Last weekend I drove from Madrid to Valencia, covering approximately 400 kilometers. The journey went quite smoothly. This route is quite popular, so I’m sharing my experience as a reference for those planning to drive.
Route Selection
There are mainly two routes from Madrid: one is taking the A3 highway directly, and the other is via A31 through Albacete. I chose the A3 because of its good road conditions and shorter travel time, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours in total. If you’re not in a hurry, consider stopping at Cuenca - the hanging houses in the old town perched on cliffs are truly worth seeing.
Costs and Road Conditions
The entire A3 highway is a toll road, with tolls from Madrid to Valencia costing around 15 euros. As for fuel costs, my car consumes 7 liters per 100 kilometers, which works out to approximately 50 euros at current fuel prices. Service areas along the highway are well-spaced, basically every 50 kilometers, so there’s no need to worry about refueling or restroom breaks.
| Expense Item | Amount |
|---|
| Tolls | Approx. €15 |
| Fuel | Approx. €50 |
| Parking | Approx. €10 |
Regarding road conditions, the A3 is well-maintained overall, with two lanes in each direction. However, note that the section near Valencia city gets congested on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, so try to avoid these times if possible.
Places Worth Stopping
If time permits, I highly recommend stopping in Cuenca for 1-2 hours. This UNESCO World Heritage city features distinctive hanging houses and a cathedral in its old town. It’s about 15 minutes from the highway exit to the old town, and parking is easily found.
About 80 kilometers from Valencia, there’s a small town called Requena where you can check out the Madrid Valencia high-speed train if interested in wine, and explore Valencia Madrid transportation options, as there are several wineries offering tours and tastings.
Driving Tips
The speed limit on Spanish highways is generally 120 km/h, though many people drive faster. I was initially worried about speeding tickets, but found that as long as you’re not excessive it’s generally fine. However, speed cameras do exist, so watch your speed when you see warning signs.
Remember to bring your driver’s license, vehicle documents, and insurance policy - while they’re rarely checked, having them saves trouble if you encounter police.
In Valencia city, parking is an issue. The old town mostly has blue parking zones requiring payment with time limits. I ended up parking in an underground garage near the City of Arts and Sciences for about 10 euros per day, which is convenient for walking to both the beach and old town.
This road trip route is quite relaxing, with good roads and nice scenery. For those checking Valencia to Madrid airport options, a same-day round trip is feasible for a weekend getaway, though I personally recommend staying at least one night - Valencia’s paella and old town are worth exploring properly.
