Madrid vs Valencia Bullfighting: Which is Cheaper Overall?
In most cases, bullfighting in Valencia is cheaper overall than in Madrid, especially for equivalent seat quality and peripheral costs such as transport and food. However, the overall value depends on your priorities: accessibility, frequency of events, and seating comfort.
This comparison matters because many visitors assume all major Spanish bullrings price tickets similarly. That is not the case. Madrid’s Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is one of Spain’s premier venues, regularly hosting top-tier events, which often pushes its ticket prices above those in other cities. Valencia’s bullfighting calendar is shorter and typically attracts a more local audience, which keeps prices competitive but with fewer scheduling options.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how ticket costs compare between Madrid and Valencia, how seating location affects total spend, the role of transport and accommodation in total trip costs, and practical tips for booking the best seats at the best prices.
How Do Madrid and Valencia Ticket Prices Compare?
Valencia generally offers lower baseline prices than Madrid.
Madrid ticket prices typically range from €25 to €180, depending on section and season. Valencia tickets usually range from €20 to €140.
Here’s a seat-by-seat comparison based on recent data:
| Seat Type | Madrid Average Price | Valencia Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Seats (Sun Section) | €25–€40 | €20–€35 |
| Mid-Range Seats | €55–€90 | €45–€75 |
| Shadow / Premium Seats | €110–€180 | €90–€140 |
Valencia’s lower premium pricing is tangible, especially when comparing shaded seats. Madrid’s famous shaded tendidos are pricier due to demand and capacity.
It’s important to note that Valencia’s pricing can be highly date-dependent, especially during regional festivals like Fallas (mid-March), when local demand spikes.
For detailed Madrid pricing, consult our comprehensive bullfighting tickets in Madrid guide.
→ Book your tickets here: Check Ticket Availability
Which City Offers Better Value for Money?
Valencia is typically cheaper, but Madrid can offer better value per experience in some circumstances.
Valencia’s bullring is smaller than Madrid’s, which means:
- Fewer seat options
- Shorter distance to the ring from most seats
- Slightly more intimate atmosphere
However, ticket prices in Madrid often correlate with event quality and frequency. Madrid hosts more headline toreros and larger festivals (like San Isidro), increasing the range of performance quality you can choose from.
If you prioritise lower ticket prices and decent sightlines, Valencia wins. If you prioritise frequent events and world-class lineups, Madrid provides more value despite higher prices.
How Much Does Transport Add to Your Total Cost?
Transport costs affect the overall affordability of your bullfighting experience.
For most tourists staying in Madrid:
- A local taxi or metro ride to Las Ventas is usually less than €10
- Late-night transport back to central Madrid can be €12–€20 via taxi
Valencia costs can be higher if you’re coming from Madrid:
- High-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Valencia takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, costing €30–€70 one-way depending on timing
- Accommodation in Valencia for a night averages €80–€150
If your base is Madrid and Valencia is a day trip purely for bullfighting, transportation and accommodation can erase almost any ticket savings.
How Do Festival Dates Affect Pricing?
Valencia’s major bullfighting dates coincide with local festivals like Fallas (mid-March) and Summer Feria (late August). During those periods, Valencia prices rise but usually remain below equivalent Madrid premium pricing.
In Madrid, the San Isidro Fair (May 15 – June 15, 2026) consistently drives prices up. Madrid’s larger venue means increased demand during these peak periods still translates into higher premium prices than comparable Valencia dates.
Here’s how festival pricing compares:
| Festival | Valencia Price Spike | Madrid Price Spike |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia Fallas | Moderate | N/A |
| Valencia Feria | Moderate | N/A |
| Madrid San Isidro Fair | N/A | Significant |
In either city, booking early is crucial, especially for shaded seats during peak weather months.
Does Seating Location Affect Total Cost Differently?
Yes. The sun versus shadow premium is quite different between Madrid and Valencia.
In Madrid:
- Shadow seats cost approximately 30–40% more than sun seats
- Premium shaded tendidos may be priced €110–€180
In Valencia:
- Shadow seats are typically priced around €80–€140
- The premium over sun seats is smaller, roughly 20–30%
Valencia’s tighter price bands make planning easier and more predictable, while Madrid’s wider range lets you trade up comfortably if budget allows.
How Often Do Bullfights Happen in Valencia vs Madrid?
Madrid generally offers more frequent events, making it easier to find a date that fits your itinerary.
Madrid:
- Events most Sundays during the season
- Daily during major festivals like San Isidro
Valencia:
- Less frequent, tied to local festivals and select weekends
- Fewer total events per year
If your travel dates are non-negotiable, Madrid gives you more chances to secure a ticket without drastically adjusting your plans.
→ Book your tickets here: Check Ticket Availability
Which City Should Budget Travellers Choose?
For straightforward ticket price savings, Valencia is usually cheaper. Lower base prices, smaller premium hikes for shaded seats, and narrow pricing bands make it easier to estimate your spend.
However, if you’re already in Madrid and Valencia requires additional travel or accommodation costs, Madrid often becomes cheaper overall once those expenses are factored in.
Choose Valencia if:
- You’re staying in Valencia already
- You prefer lower ticket prices over schedule flexibility
Choose Madrid if:
- You value event frequency
- You want consistent availability and international support
Practical Booking Tips to Save Money
- Book early: Premium and shaded seats sell out first in both cities.
- Avoid festival weekends if you’re on a tight budget.
- Use madridbullfighting.com for transparent pricing: avoid box office markups.
- Consider mid-tier sun seats if weather permits.
For specific seating breakdowns in Madrid, see our complete Las Ventas seating guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madrid vs Valencia Bullfighting Tickets
Is bullfighting cheaper in Valencia overall?
Yes, ticket prices are generally lower in Valencia, especially for equivalent seating. Lower demand and local pricing trends keep baseline costs down.
Do Valencia tickets sell out faster than Madrid?
No. Madrid tickets tend to sell out faster because of higher international demand and more frequent events.
Are there bullfights in Valencia year-round?
No. Like most Spanish cities outside Madrid and Sevilla, Valencia’s schedule centers around local festivals and select weekend dates.
Can I book Valencia tickets in English?
Online booking through madridbullfighting.com provides English-language support, but on-site services in Valencia are often Spanish-only.
Should I choose sun or shadow seats?
Shadow seats are worth the premium in both cities, especially in summer. Valencia’s shadow premium is smaller, but Madrid offers more shaded options.
Does Valencia have a larger bullring than Madrid?
No. Valencia’s bullring is significantly smaller than Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, which affects capacity and frequency of events.
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Choosing between Madrid and Valencia comes down to ticket price vs frequency and convenience. Valencia’s lower prices make it attractive, but Madrid’s schedule, seating variety, and support make it the better choice for many international travellers.
Your key takeaways:
- Valencia generally offers cheaper base prices
- Madrid offers more frequent events and shaded seats
- Online booking avoids queues and price markups
At madridbullfighting.com, you benefit from instant confirmation, best price guarantee, and expert support. Questions? Our team speaks English, French, German, and Italian.
Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.