Planning a layover in Valencia? This coastal Spanish city makes it easy to turn a layover into a mini adventure. Valencia Airport (VLC), also known as Manises Airport, is small, efficient, and located just 8 km from the city center, so if you have a 6+ hour layover, it could be worth heading out and exploring. 

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Tips for a short layover
• Tips for a long layover
• Our recommendations for things to do around VLC Airport
• Activities available at VLC Airport
• Things to do with kids during a layover in Valencia
• Hotels and lounges near Valencia Airport
• A quick guide to connections at Valencia Airport

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

Tips for a Short Layover in Valencia

Got a Valencia Airport layover under six hours? Here are our top tips:

1. Locate your next flight

If you have to check into your connecting flight and go through baggage reclaim, don’t underestimate the time this can take. It can take up to an hour to get through baggage reclaim, check-in and security. Once you’re in the departures lounge, it’s best to be on the correct side of the terminal building as it is split between Schengen and non-Schengen flights. If you don’t need to recheck your luggage, use the layover to recharge your devices at one of the many power outlets and double-check your boarding gate, as they sometimes change close to departure time. 

2. Stay airside and enjoy the airport facilities

If you only have a 3- to 5-hour layover in Valencia, it’s best to remain at the airport. Valencia Airport is compact, modern, and easy to navigate, with a single terminal building. You’ll find cafés, duty-free shops for last-minute gifts, and free Wi-Fi throughout. If you need to freshen up, you can also find restrooms throughout. The Joan Olivert VIP Lounge also has showers. 

3. Try local cuisine at the airport

You can get a sample of local flavors right at the airport. The food truck Entrique Tomás offers sandwiches with local jamón and freshly squeezed juices. The Santa Gloria café provides traditional cakes and artisanal breads. You can also grab some Spanish tapas and drinks at Mahou Sports Bar. 

Tips for a Long or Overnight Layover

Got a 6- to 24-hour layover in Valencia? This section is for you. You have more time to explore the city if you so choose and get some sleep before your next flight. Here are our top tips:

1. Store your luggage and head into the city

Valencia Airport does not have luggage storage; however, you can use a third-party service or ask a local hotel to keep your belongings as you explore. To get from Valencia Airport to the city, you can take a taxi, transfer, bus, or metro. Taking a Valencia Airport transfer is the fastest route and only takes 20 minutes.  

2. Book a tour with Welcome Pickups

If you have a 7-hour layover in Valencia or longer, why not book a sightseeing tour? This is a great way to get to know the city for a fixed amount of time and then return to the airport with enough time to catch your next flight.

3. Overnight layover? Check into a Valencia Airport hotel

For longer stops or overnight stays, several hotels are just minutes away. Hotel Port Azafata Valencia and Ibis Budget Valencia Aeropuerto are both less than a 5-minute drive away from the terminal. There aren’t any sleep pods airside, so it’s best to book a nearby hotel.

4. Plan for early morning or late-night flights

You don’t want the stress of having to navigate public transport when your flight is fast approaching. Especially during the early morning or late night when there are fewer connections available. We recommend arranging a Valencia taxi or private transfer in advance to guarantee that you don’t miss your flight.

Things to Do Near Valencia Airport

Valencia’s compact layout means you can reach some of its best attractions even on a 6–12 hour layover.

• Valencia layover tours: Booking a sightseeing tour is one of the best ways to pass the time and see as much as you can before your next flight. Our 2-hour “Best of Valencia tour” is a great choice.
• City of Arts and Sciences: Just 20 minutes away by taxi, this architectural masterpiece is Valencia’s most famous attraction. However, give yourself at least 2–3 hours here to make the most of it.
• Old Town (Ciutat Vella): Explore the Valencia Cathedral, climb the Miguelete Tower for skyline views, and wander through the Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen.
• Central Market (Mercado Central): Ideal for food lovers, here you can sample local produce, ham, and cheeses. It’s open until mid-afternoon, so check hours before visiting.
• Turia Gardens: This beautiful urban park stretches through the city center. It’s perfect for a stroll or a quick picnic before heading back to the airport.
• Malvarrosa Beach: If your layover stretches past 7 hours, you might have time for a beach visit. Take a taxi directly to the coast and enjoy the sea breeze and beachside cafés.

Getting to Valencia city and back

You have four options to get from Valencia Airport to the city: taxi, private transfer, metro, and bus. Pre-booking a Valencia Airport taxi or private transfer are the fastest and most comfortable option for door-to-door service, but thye are more costly at around €25 per journey. 

Metro Lines 3 and 5 and the Metrobus Line 150 are the cheapest options. However, they take longer to reach the city, and you’ll probably need to walk a bit to reach the sights you want to see. 

