The best way to get to Valencia is through Valencia Airport (Manises Airport), which serves the city and receives domestic and international flights. You can fly directly to Valencia from several European cities and other parts of Spain. If you are outside the European continent, the best option will be to take a flight with or without layovers to Madrid or Barcelona, and from there, another flight to Valencia, taking advantage of being already at the airport. Conversely, if you decide to visit either of these two cities before arriving in Valencia for the event, there is also the option to travel by high-speed train from Madrid (1.5 hours) or by regular train from Barcelona (3.5 hours). Additionally, you can rent a car upon arrival in either of these two cities in Spain, in which case the journey would take about four hours.
Since travelling to Europe from Mexico represents a significant expense in both money and time, it may be worth considering taking the opportunity to visit other nearby cities on the continent, as it is relatively easy to get around once you are here. Depending on the scenario you are considering, round-trip flights from Mexico City to Valencia can range between 10,000 and 30,000 MXN depending on the number of layovers and how far in advance you purchase your ticket. As of mid-May 2024, we have seen round-trip flights for around 13,000 MXN with Iberia.
Below, we outline the best routes and airlines to help you get to the wedding in the most optimal way.
1. Iberia: This is the quintessential Spanish airline. It offers direct flights (non-stop) from Mexico City to Madrid and provides the Madrid-Valencia flight, with the convenience of delivering your luggage directly to your final destination. The price for a journey like this should be around 15,000 MXN, and it is undoubtedly the most comfortable option because it involves travelling with the same airline and the fewest possible layovers (1, as there are no direct flights from Mexico to Valencia).
2. Aeroméxico: This is the most prestigious Mexican airline. It also connects Mexico City directly to Madrid and offers the Madrid-Valencia flight through partner airlines, such as Air Europa. In this case, according to searches in May 2024, it seems there are round-trip flights available for amounts close to 17,000 MXN. The downside is that the layover in Madrid is long and, in some cases, even overnight.
3. British Airways: A renowned British airline. It offers direct flights from Mexico City to London and also provides the London-Valencia flight, which guarantees you will fly with the same airline to avoid any issues. However, you would need to go through immigration controls twice: first in England, which is no longer part of the European Union, and then upon your arrival in Spain, which is part of the European area. The price is in an intermediate range between the Iberia and Aeroméxico options.
4. American Airlines: A world-renowned American airline. It would connect with two layovers, the first in a U.S. city (which would require a U.S. visa), and the second possibly in Madrid before reaching the final destination in Valencia. Its price is very similar to the previous option. However, it could be a good choice if you feel more comfortable knowing that immigration officials in the United States usually speak or, at the very least, understand Spanish, unlike in England, where English would be essential.
In any case, it is best to check prices with the exact dates of your trip directly on the official websites of each of these airlines and/or on comparative sites like SkyScanner or Google Flights.
If you have the option to travel by car, it is undoubtedly very comfortable and relatively quick, with a journey of about four hours on perfectly maintained roads. There are no tolls, and you can estimate a fuel cost of 40-50€ per car each way.
Perhaps the most cost-effective option for many is the train, which can cost between 20 and 100€ (round trip) depending on the time of day you decide to make the trip. Obviously, if you choose to travel during regular working hours, the price will be lower, while travelling outside of working hours or near the weekend will increase the price. You can purchase your train ticket directly from the official Renfe website.