Valencia Train Stations: Get to the Airport, Madrid, Barcelona and More!

Traveling by train is easily one of the best ways to get around. It’s easy, quick, comfortable and good for the environment – what else could you want!

So if you’re planning on taking a train to or from Valencia during an upcoming trip, having all the information you could need about each of the Valencia train stations can really help you to make sure your trip goes ahead smoothly.

That’s why, in this article, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know about these stations. This includes how to get the train to Valencia airport or even going further afield, with the trains from Valencia to Barcelona, Madrid, and the rest of Spain going dozens of times every day.

So, if you want to ensure that your trip to Valencia is stress-free and enjoyable, keep reading. I promise that by the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your journey with ease and confidence.

Where are the main train stations in Valencia?

Valencia has two main railway stations: Joaquin Sorolla Station and Estación del Norte. They are separated by a 10-minute walk or, if you have a Renfe ticket, a free shuttle bus that runs every ten minutes from between 6am and 7am, depending on the day, until 11:15pm.

Joaquin Sorolla is the newest station and is primarily used for high-speed trains. You can take AVE and Euromed long-distance trains from this station. The station is located near the city center and is easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi.

The Estación del Norte (also known by its Valencian name, Estació del Nord) is the main train station in Valencia and is located in the city center. It’s the central hub for regional trains coming in and out of the city. You can take high-speed long-distance and medium-distance services, as well as local and commuter trains from this station.

(It’s also a beautiful building and you should walk by it at least once during your stay in the city.)

You may also be interested in: Valencia Tourist Card: The Ultimate Guide (From a Local!)

Both stations have excellent connections to other parts of Valencia, as well as to other parts of Spain. You can easily reach the city’s major tourist attractions from either station.

How to get the train from Madrid to Valencia

There are a number of Valencia to Madrid trains and vice versa running every day, including more than 20 high speed ones operated by Renfe and Ouigo. The Renfe trains run more frequently but the Ouigo ones tend to be lower cost.

You can check the prices and schedules for trains between Madrid and Valencia here.

As you’ll see, taking a train between these two cities is a convenient and comfortable option. Unlike airports, train stations in both towns are centrally located and can be easily reached by public transportation, so there is no need to spend your precious travel time on transfers.

While you can pay slightly less for the non-high-speed train option, the high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia are undoubtedly the fastest option on the route – much more so than driving yourself. 

It traverses the distance of 389 km (241 mi) in a bit less than 2 hours, making it a perfect option for those who are short on time or simply want to get to their destination quickly. 

The trains to Valencia leave from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha, Chamartin, Madrid – Atocha Cercanias, and Principe Pio stations, so you can choose the station that is most convenient for you. Just note that not all types of trains leave from all stations, so make sure you double check where you need to be.

How to get the train from Valencia to Barcelona

If you’re planning a trip to Spain that includes both Valencia and Barcelona, taking a train between these two cities is a great option. With more than 10 daily departures from Joaquín Sorolla station or Estación del Norte in Valencia to Sants station in Barcelona, you can easily find a train that suits your schedule.

You can check the prices and schedules for trains between Barcelona and Madrid at that link.

The high-speed Euromed and express Talgo trains run directly between Valencia and Barcelona, making the journey a breeze. Departing from Joaquin Sorolla Station in Valencia, these high-speed trains can travel at a speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), covering the distance in a bit more than 2.5 hours, and arriving at the Sants station in Barcelona. The journey is not only fast, but also comfortable, with spacious seats and air conditioning.

The price of the ticket will vary depending on the type of Valencia – Barcelona train you choose. On average, ticket prices start from USD 40, which is reasonable for the convenience and speed of the journey. Make sure to check Valencia – Barcelona train timetables and prices beforehand and book your tickets in advance to ensure availability.

Transport to and from Valencia’s train stations

Both stations offer a range of ways to get to and from them. Here’s what you need to know:

Trains

Clearly, these are train stations so – completely surprisingly, I know – one way to get to and from them is by train! You can purchase your train tickets online or at the station.

Metro

To take the Valencia Metro to or from Estación del Norte train station, Xàtiva metro station is just out the front, making it easy to transfer between the two. Notably, Xàtiva metro station is on the direct line from the airport.

Similarly, Jesús metro station is a couple of minutes from Joaquin Sorolla Train Station, which also allows for an easy transfer. Just keep in mind that if you want to get to Joaquin Sorolla from the airport, you will have to change lines to either line 1 (yellow) or line 2 (pink), which is best to do at Àngel Guimerà metro station.

You can purchase your metro tickets at either station or use a rechargeable card for multiple trips.

Buses

Both stations have buses leaving from just out the front of them, so bus connections are very straightforward to manage. You can catch local and regional buses from here including, from near Joaquin Sorolla, the Aerobus service to Valencia airport – although the metro is better, in my opinion, as it runs more frequently. 

You can purchase your bus tickets at the station or onboard the bus.

Taxis

If you prefer to travel by taxi, there’s a taxi rank located just outside both train stations. Taxis are available 24/7, and the journey to Valencia airport takes around 20 minutes.

Car Hire

If you’re planning to explore Valencia and the surrounding area by car, there are several car hire companies located directly at the Estación del Norte. You can book your car online or at the station. 

(That said, if you think you’ll mostly stay in the city, you really don’t need a car while you’re here. Instead, I’d suggest checking out one of these bike tours of Valencia for a much easier and, honestly, more fun way to see the sights!)

Parking

The Estació Nord train station has a car park with over 500 spaces. The car park is open 24/7, and you can pay for your parking at the station or using the parking meter. 

