, newspapers and magazines. Access by payment, Priority Pass, Aena Club or eligible business tickets. Maximum stay: four hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Valencia Airport has no on-site hotels, but nearby options within 1 km include Hotel Aviación, Ibis Budget Valencia Aeropuerto and Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto, all offering free Wi-Fi, breakfast, 24-hour reception and some shuttle service. For upscale amenities, AZZ Valencia Congress Hotel & Spa is 6 km away, with spa, conference facilities and parking. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Valencia Airport lacks dedicated rest zones or sleeping pods. Passengers can use rows of non-reclining seats near Gates 11–16 in the quieter regional terminal. Outlets and charging stations are scattered throughout. The terminal isn’t soundproof and closes lounges by 23:00, so travellers should bring blankets, earplugs and eye masks for overnight layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Valencia Airport offers free Aena Wi-Fi (“Airport Free Wifi – Aena” or “VLC Free WiFi”). Connect, launch the portal and register via email, Aena Club or social account to receive 15 minutes of complimentary access. Additional sessions are available by logging in or joining Aena Club, with a maximum connection of four hours per session.

SIM/eSIM Card: There are no physical SIM vendors at VLC. International travellers should pre-order an eSIM (via Airalo, Holafly or Ubigi) for immediate activation on arrival. Alternatively, purchase a local prepaid SIM from Vodafone, Movistar or Orange stores in Valencia city, offering plans from €10 for 5–10 GB. An unlocked device and ID are required. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside Arrivals. Standard fares include a €2 flag drop plus ~€1.15/km. Airport surcharge adds €2. Expect a fixed fare of €20–25 to the city centre. Taxis operate 24/7, accommodate up to four passengers and accept cash or cards. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be requested in advance.

Train: Metrovalencia Lines 3 and 5 serve the Aeroport station on the ground floor of the Regional Terminal, linking to Xàtiva in 20 minutes. Trains run every 7–15 minutes from about 05:27 to 23:36, varying by day. A single fare costs €4.80 plus a reusable card fee of €1. more info

Bus: Metrobus Line 150 connects Valencia Airport to the city centre via Mislata, Quart de Poblet and Manises. It operates from 06:21 to 22:36 on weekdays, extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and limited Sunday service starting at 07:35. Journey time is about 35 minutes. Tickets cost €1.50 onboard. more info

Shuttle: Private shuttle services like Sixt Ride and Flybus offer pre-booked airport transfers to hotels and central locations. Features include fixed rates from €15 one-way, flight monitoring, free waiting time and English-speaking drivers. Pick-up occurs inside the terminal. Booking online in advance ensures availability and transparent pricing, including tolls and parking fees.

Car rentals: Major car hire companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) have desks in the Arrivals hall. Fleet options range from compact cars to SUVs and vans. Operating hours generally span 06:00–24:00, with cut-off pick-up available 24/7 by reservation. Renters need a valid driver’s license, passport, credit card and are typically aged 21+. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Valencia Airport offers three parking options: Short-Stay (P1, terminal), Long-Stay (P2/P3) and VIP. All lots feature 24-hour surveillance and CCTV. Rates start at €2 per half hour, with daily caps around €20. Pre-booking online yields discounts. Electric vehicle charging stations are available. A ten-minute free grace period applies in drop-off zones.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

An official left-luggage office on Floor 0 (landside) opens 07:00–22:00, charging €6 per item for the first 24 hours, then €2.50 per additional day. There are no self-service lockers. Alternatively, external providers like Stasher or Eelway operate nearby, offering online booking, 24/7 access, secure storage and insurance from €4 per day. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Valencia Airport (VLC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks