Recently planning a trip to Valencia, I noticed the airport code VLC when booking flights. Initially a bit confused, I later discovered this is the three-letter code for Valencia Airport. Today I’ll share some practical information about this airport, hoping it helps those planning to visit Valencia.
About the VLC Code
VLC is the IATA three-letter code for Valencia Airport, officially named Aeropuerto de Valencia-Manises. This code is used when booking flights and checking flight information—just remember these three letters. The airport is located approximately 8 kilometers west of Valencia city center, near the town of Manises, which explains why Manises appears in the full name.
Airport Transportation Comparison
There are several transportation options from the city center to VLC Airport. Here’s a simple comparison table:
| Transportation | Time | Price | Pros & Cons |
|---|
| Metro Lines 3 and 5 | About 25 minutes | Around €4 | Cheap and convenient, but requires transfer |
| Airport Bus 150 | About 30 minutes | €1.5 | Most economical, direct route |
| Taxi | 15-20 minutes | €20-25 | Fast and comfortable, suitable for heavy luggage |
| Car Rental | 15 minutes | Depends on rental price | High flexibility, parking fees extra |
Terminal Facilities
VLC Airport isn’t particularly large, with just one terminal, but it has all essential facilities. The first floor is the arrivals level, and the second floor is departures. After security, there are several duty-free shops with reasonable prices, though the selection isn’t as extensive as Madrid or Barcelona airports. For dining, there are cafés and fast-food outlets—prices are higher than in the city, naturally, but not outrageously so.
A reminder: if you have an early morning flight, check the terminal opening hours in advance, as some Valencia Airport parking shops and restaurants may not be open yet. Also, security queues can be quite long, especially during peak tourist season, so arrive at the airport two hours early.
Nearby Accommodation Suggestions
If you have a Valencia Airport overnight very early or very late flight, consider staying near the airport. The town of Manises has several small hotels, much cheaper than city center options, with easy walking distance or short taxi ride to the airport. However, honestly, unless you’re really pressed for time, I’d recommend staying in Valencia city center—transportation isn’t complicated, there are more accommodation options for the Valencia Airport process, and dining and entertainment are much more convenient.
Although VLC Airport is modest in size, it’s perfectly adequate for tourists. Remember this three-letter code—it’ll make booking tickets and checking flights much easier. If you have any questions about Valencia Airport, feel free to leave comments below!