Types of Trains and Lines

AVE

If you’re looking for a fast and comfortable way to travel between Valencia and other major cities in Spain, the AVE high-speed train, operated by Renfe, is one of your best options. Running at speeds of up to 310 km/h, the AVE connects Valencia with Madrid as well as other destinations. 

With spacious seats, onboard WiFi, and a range of other amenities, the AVE is a great way to travel in style and comfort.

Ouigo

Ouigo is a more recent addition to the Spanish train market which, until Ouigo’s entry, consisted of Renfe as the sole operator. 

This low cost subsidiary of SNCF, the French National Railway, runs five round trip, high-speed services between Madrid and Valencia, with plans to expand this further in the near future. 

Euromed

The Euromed is an express train that runs along the Mediterranean coast, connecting Valencia with cities like Barcelona, Tarragona, and Alicante. With speeds of up to 200 km/h, the Euromed is a great way to explore the stunning coastline of eastern Spain. 

The train features comfortable seats, air conditioning, and onboard WiFi, making it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Cercanías

Cercanías is a type of short-distance train that operates in and around Valencia, connecting the city with nearby towns and suburbs. The Cercanías trains are a great way to get around Valencia and explore the surrounding areas. 

With frequent service and affordable fares, they are a convenient and efficient way to travel. Estación del Norte is the main hub for Cercanías trains in Valencia, with connections to other parts of the city and beyond.

More Information on Joaquín Sorolla Station

You’re in luck if you’re looking for a modern, well-equipped train station in Valencia. Joaquín Sorolla Station is the newest and most modern of the two train stations in Valencia, opened in 2010. 

It’s a high-speed train station that serves the AVE and Euromed trains through the train company Renfe as well as high speed trains operated by Ouigo, all of which connect Valencia to other major cities in Spain.

Trains and Lines

Joaquín Sorolla Station has 8 platforms and is primarily used for high-speed trains. 

The AVE trains connect Valencia to Madrid, with stops at Cuenca and Requena Utiel, for an approximate journey time of around two hours to Madrid. 

In addition, the Euromed trains connect Valencia to Barcelona and Alicante.

Services and Facilities

Joaquín Sorolla Station has all the amenities you need for a comfortable and convenient journey. 

There are shops and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. If you need tourist information, there’s a tourist office located inside the station. 

Similarly, if you’re driving, there’s parking available at the station, and you can also hire a car from one of the car hire companies located inside the station. 

While there are several hotels located near the station if you need accommodation, you’re not far here from the city center so I’d suggest going to some of the nicer ones there if you can manage the short trek.

More Information on Estación del Norte

If you’re looking for a convenient way to travel within Valencia or to nearby towns, Estación del Norte is the place to go. As a hub for mid and short-distance trains, this train station is situated in the heart of Valencia, making it easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. 

Specifically, it’s located in the city center next to the Plaza de Toros de Valencia, the city’s bullring, and 200m from the town hall. The station is served by the local train network, Cercanías, and it has eight platforms on the main floor of the station building. 

The station is open daily from early morning until late at night, so you can easily plan your trip around your schedule.

Trains and Lines

Estación del Norte provides an extensive network of train lines that connect Valencia to nearby towns and cities. 

The station is served by Cercanías trains, which are operated by Renfe, the Spanish national railway company. These trains are perfect for short-distance trips, and they run frequently throughout the day. You can easily get to popular destinations like Sagunto, Cullera, and Gandia. 

The station also offers connections to long-distance trains, which can take you to other parts of Spain.

Services and Facilities

Estación del Norte offers a range of services and facilities to make your journey more comfortable. There’s a tourist information point where you can get maps and brochures to help plan your trip, as well as people who can help you with what tickets you need, many of whom speak some English. 

The station also has a variety of shops and restaurants, so you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before your train departs. 

How to Get from the Airport to a Train Station in Valencia

The most affordable way to get from the airport to a train station in Valencia is to take the metro. Line 3 will take you from the airport to Xàtiva metro station in just 25 minutes. From there, Estación del Norte is right there or you can walk around 10 minutes to Joaquin Sorolla station. 

Alternatively, you can change lines to either line 1 (yellow) or line 2 (pink) at Àngel Guimerà metro station and then exit at Jesús metro station, which is a couple of minutes walk from Joaquin Sorolla Train Station

If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the airport, and the ride to Valencia Nord train station takes about 20 minutes. The cost is approximately €20-€25, depending on traffic and time of day. 

If you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider a private transfer. Several companies offer this service, and it can be a convenient option if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation. 

Prices vary depending on the company and the number of passengers, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

What Train Station is Closest to Valencia Airport?

Estación del Norte is the closest train station to Valencia Airport as Xàtiva station, which is just outside Estación del Norte, is on the direct metro line from the airport. The journey will take you around 25 minutes, with the airport metro station being in the terminal.

Joaquin Sorolla station isn’t far from Estación del Norte in terms of distance, but it’s not on the direct metro line so does involve one extra step to get there by metro. 

However, if you’re planning to get to either station by taxi, then the distance is effectively the same when coming from Valencia airport, with the journey between the airport and either station being about 20 minutes.

Is there a high speed train from Valencia?

Yes, high-speed trains leave from Valencia via Joaquín Sorolla station. These trains, operated by Renfe and Ouigo, travel between Valencia and Madrid, with more than 20 daily departures from Valencia and a journey time of around two hours. The Renfe-operated AVE train stops at Cuenca and Requena Utiel.

While there are long-distance and medium-distance services from Estación del Nord, these aren’t the highest speed trains available.