Valencia may be Spain’s third-largest city, but it’s essentially very compact and walkable, making it a lot easier to explore on foot than Madrid. The old town center, known as Ciutat Vella, features narrow alleyways, orange-tree-filled plazas, magnificent churches, and numerous tapas and paella restaurants.
To the north and the west, the city is encircled by an old dried-up riverbed, which has been transformed into the lush Jardines del Turia. Most of the main attractions lie within or around the Ciutat Vella, so, for first-time visitors, staying in the center means you’ll rarely need to rely on public transport, except when visiting the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the beaches.
Metro
Valencia’s metro system is extensive, covering a large part of the metropolitan area. With six lines that are numbered and color-coded, it’s very easy to navigate. The metro map is straightforward, indicating which lines to take and where to transfer.
The metro operates from 4am to 11pm on weekdays and from 5am to 12:30am on weekends, with trains arriving approximately every 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from machines and ticket booths at the stations.
Though there are few metro stops in the old Ciutat Vella, it’s best to get around there on foot. For those staying outside the center, the closest main stops to central attractions include Colón, Àngel Guimerà, and Pl. Espanya, with Tùria and Alameda providing access to the long and winding Jardines del Turia. The metro stations connect to both the airport and Valencia’s primary train stations, Estación del Norte and Joaquín Sorolla.
Tram
Three tram lines are integrated into the metro system: lines 4, 6, and 8, which operate with the same hours as the metro. The trams are modern and spacious, and you can use multi-journey transport tickets for both modes of transport.
However, similar to the metro, the tram lines do not pass through the Ciutat Vella. Instead, they are more useful for reaching the beaches and the old fisherman’s barrio of El Cabanyal. Key tram stops for these areas include La Marina de València, Las Arenas, and Eugenia Viñes.
Bus
The Valencia bus network covers a wide range of the city center and several outer neighborhoods. Unlike the tram and metro, the city’s buses travel through the Ciutat Vella, making them a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk.
In 2019, Valencia introduced 36 state-of-the-art hybrid buses, and the fleet was further expanded in 2021. Bus service typically runs from 4am to 10:30pm, with night service available from 10:30pm to 2am on weekdays and until 3:30am on weekends.
Buses are also a great way to reach one of Valencia’s top attractions, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Buses 95, 24, and 25 operate from the city center to this large complex in about 30 minutes.
Additionally, the bus is the most efficient way to travel from the Ciutat Vella directly to the beaches. Buses 190A, 24, and 25 will take you close to the old fishing quarter and the coast.
Top tip for navigating the Valencia transport network: Download the EMT Valencia app to find the best routes via bus, metro, and tram.
On Foot
Valencia is a very walkable city, and you will likely find yourself walking more often than using public transport. It’s roughly a 20-minute walk from one end of the Ciutat Vella to the other, where many major attractions are situated.
The trendy neighborhood of Ruzafa and the shopping hub of Gran Via are just a short 10-minute walk south of Ciutat Vella. A reliable map or GPS can be helpful, as the maze of narrow alleyways can easily become confusing.
Bike
Valencia also caters to cyclists, offering more than 156km (97 miles) of bike paths. A popular cycling route includes the scenic 5.5-mile (9km) stretch along the Jardines del Turia. Furthermore, many areas of the old center are car-free, providing a safe environment for cycling.
If you’re staying for a week or more, consider using the city’s public bike-hire system, Valenbisi, which features 2750 bikes spread across 275 locations throughout Valencia. The weekly hire fee is €10, with the first 30 minutes free; subsequent 30-minute increments cost €1, and each additional hour costs €3.
For shorter visits, various companies offer half-day or full-day bike rentals in the city center.
Accessible Transportation in Valencia
Valencia is one of the most accessible cities for travel due to its well-designed transport system, much of which is compatible with wheelchair use. All buses in Valencia feature electric ramps or low steps and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Most metro stations are also wheelchair accessible, allowing for easy embarkation and disembarkation. Additionally, trams provide ample space for wheelchair users, ensuring comfortable travel.
Transport Passes
If you plan short visits with limited metro travel, consider the Bono metro Valencia ticket, providing 10 journeys in Zone A for €7.60 ($8.80).
For more frequent travel on various transport modes, an integrated Valencia public transport ticket is beneficial. A T-1 (€4/$4.65) offers unlimited journeys on metro, trams, and buses in Zone A for 24 hours, while T-2 (€6.70/$7.80) and T-3 (€9.70/$11.25) extend this to 48 and 72 hours, respectively.
For longer stays, consider the Mobilis Card Valencia—a permanent metro ticket, either in cardboard (€1/$1.15) or plastic (€2/$2.30), that can be topped up as needed.
Children under 10 can travel free on the metro when accompanied by an adult, limited to two kids per adult ticket.
The Valencia Tourist Card serves as both a transport pass and tickets for free entry into museums and attractions, along with discounts at select shops and restaurants. It allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport and is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, priced at €15 ($17.50), €20 ($23.25), or €25 ($29), respectively.
