Valencia Airport, also known as Manises Airport, serves as a welcoming gateway to Spain’s sunny east coast, handling over 9.25 million passengers in 2024. Located 8 kilometres west of Valencia’s city centre in Manises, the airport is easily accessible via multiple transport options. Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5 connect the airport to the city in about 25 minutes, with fares at £1.50 for one zone or £2.10 for two, and tickets available at the station beneath the regional terminal. The Metrobus No. 150 runs every 15–30 minutes to the city centre’s Barَn de Cلrcer, taking 40 minutes for £1.45.
Taxis, stationed outside the arrivals hall, reach downtown in 15–20 minutes for £15–£25, while car rentals from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt are located on the ground floor. Passengers with reduced mobility can access wheelchair-friendly transport and assistance, bookable 48 hours in advance, with ramps and lifts throughout.
The airport’s single terminal, housing Terminals 1 and 2 under one roof, is modern and compact, with arrivals in the basement, departures and check-in on the ground floor, and facilities on the first floor. Terminal 2 serves smaller regional flights, while Terminal 1 handles most operations with 56 check-in counters and 20 gates, including gates 1–4 for non-Schengen flights. Clear signage ensures easy navigation, but security queues can reach 30 minutes during peak summer months, and non-Schengen arrivals may face passport control delays of up to 30 minutes. Travellers should arrive 2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen ones, as bus-boarding to aircraft is common.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with an average departure delay of 20 minutes, though summer crowds or winter fog can cause disruptions. Real-time flight updates are available via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website. The airport serves over 70 destinations across 20 airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, and Air Nostrum, with frequent flights to Madrid, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. Minimum connection times are 25 minutes for domestic-to-domestic and 45 minutes for international flights, making transfers efficient, though non-Schengen passengers should account for border checks.
Dining and retail options cater to diverse tastes. Airside, Tribs offers Iberian cuisine, La Pausa serves grilled dishes, and cafés like Café Rosin provide snacks from 4:00 am to 10:30 pm. A Burger King and Thinking Valencia, a delicatessen with local products, are also available. Duty-free shops sell perfumes and regional wines, while Relay and Aelia stock books and souvenirs. Prices can be high, so bringing snacks is a budget-friendly option.
Facilities enhance the passenger experience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and charging stations are scattered across the terminal. The Joan Olivert Lounge, open 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, offers seating and refreshments for £33.90. A children’s play area near gates 21–22, nine baby-changing rooms, and a nursing lounge support families. A pharmacy, VAT refund desk, and lost property office are present, alongside ATMs dispensing multiple currencies. Over 3,000 parking spaces, including Express Parking for 10-minute free drop-offs, start at £15 per day. The airport operates 24/7, but nearby hotels like Travelodge Valencia Aeropuerto, 300 metres away, suit layovers. Accessibility features include Braille signage and wheelchair services.
