Getting There
Valencia is served by Valencia-Manises Airport (VLC), located approximately 8 km west of the city center, a 20-25 minute taxi ride costing around €20-25, or about 25 minutes via Metrovalencia Lines 3 or 5 for roughly €4.80. Budget travelers can take Metrobus Line 150 directly to the city center (terminating near the Mercat Central / Avenida del Oeste area) for around €1.45, though the ride takes 40-45 minutes. Both Mestalla and Estadi Ciutat de València are in the urban core, making any city-center arrival a practical base for match days.
Getting Around
Valencia's Metrovalencia network (metro, tram, and bus) is well-integrated, reliable, and covers both stadium neighborhoods without needing a car. The SUMA 10 multi-ride card works across metro, tram, and EMT bus lines and is the most practical option for a short sports trip, while the Valencia Tourist Card offers unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours including the airport route. Rideshare apps like Cabify and Bolt operate in the city, and Valencia is flat and cycle-friendly with over 200 km of bike lanes, making it easy to move between stadiums and fan zones on foot or by bike.
Where to Stay
The Russafa (Ruzafa) neighborhood is the top pick for visiting sports fans: it sits just south of the city center, is packed with bars and restaurants buzzing on match days, and is within easy walking or a short metro ride of Mestalla. The El Carmen and Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) areas are also excellent, offering central locations with hotels ranging from budget options around €60-80/night to mid-range at €100-150/night. Fans attending a Levante match at Estadi Ciutat de València should note the ground is in the Orriols/Benicalap district in the north of the city, easily reached by metro. Book well ahead for Valencia CF home fixtures, especially La Liga derby weekends.
Sports Fan Notes
Valencia CF are one of Spain's most historically decorated clubs, having won La Liga and the UEFA Cup/Europa League, and Mestalla is one of the most atmospheric old-ground experiences in Spanish football with its steep terracing. The city derby against Levante UD, known as the Derby de la Comunitat, is one of Spain's fiercest local rivalries, so if both clubs are in the same division check the fixture calendar carefully before booking. Beyond football, Valencia has a strong basketball tradition through Valencia Basket, who play at the Pabellón Fuente de San Luis and compete in the Liga ACB and EuroLeague, giving sports fans a second major event to build a trip around. The city also hosted Formula 1 European Grands Prix and MotoGP events at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, located just outside the city near the airport.
Venues in Valencia
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from VLC to downtown Valencia?
The fastest and most practical option is Metrovalencia Lines 3 or 5, which depart from inside the terminal and reach central stops like Xàtiva and Àngel Guimerà in about 25 minutes for approximately €4.90. A taxi takes 20-25 minutes and costs €20-25. Budget travelers can take Metrobus Line 150 (€1.50) to Estació del Nord in about 40-45 minutes, though it runs only until around 22:30.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Valencia for a sports trip?
Russafa (Ruzafa) is the best all-around base: it is lively, full of sports bars, centrally located, and within easy reach of both Mestalla by metro or a 20-minute walk, and Estació del Nord for onward connections. It also offers the best range of mid-range hotels and short-term apartments at competitive prices compared to the Old Town.
Which sports teams play in Valencia?
Valencia CF play at Mestalla in La Liga and are one of Spain's biggest clubs with multiple league titles and European trophies. Levante UD play at Estadi Ciutat de València, also in La Liga, and are the city's second club whose derby against Valencia CF is one of Spain's most passionate local rivalries.
Is Valencia a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, this city is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted exclusively across the United States, Canada, and Mexico -- there are no European host cities. US host cities include New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Seattle, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Boston/Foxborough, San Francisco Bay Area, and Atlanta. Canadian host cities are Vancouver and Toronto. Mexican host cities are Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Fans looking to attend a match should look at flights to one of those North American cities.
Sports cities near Valencia
Close enough to pair with a Valencia trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.