Planning a day trip to Valencia from Madrid but not quite sure where to begin? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place!
After calling Spain home for over 10 years, I’ve done numerous day trips from the capital, including to Valencia. Despite the distance, it’s one of the easiest day trips from Madrid by train thanks to the high-speed train which gets you there in only a couple of hours.
There are so many fabulous things to do with only one day in Valencia from visiting the City of Arts and Sciences to exploring the old town.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to have a successful Madrid to Valencia day trip.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
How to get from Madrid to Valencia on a day trip
There is a distance of 360 kilometers between Madrid and Valencia and it takes nearly 4 hours to drive.
Luckily, there are high-speed trains that only take 2 hours so you have the chance to go on a day trip from Madrid to Valencia without losing the entire day.
I found a ticket for only 33 Euros return but the prices depend on dates and times. I recommend booking as early as possible as the prices go up the closer you are to the departure date.
The train leaves from Madrid Chamartín train station and goes to Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla.
Madrid Chamartín train station is not the main train station that you find by Plaza Mayor. Instead, it’s a smaller train station in the north of the city, about 5.6 kilometers from Puerta del Sol. This makes it quite far to walk from the city, so you’re better off taking public transport to get there.
I opted for the metro from Puerta del Sol as my hotel was nearby, but you can also take the Cercanias, suburban train, from Atocha train station (the main train station) if that’s closer to you.
Some people at my hotel had opted for a taxi the day before I went as they wanted to save time, but at the end of the day, the traffic in Madrid center is always a mess (trust me, I’ve driven there too many times and always regret bringing the car!)
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What to do on a day trip to Valencia from Madrid
Explore the City of Arts and Sciences
Start your day trip from Madrid to Valencia by exploring the City of Arts and Sciences. The futuristic buildings and beautiful waterscapes are super impressive to walk around even if you don’t enter the museums.
However, I do recommend visiting the Science Museum which presents science in a fun and interactive way (even I enjoyed science this way, and that’s a tough one!)
There is also an aquarium, the Oceanografic. As always, I recommend avoiding aquariums as there are species locked up there that should be in the wild and naturally travel long distances. This means, that no matter how “ethically” they market themselves, it’s not gonna be ethical animal tourism.
Have paella for lunch
The Old Town of Valencia is jam-packed with great places to eat. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the famous Spanish rice dish and there’s no better place to try it.
We recently had a go at the vegan paella at Suc de Lluna BioCafé which is located in the beautiful Mercado de Colón and absolutely loved it!
👉BOOK THIS WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD TOWN INCLUDING THE TOP SITES
Explore the frescoes in St. Nicolas Church
The St.Nicolas Church is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve visited in Spain with impressive frescoes in the ceiling. It’s so impressive, that it’s been referred to as the Valencian Sistine Chapel.
Whether you agree or not, is up to you, but you should definitely add it to your itinerary!
The church itself dates back to the 13th century and the Baroque frescoes were added in the late 17th century painted by Dionis Vidal. They depict scenes of the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter Martyr.
Step inside Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is said to be home to the Holy Grail. Yes, the real one.
The interior is absolutely stunning, but my favorite part is to climb up the Miguelete Bell Tower for epic city views. It’s 207 steps, so definitely no walk in the park, but once you reach the top the views are unmatched!
Visit the Silk Exchange
Valencia’s Silk Exchange, Lonja de La Seda, dates back to the 15th century and is a fantastic reminder of the city’s silk trading history.
It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the main attractions that is included in the city’s walking tours.
I think it’s a really cool place and worth going with a guide to learn more about the site’s history.
Stroll around the Old Town
End the day by strolling around the rest of the old town and enjoying the atmosphere. What I love about Valencia Old Town is the magnitude of impressive architecture throughout the city.
Whether it’s a church, a museum, or even just a restaurant, I’m always amused by the grandeur of the facades in Valencia, and every time I visit I find new corners and new buildings to gaze at.
If you venture to the Ruzafa neighborhood which borders the old town, you can find some epic pieces of street art too. This hip and upcoming area is also home to some great cafes and bars.
If you’re still there after dark, it’s worth grabbing a drink and taking in how the city changes.
Best time to go on a day trip to Valencia from Madrid
Valencia is a fantastic place to visit all year round. That said, the summer months can be hot to go sightseeing on a day trip.
Valencia in winter gets colder, though not as cold as the winter in Madrid. I still enjoy walking around the old town and exploring all the attractions the city has to offer.
However, if you ask me, the best time to visit Valencia for a day trip is spring or fall. Temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and the sun is often out.
Reflections on a day trip from Madrid to Valencia
Having been on several day trips from Madrid to Valencia, I really recommend it. It’s super smooth with the high-speed train and Valencia is one of my favorite cities in Spain.
Even if you’ve been in Valencia before and want to do some slightly different activities than the ones listed here, it’s a fabulous city with so many exciting things to do.
Staying longer in Valencia? Check out the best neighborhoods to stay in Valencia before you go.
Happy travels!