If you’ve got a layover in Valencia, don’t let it go to waste sitting at VLC. The city, in Spain, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by Metro Lines 3 & 5. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of VLC:
- Can you legally enter Spain? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Metro Lines 3 & 5, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the 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 Valencia
From VLC, the Metro Lines 3 & 5 gets you to Valencia 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 Metro Lines 3 & 5 offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Valencia:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Valencia.
What to See and Do in Valencia
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Valencia, two standouts are:
- Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Valencia.
- Valencia Cathedral & Miguelete Bell Tower — Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside VLC — 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:
- Sala VIP Joan Olivert
- Duty Free Shops (Valencia Airport)
Food Worth Trying
For food in Valencia, local travelers recommend Central Bar by Ricard Camarena. If you have time for a second stop, HorchaterÃa Santa Catalina is another popular pick.
Back at VLC, La Pausa – Valencia Airport is the go-to. Burger King – Valencia Airport rounds out your in-terminal options.
Storing Your Luggage at Valencia Airport
Luggage storage is available at Left luggage service managed by Bags&go, located in the Arrivals Hall, next to the Car Park exit.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Valencia.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at VLC for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Valencia or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Need a Nap? Options at VLC
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 VLC.
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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Valencia with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Valencia 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.