There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Castellón de la Plana into a quick city adventure. From CDT, the Bus Line L-18 can get you into town in around 90 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
A few things to sort out before you leave CDT:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Spain. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Castellón de la Plana takes about 90 minutes by Bus Line L-18. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Castellón de la Plana
You have two main options for getting from Castellón-Costa Azahar Airport into town:
- Bus Line L-18: About 90 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 110 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Castellón de la Plana might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Castellón-Costa Azahar Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at CDT may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Castellón de la Plana’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Castellón de la Plana, two standouts are:
- Plaza Mayor & El Fadrà Bell Tower — The views are worth the trip if you have time.
- Concatedral de Santa MarÃa — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CDT — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Castellón Duty Free Shop
- Terminal Relaxation & Plane Spotting
Eating Well on a Castellón de la Plana Layover
For food in Castellón de la Plana, local travelers recommend Tasca La Bodeguilla. If you have time for a second stop, Restaurante El Portolés is another popular pick.
Back at CDT, Aeroport Cafeteria-Restaurant is the go-to. Aeroport Café & Grab-and-Go rounds out your in-terminal options.
Taking a Break at CDT
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CDT.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CDT, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Castellón de la Plana itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Spain that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Castellón de la Plana count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave CDT. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.