A layover in Valenca is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Valença Airport sits just 60 minutes from the city center by Taxi/Private Car, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave VAL:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Brazil. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Valenca takes about 60 minutes by Taxi/Private Car. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is BRL. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From VAL, the Taxi/Private Car gets you to Valenca in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Private Car offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Valenca, two standouts are:
- Igreja Matriz do Sagrado Coração de Jesus — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Valenca.
- Praça da Independência (Jardim de Valença) — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside VAL, you can spend time at Aeroporto Valença Waiting Area or try Local Handicrafts Display. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Valenca: Restaurante Cai N’Ãgua and Restaurante e Pizzaria Recanto do Sabor. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeroporto Valença Lanchonete or Coffee & Juices Kiosk. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Valenca:
Transport to the city and back runs about $6 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $11 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $27 USD total.
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 Valença Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at VAL may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Valenca’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.
Staying Connected
WiFi at VAL should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Brazil and you’re good to go.
Need a Nap? Options at VAL
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at VAL, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Valenca with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Valenca may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.