I’ve been planning a few days trip to Valencia recently, but the ticket prices are quite painful. As someone who has lived in Spain for several years, I’ve figured out some ways to buy cheap flights over the years, so today I’ll share my experience with you.
When is the Best Time to Buy
Based on my observation, booking 3-6 weeks in advance usually gets you a good price. Booking too early isn’t necessarily cheaper because airlines haven’t started promotions yet; booking too late means you’ll have to accept high prices. Additionally, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally 20-30 euros cheaper than weekends, so if your schedule is flexible, consider traveling on weekdays. Important reminder: Avoid peak seasons like Easter and Christmas, as prices can double or more.
Commonly Used Price Comparison Websites
Here are several comparison platforms I frequently use, you can compare them:
| Website Name | Advantages | Suitable For |
|---|
| Skyscanner | Wide search range, supports “whole month” search | Travelers with flexible schedules |
| Google Flights | Clean interface, excellent price tracking | People who want to monitor price changes long-term |
| Momondo | Often finds hidden deals | Those seeking ultimate value |
| Vueling official site | Many direct flights to Valencia | Travelers who don’t want connections |
Important note: sometimes airline official websites have exclusive promotions, so after finding a cheap ticket on comparison sites, remember to check the official website again.
Money-Saving Tips
First, don’t definitely clear your browser cache or use incognito mode when searching, as some websites, including cheap Valencia hostels, will increase prices based on your search history. Second, consider connecting through Madrid or Barcelona - although it’s more hassle, it can sometimes save you quite a bit of money.
Also, sign up for airline loyalty programs. Vueling, Iberia, and others have points systems where you can exchange points for free tickets or upgrades after a few flights. Last time I used points to get a Valencia round-trip ticket and basically only paid the taxes.
Are Budget Airlines Worth It
Ryanair and Vueling are the most common budget airlines flying to Valencia. Honestly, they’re perfectly fine for short flights - just over an hour passes quickly. But pay attention to baggage policies - budget airlines charge extra for checked luggage, and carry-on size restrictions are strict. If you bring a lot of stuff, the final cost with baggage fees might not be cheap anymore.
My suggestion is to only bring a carry-on suitcase, roll your clothes tightly to fit, and buy toiletries when you arrive. This way, Madrid to Valencia one-way can be done for 20-40 euros, cheaper than the train.
Final Advice
When booking tickets, don’t just look at the price - also pay attention to departure times and airport locations. Some ultra-cheap flights depart at dawn or land at airports far from the city, and when you factor in transportation and accommodation costs, they’re not actually a good deal. Valencia airport isn’t far from downtown, with convenient direct metro access. You can also check out Valencia supermarkets for budget shopping options.
In short, compare more, be flexible with dates, and plan ahead - finding cheap flights isn’t difficult. If you have other money-saving tricks, feel free to share them below!
