There are several ways to get from Madrid to Valencia: by train, bus, plane, or taxi (private transfer). The high-speed train reaches the destination in 1 hour 50 minutes, the ticket cost starts from EUR 31.1. The Madrid to Valencia bus travel time is 4 hours 15 minutes, the ticket will cost a minimum of EUR 27. The plane flight time is 1 hour, and the plane ticket costs a minimum of EUR 106. You can also get from Madrid to Valencia by taxi – the journey time is 3 hours 40 minutes and the journey cost starts from EUR 429. The distance between Madrid and Valencia is about 355 km.
It is better to buy plane tickets in advance – at least two months before you travel because in this case you have a chance to buy them with a good discount. Valencia Airport is relatively close to the city – it is 8 km from its centre, and you can cover this distance by metro in 23 minutes. Also note that Madrid to Valencia train timetables are sometimes changed, so don't forget to check them. Though the bus gets to the destination the longest, it has some night-time journeys (unlike other means of transport, except for taxis and transfers).
Although Valencia is known all over the world, you won't find crowds of tourists here (as in Madrid or Barcelona). This city has a rich history of creation and development, as well as magnificent architecture. Tourists usually come here to rest from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and, besides, children love this city so much. There are lots of places to see: for example, Valencia Cathedral built in the 13th century and famous not only for its unusual exterior, but also for its Holy Grail. You should also visit Plaza del Mercado and the Llotja de la Seda, some of museums and beaches of Valencia, Parc Natural de S’Albufera, the Turia Gardens, etc. A walk through Valencia will definitely give you a lot of unforgettable impressions!
€36
1 h
2 h 35 min
Couple
The Madrid to Valencia AVE high speed train departs from Atocha railway station. Its travel time is 1 hour 50 minutes, and its ticket cost is EUR 31.1. The train runs from early morning until evening, and there are no night-time journeys. It's better to buy train tickets in advance – you can do that either online or at the railway station ticket office. Keep in mind that Madrid to Valencia train makes a few stops.
AVE high speed train
7:40 am – 09:10 pm
Puerta de Atocha – Cuenca Fernando Zobel – Reguena – Valencia Joaquin Sorolla
2h 35min (45min – shuttle to the railway station, 1h 50 min – train)
1 h
High: roomy cabin, restaurant, coffee tables, high seats with armrests, air-conditioning, newspapers, WC, seats for disabled people
from EUR 36.1 (EUR 5 – shuttle to the railway station, from EUR 31.1 – train)
those who prefer to save money, families with children, travellers without large luggage, young/aged tourists
The train departs from Atocha railway station – you can get there from the airport by Express Line Atocha Renfe-Aeropuerto shuttle (yellow-coloured bus). The train departs from Terminals 1, 2, 4.
€29
1,5 h
~5 h
Ind.tourist
The Madrid Valencia bus departs from the railway station (Mendez Alvaro). The bus journey time is 4 hours 15 minutes. The cost of Madrid to Valencia bus tickets depends on the class: the ‘normal’ ticket will cost EUR 27, the ‘express’ one – from EUR 33.8. In the latter case, travellers get some additional conveniences (more comfortable seats, newspapers, headphones, etc.). The shuttle runs 24/7, but there is only one night-time journey – at 01:00 am. Tickets can be bought through the carrier's website or at the bus station ticket office.
direct Auto-Res journey to Valencia
01:00 am – 09:30 pm (night journey – at 01:00 am)
Madrid Mendez Alvaro bus station – Valencia Menendez Pidal bus station
4h 50min (35min – metro, 4h 15min – group transfer)
from 1.5 h
Medium: soft seats, Wi-Fi, sockets, WC, roomy cabin, newspapers
from EUR 29 (EUR 2 – metro to the bus station, from EUR 27 – group transfer)
couples without children, young tourists, those who want to save money, travellers without large luggage
You can get to Mendez Alvaro bus station by metro: you need to take Line 6 or Circular line and get off at the station of the same name.
€109
30 min
~1,5 h
Ind.tourist
Flights from Madrid to Valencia are operated by Iberia and Air Europa carriers. The flight time is 1 hour, the ticket cost is from EUR 106. There are no night flights, and Madrid to Valencia flights depart rather frequently. There are only two Air Europa flights per day: at 07:05 am and at 02:30 pm, the flight time is 1 hour 5 minutes and the ticket cost is from EUR 63. Besides ticket prices, low-cost airlines don't have any other advantages. On the contrary, flights are often postponed or even cancelled, while the ticket cost is not always refunded.
direct Iberia flight, Air Europa flights
08:35 am – 20:45 pm
Madrid-Barajas Airport – Valencia Manises Airport
1h 23min (1h – plane, 23min – metro from the airport to Valencia)
from 30min between flights
Low (low-cost airline): clean roomy cabin, comfortable high seats
from EUR 108.8 (from EUR 106 – plane, EUR 2.8 – metro to Valencia)
wealthy tourists, businessmen, young couples, those who are in a hurry
To get to Valencia city centre, take metro lines 3 or 5.
€429
5 min
3 h 40 min
Family
Travel from Madrid to Valencia by taxi is not only comfortable, but also relatively fast (3 hours 40 minutes), though it is not as cheap as bus travel (the cost of the Economy-class transfer is EUR 429). By booking a private transfer in advance, tourists can expect an English-speaking driver, help with their luggage, and a comfortable car of any class.
24/7
to the hotel in Valencia or given address
3 h 40 min
Taxi on the spot: up to 20min, in a queue of other people (it's quite difficult to find a car for a long-distance trip)
Pre-booked transfer: right upon arrival (meeting with a name sign)
Taxi on the spot: air conditioning, journey without stops and other passengers
Pre-booked transfer: child seats, fresh water, English-speaking operator, opportunity to pay online, minibus for a group of people, Comfort-class car
from 429 euro
families with children, inexperienced tourists, those who are in Spain for the first time or don't know the language, aged travellers, those who have a lot of luggage or arrive at night, large groups of people
Taxis can be found at the taxistand opposite the exit from the airport terminals building.
from €3
from 1 day
from 1 year
To rent a car without a driver to get from Madrid to Valencia, you’ll need a standard set of documents: an IDL, a passport and a credit card. You’ll also have to provide your national driving license. Drivers under the age of 25 will pay €8-20 per day for the lack of experience. Insurance, taxes and fees are included in the price of car rental per day. A deposit of €500-700 is charged. You can rent a car at Madrid Airport. The streets are narrow in the center and there are not many car parks there, so try not to drive into historical areas during rush hour.

Any trip can be pleasant in case you plan your route thoroughly and clarify all details of your travel. The main factors when choosing the right form of transport are the trip duration and the journey cost. According to them, you can select that means of transport that meets your own requirements. So, when deciding how to get from Madrid to Valencia, think about your own needs only. Have a nice trip!
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