Valencia Airport Terminals
Valencia Airport, located about 8 km west of the city center in the town of Manises, is the main gateway to Spain’s third-largest city. Opened in 1933, the airport played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War and has since evolved into a modern international hub, especially popular for both business and leisure travel along Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
Terminal Description, Zones & Levels
Valencia Airport has a single, compact terminal building that makes navigation easy and efficient. The terminal is divided into several zones:
- Ground Level (Level 0): Arrivals, baggage claim, car rental desks, and ground transportation (taxis, buses, metro).
- First Level (Level 1): Departures, check-in counters, security control, boarding gates, shops, restaurants, and VIP areas.
The terminal layout is straightforward, with clear signage in both Spanish and English. This makes it ideal for first-time visitors or those with tight connections.
The airport is well-connected to the city by Metro lines 3 and 5, which offer a fast and affordable way to reach downtown Valencia in about 20 minutes.
Shops, Restaurants & VIP Areas
- Shops:
The terminal features a selection of shops, including Duty Free (Aelia), Relay (books, magazines, snacks), Valencia Duty Free, and local souvenir shops selling regional products like ceramics and horchata. - Restaurants:
Dining options range from fast food (Burger King, Subway) to Spanish cafés and tapas bars like Medas Taste and La Pausa. There’s also a Starbucks for coffee lovers. - VIP Lounge:
The Sala Joan Olivert VIP Lounge offers a quiet, comfortable space with snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, workstations, and flight information screens. Access is available for business class travelers, Priority Pass members, or for a fee.
If you have extra time, try the local horchata (a sweet, nutty drink) at one of the airport cafés for a taste of Valencia!
Popular Flights, Durations & Airlines
Valencia Airport offers a mix of domestic and international routes:
Domestic:
- Madrid (1h 10m, Iberia, Air Europa)
- Palma de Mallorca (1h, Ryanair, Air Europa)
- Barcelona (1h, Vueling)
International:
- London (2h 30m, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways)
- Paris (2h, Air France, Vueling)
- Rome (2h, Ryanair, Vueling)
- Amsterdam (2h 30m, Transavia, KLM)
- Zurich (2h, Swiss)
- Brussels (2h 15m, Ryanair, Brussels Airlines)
Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet have a strong presence, making Valencia accessible from many European cities. Seasonal routes increase in summer, connecting to popular holiday destinations.
For the best fares, book your flights several weeks in advance, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons.
Additional Services
- Car Rental Desks: Located in the arrivals area, with major companies like Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange: Available in both arrivals and departures.
- Information Desk: Staff can help with flight information, lost property, and tourist queries.
- Medical Services: First-aid station for emergencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal.
- Lost & Found: Located near the baggage claim area.
- Children’s Play Area: Small play zones to keep young travelers entertained.
Accessibility
The terminal is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms, and dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
Final Thoughts
Valencia Airport’s single-terminal design ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. With its convenient metro access, good selection of shops and eateries, and a comfortable VIP lounge, it’s an excellent entry point to the vibrant city of Valencia and the beautiful Costa del Azahar. Whether you’re heading to the city’s famous Fallas festival or the sun-soaked beaches, the airport provides a welcoming start to your Spanish adventure.