Airports in the Valencia region compared

• Valencia (VLC): a convenient option for Valencia city, many places in the province, and the Costa de Valencia. Metro and bus services connect the airport with the city; onward travel to the coast depends on your destination and the timetable.
• Alicante–Elche (ALC): often convenient for Alicante and many holiday destinations along the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm and Torrevieja. For Dénia and the north, it’s worth comparing it with VLC.
• Castellón (CDT): a possible option for the province of Castellón and the Costa del Azahar. There are fewer flights and onward connections, and availability may vary by season and flight schedule.

This is a starting point, not a substitute for checking your route on the day of travel. Flights, timetables, and seasonal services change. Check both your outbound and return journeys before booking.

Valencia city and surrounding area: For a stay in the city, VLC is usually the most convenient choice. If you’re using public transport, you may be able to pick up a rental car later or do without one altogether. For destinations outside the city, compare the journey from the terminal to your accommodation, including any changes between metro, train, and bus.

Northern Costa Blanca: For places such as Dénia, the distance as the crow flies isn’t the only thing that matters. Compare connections from Valencia and Alicante, the number of changes, and the departure time of the last connection. Depending on the flight schedule, a more distant airport with a convenient direct connection may make for an easier overall journey—or the reverse.

Central and southern Costa Blanca: ALC is often the first airport considered for Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, and other southern destinations. The best choice depends on the connection to your exact destination. A direct bus, a train journey with a change, or a transfer booked in advance can all affect the comparison.

Northern part of the region: CDT may be worth considering for Castellón, Benicàssim, and places along the Costa del Azahar, provided a suitable flight is available on your travel date. Also check whether you can continue from the airport without a long wait.

For each airport you’re considering, note the same details:

1. Flight: Arrival and departure times, day of the week, direct flight or connection, and baggage and seat-selection fees.
2. Transfer: Connection to your accommodation, number of changes, and journey time according to the current timetable.
3. Waiting time: The time between landing and departure of your onward connection. A tight connection may be a problem if your flight is delayed.
4. Early or late flights: Are buses or trains running at the actual time you arrive? If not, factor in a taxi, transfer, or an extra night’s stay.
5. Return journey: Plan your route to the correct terminal and allow plenty of extra time. An early return flight can have more influence on your airport choice than the outbound journey.
6. Total cost: Add up flights, baggage, transfers, rental car, fuel, and parking if needed. For several travelers, a car or private transfer may work out cheaper per person.

If you’re traveling with children, lots of luggage, or limited mobility, fewer changes and reliable connections are often more important than a small difference in ticket price. For a road trip, you can also check whether arriving at one airport and flying home from another would save time. Be sure to include the journeys between stops and any one-way rental fees.

Public transport works well when your destination has good train or bus connections and the flight times fit the timetable. Check whether tickets are available online, from a machine, or from the driver, and whether reservations are required. Don’t rely on the usual daytime timetable if you arrive late or on a public holiday.

A transfer booked in advance can be convenient if your accommodation is in a remote location, several people are traveling together, or no suitable public transport connection is available. Confirm the meeting point, what happens if your flight is delayed, and whether child seats or space for sports equipment are available.

A rental car gives you more freedom for road trips and smaller towns. Compare the deposit, excess, fuel policy, additional drivers, pick-up location, and rental office opening hours. Check whether you can return the car at a different airport and what fees apply. For a city break, parking costs and the extra hassle may make a car less appealing.

For detailed information about getting to and from the airports, see Valencia Airport (VLC) and Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC). For Castellón, the airport operator publishes information about access and the shuttle bus. Check routes and times again in line with your flight.

If you already know your holiday destination, you can plan your journey more precisely: Valencia, Dénia, Benidorm, and Torrevieja.

Which airport is best for Valencia city?

VLC is usually the most convenient choice for Valencia city. Still, check flight times, ticket prices, and the connection from the terminal to your accommodation.

Is Alicante or Valencia better for the Costa Blanca?

It depends on your destination. ALC is conveniently located for many southern destinations; for Dénia and the north, compare VLC too, taking the total transfer time into account.

Is Castellón Airport worth considering?

CDT may work for northern destinations if a suitable flight and onward connection are available on your travel date. Compare the flight schedules and onward journeys with VLC and ALC.

What should I consider if I arrive late?

Check the last connection all the way to your holiday destination, not just to the city center. If there’s no connection, plan for a taxi, transfer, or overnight stay.

Can I fly in to one airport and return from another?

This can save time on a road trip. First, work out the journeys between destinations, rental car fees, and the return trip to your departure terminal.