Tip: Always allow at least two hours to return to the airport, clear security, and reach your gate.

Things to Do at the Airport

Valencia Airport is small but efficient, offering plenty of ways to pass the time between flights.

• Shopping: Browse local souvenirs and Spanish wines at the Duty Free Shop, or shop for clothing at The Fashion Place, which houses well-known, prestigious Spanish and international brands, including Desigual, Guess, Scalpers, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Majorica, and Swarovski.
• Dining: Enjoy coffee and sandwiches at Santa Gloria, meals at Olé Food Market, fast, filling food at Burger King, or tapas and drinks at Mahou Sports Bar.
• VIP Lounge: The Joan Olivert VIP lounge is located on the first floor and is open to both Schengen and non-Schengen travelers. It’s a modern, well-equipped lounge, with work areas, a variety of refreshments (including for those with dietary restrictions), free WiFi, television, comfy seating, showers, and a children’s play area. 

Things to Do with Kids

Valencia Airport has a children’s play area to keep your younger children occupied. If you have tweens or teens, you can ensure that their devices are fully charged by using the free charging points dotted around the departures lounge. 

You can also book your family into the Joan Olivert Lounge for greater comfort and faster Wi-Fi.

If you have enough time to go into the city, Gulliver Park in the Turia Gardens is a must-see for families. It’s a giant playground shaped like the character from Gulliver’s Travels.

Hotels and Lounges at Valencia Airport

If you have a long layover at VLC, here are some places where you can get some rest:

Hotels near Valencia Airport

• Travelodge Valencia Airport Hotel– Affordable hotel located 5-minute taxi ride away from the terminal.
• Ibis Budget Valencia Aeropuerto: Budget-friendly option within walking distance, great for short overnight stays.
• Port Azafata Valencia Hotel: Comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant, a two-minute taxi ride away.

Sleeping pods and rest zones

Valencia Airport doesn’t currently have dedicated sleeping pods, but quiet corners can be found near the gates. For overnight rest, nearby hotels are the best option.

Lounges

Valencia Airport has a single VIP lounge, the Joan Olivert VIP Lounge, located on the first floor and open to both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers. It operates daily from 05:00 to 23:00, with a maximum stay of four hours before your scheduled departure. Inside, you’ll find comfortable seating, dedicated workspaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, a selection of food and drinks (including options for special diets), TVs, showers, and even a children’s play area.

If you have a longer transit, the lounge is a worthwhile investment for relaxation before your next flight.

Practical Info for a Valencia Layover

Visa required: Schengen visa (for non-EU nationals).

Average flight connection time: 1 hour for domestic flights, 2 hours for international flights.

Minimum time needed to leave the airport: 5–6 hours (recommended to explore Valencia city center).

How to Connect Flights

Valencia Airport has a Schengen and a non-Schengen side, connected by a walkway inside the same building. So connecting flights are relatively simple. 

If you already have your boarding pass and checked luggage:

• Follow the signs to “Flight Connections.”
• Clear security if required (depending on airline).
• Check your next gate on the information screens.
• Wait until your flight boards at the gate shown on the screen. 

If you don’t have your boarding pass or need to re-check your bags:

• Go through passport control (if applicable) and customs. 
• Collect your bags from baggage reclaim. 
• Exit into the Arrivals Hall.
• Proceed to the airline’s check-in counters in Departures (upstairs).
• Allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to go through check-in and security.

FAQs

What to do in Valencia for 6 hours?

If you have a 6-hour layover in Valencia, you could book a sightseeing tour to see the city before returning to your flight. 

Can I sleep in Valencia Airport? 

There aren’t any sleep pods at Valencia Airport. However, there are rest zones in the departures lounge and the airport lounge. There are also multiple hotels located within minutes of the airport terminal building.

Is a layover in Valencia worth it?

Valencia is a cultured, beautiful city that is well worth visiting during a layover. Just ensure that you have at least two hours before your next flight. If the layover is under 5 hours, it’s not worth leaving the airport. 

Is there a lounge at Valencia Airport?

Yes, the VIP lounge, Joan Olivert Lounge, is located on the first floor of Valencia Airport and is available to all passengers for a fee. 

Is a 6-hour layover enough time to leave the airport in Valencia?

Yes, if you have a 6-hour Valencia Airport layover, you have time to explore the city center or go on a tour. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the city center by taxi. That said, ensure you get back to VLC Airport at least 2 hours before your next flight. 

Is Valencia Airport good for connecting flights?

Yes, Valencia Airport is a good option for connecting Schengen flights because it’s so compact and easy to navigate.