Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is remarkably compact and highly navigable on foot, making it more accessible than Madrid. The city’s historic center, known as the Ciutat Vella, is characterized by a network of narrow alleyways adorned with plazas filled with orange trees, grand churches, and numerous tapas and paella establishments.
To the north and west, the city is bordered by an ancient dry riverbed that has been revitalized into the lush Jardines del Turia. Most notable attractions are situated within or near the Ciutat Vella, thereby reducing the necessity for public transportation if you are centrally located, except for trips to the modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the nearby beaches.
Here is an overview of transportation options available in Valencia.
Metro
Valencia’s metro system is comprehensive, extending throughout a significant portion of the metropolitan area. It consists of six lines, each clearly numbered and color-coded for user convenience. The metro Valencia map is straightforward, illustrating line routes and transfer points.
The system operates from 4 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 5 am to 12:30 am on weekends. Trains generally arrive every 10 minutes, and tickets can be procured from machines and ticket booths located within the metro stations.
There are limited metro stations in the old Ciutat Vella, necessitating reliance on foot for navigation within that area. For those staying outside the historical center, major stops near the central region include Colón, Àngel Guimerà, and Pl. Espanya, while Túria and Alameda provide access to either end of the lengthy Jardines del Turia. The metro stations also connect to the airport and Valencia’s primary train stations, Estación del Norte and Joaquín Sorolla.
Tram
Valencia features three tram lines integrated within the metro system: lines 4, 6, and 8, which operate during the same hours as the metro. The trams are modern and spacious, allowing the use of multi-journey transport tickets for both modes of transit.
Similar to the metro, the tram lines do not traverse the Ciutat Vella. They are generally utilized for travels to the beaches and the traditional fishing neighborhood of El Cabanyal. La Marina de València, Las Arenas, and Eugenia Viñes are the optimal tram stops for accessing these locations.
Bus
The Valencia bus network extends across a large portion of the city center and several surrounding neighborhoods. Unlike the tram and metro networks, the city’s bus routes traverse the Ciutat Vella, making them a practical choice for those who prefer not to navigate on foot.
In 2019, Valencia introduced 36 state-of-the-art hybrid buses, and throughout 2021, the fleet saw an additional 164 replacements. Bus services are available from 4 am to 10:30 pm, with night services running between 10:30 pm and 2 am on weekdays, and 10:30 pm to 3:30 am on weekends.
The bus also serves as the most efficient means to reach one of Valencia’s premier attractions, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Bus lines 95, 24, and 25 connect the outskirts of the city center to this expansive complex in just half an hour.
For travelers wishing to reach the beaches directly from the Ciutat Vella, buses 190A, 24, and 25 offer quick access to the fishing quarter and the coastline.
Top tip for navigating the Valencia transport network: Download the EMT Valencia app to identify the most efficient routes via bus, metro, and tram.
On foot
Valencia is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly, and many visitors find that walking is the most efficient means of movement compared to public transport. Traversing the entirety of the Ciutat Vella typically takes around 20 minutes, where a multitude of prominent attractions are situated.
The trendy district of Ruzafa and the shopping area of Gran Via are located just a 10-minute amble south of the Ciutat Vella. Utilizing a reliable map or GPS is advisable, as the intricate network of narrow streets can be quite disorienting.
Bike
Valencia stands out as an excellent city for cyclists, featuring over 156 km (97 miles) of dedicated bike paths. A particularly appealing location for cycling is along the 5.5-mile (9 km) stretch of the Jardines del Turia, though much of the old center is also free of traffic, making it suitable for those less experienced on two wheels.
For extended stays of a week or longer, consider leveraging the city’s public bike-share program, Valenbisi, which offers 2,750 bicycles spread across 275 stations throughout Valencia. The program charges a weekly fee of €10, with the first 30 minutes of use being complimentary; subsequent usage costs €1 for every additional half hour up to one hour, and €3 for each hour thereafter.
For shorter visits, numerous companies within the city center offer half-day or full-day bike rentals.
Accessible transportation in Valencia
Valencia is recognized as one of the most accessible cities for travel due to its user-friendly transport system, the majority of which has been adapted for wheelchair accessibility. All buses within Valencia are equipped with electric ramps or low steps and feature designated spaces for wheelchair users.
With limited exceptions, most metro stations also accommodate wheelchair access, while the small gap between trains and platforms facilitates easy boarding and alighting for users. Similarly, trams are wheelchair accessible and provide ample space within.
Transport Passes
For those visiting for a brief period and intending to use the metro sporadically, the Bono metro Valencia ticket offers 10 journeys within Zone A for €7.60 ($8.80).
If you plan to utilize Valencia’s public transport extensively across various modes, consider obtaining an integrated Valencia transport ticket. A T-1 (€4/$4.65) delivers unlimited journeys on metro, trams, and buses in Zone A for 24 hours; a T-2 (€6.70/$7.80) affords the same privilege for 48 hours, while a T-3 (€9.70/$11.25) is valid for 72 hours.
Visitors intending to reside in Valencia long-term might procure the Mobilis Card Valencia—available in cardboard (€1/$1.15) or plastic (€2/$2.30)—which can be recharged with credit for repeated use.
Children under 10 can travel free of charge on the metro as long as they are accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of two children per adult transport ticket.
The Valencia Tourist Card serves as both a transport pass and ticket, granting free admission to museums and attractions, alongside discounts at select shops and restaurants. This card also permits unlimited travel across all transport modes and is available for durations of 24, 48, or 72 hours, priced at €15 ($17.50), €20 ($23.25), or €25 ($29), respectively.
