Valencia stands as Spain’s third-largest city, yet it is remarkably compact and conducive to exploration on foot, making it significantly more manageable than Madrid. The historical heart of the city, known as Ciutat Vella, is characterized by a maze of narrow streets adorned with plazas filled with orange trees, splendid churches, as well as numerous tapas and paella eateries.
Surrounding the city to the north and west is an ancient, dry riverbed, which has been transformed into the verdant Jardines del Turia. Most of the prominent sites are situated within or in proximity to Ciutat Vella; hence, if this is your first visit and you choose to stay in the central area, you will seldom need to utilize public transport, aside from trips to the avant-garde Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the coastal areas.
The following sections outline the various transportation options available in Valencia.
Metro
Valencia’s metro system is comprehensive, serving a significant portion of the metropolitan area. It comprises six lines, each designated by number and color, facilitating ease of use. The metro map for Valencia is user-friendly, guiding passengers on which lines to take and where transfers occur.
This system operates from 4 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 5 am to 12:30 am on weekends, with trains arriving approximately every 10 minutes. Tickets are obtainable from vending machines and ticket counters located within the metro stations.
Due to the limited number of metro stops in the old Ciutat Vella, navigating the area largely requires walking. If your accommodation is outside the historical center, the nearest main stops are Colón, Àngel Guimerà, and Pl. Espanya, while Tùria and Alameda provide optimal access to either end of the extensive Jardines del Turia. The metro also connects to the airport and Valencia’s principal train stations, Estación del Norte and Joaquín Sorolla.
Tram
Three tram lines are integrated within the metro system: lines 4, 6, and 8, which maintain operational hours consistent with the metro. These modern trams offer spacious accommodations, and multi-journey transport tickets can be utilized across both transit modes.
However, it is notable that tram lines do not traverse the Ciutat Vella; thus, they are predominantly used for trips to the beaches and the historic fishing district of El Cabanyal. Stops such as La Marina de València, Las Arenas, and Eugenia Viñes are strategically positioned for easy access to these locations.
Bus
The Valencia bus network encompasses a broad expanse of the city center, as well as various outer areas. Unlike both tram and metro systems, the city’s bus routes traverse through Ciutat Vella, rendering them a suitable choice for individuals who may find pedestrian travel challenging.
In 2019, Valencia introduced 36 state-of-the-art hybrid buses, and throughout 2021, the city enhanced its fleet with an additional 164 buses. Regular bus service operates from 4 am to 10:30 pm, with night services running from 10:30 pm to 2 am on weekdays and 10:30 pm to 3:30 am on weekends.
Buses facilitate access to one of Valencia’s most notable attractions: the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Buses numbered 95, 24, and 25 connect the edges of the city center to this monumental complex in approximately half an hour.
Additionally, buses provide the most expedient route from Ciutat Vella directly to the beaches, with routes numbered 190A, 24, and 25 bringing you nearest to the traditional fishing district and the coast.
Pro tip for navigating the Valencia transport network: Consider downloading the EMT Valencia app to identify the most efficient routes using bus, metro, and tram services.
On foot
Valencia is an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city, and it is likely that you will find yourself walking more than using public transport. The journey across Ciutat Vella from one side to the other takes around 20 minutes, where a number of key attractions are situated.
The trendy district of Ruzafa and the shopping thoroughfare of Gran Via are located just a 10-minute stroll south of Ciutat Vella. A reliable map or GPS device is advisable, as the intricate network of small alleyways can be somewhat perplexing.
Bike
Valencia presents a superb environment for cyclists, with over 156 km (97 miles) of cycling paths. One of the most enjoyable cycling routes is along the 5.5-mile (9 km) stretch of the Jardines del Turia; additionally, numerous areas in the historic center are designated as traffic-free, providing cyclists a safer experience.
Should you plan to stay for a week or longer, consider utilizing the city’s public bicycle rental program, Valenbisi, featuring 2750 bicycles accessible at 275 stations throughout Valencia. The weekly rental fee is €10, with the first 30 minutes complimentary. Beyond this, the cost is €1 for additional 30 minutes up to one hour, then €3 for each subsequent hour.
If your stay is shorter, various companies in the center offer half- or full-day bike rentals.
Accessible transportation in Valencia
Valencia is one of the most navigable cities for accessible travel, primarily due to its well-designed transport system, most of which accommodates wheelchair users. All buses in Valencia feature wheelchair accessibility, including electric ramps or low steps, as well as dedicated spaces for wheelchairs inside.
With a few exceptions, most metro stations in Valencia are also accessible for wheelchair users, and the minimal gap between train and platform facilitates easy boarding and alighting. Similarly, trams are wheelchair-friendly and offer ample interior space for passengers.
For further information, see GoTravelDaily’s Accessible Travel Online Resources.
Transport Passes
If your visit spans just a few days and you anticipate infrequent metro usage, consider the Bono metro Valencia ticket, which provides 10 journeys in Zone A for €7.60 ($8.80).
For those intending to travel extensively across Valencia using various modes of transport, an integrated public transport ticket is advisable. A T-1 (€4/$4.65) offers unlimited journeys on metro, trams, and buses in Zone A for 24 hours, while the T-2 (€6.70/$7.80) allows the same for 48 hours, and the T-3 (€9.70/$11.25) for 72 hours.
Visitors planning an extended stay may opt for the Mobilis Card Valencia, a rechargeable metro ticket available in either cardboard (€1/$1.15) or plastic (€2/$2.30) versions, which can be reloaded with credit as needed.
Children under the age of 10 travel free on the metro when accompanied by an adult, with a limit of two complimentary children per adult ticket.
The Valencia Tourist Card serves as both a transport pass and an entry ticket, offering complimentary admission to museums and attractions, as well as discounts in select shops and restaurants. It permits unlimited travel across all transport modes and is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours at a cost of €15 ($17.50), €20 ($23.25), or €25 ($29) respectively.
