Valencia Public Transport: The Ultimate Guide (By a Local!)
Navigating a new city can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to public transportation.
So if you’re planning a trip to Valencia, Spain, you may find yourself wondering how to get around efficiently and affordably. Luckily, the city has a robust public transport system that can make exploring a breeze.
But with so many options available, how do you know which mode of transport to choose? Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply looking for a hassle-free way to see the sights, this article will provide all the information you need to make the most of Valencia’s public transport system.
From buses to metros to trams, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each method, offer insider tips for using public transport like a local (I do live here, after all – and I don’t have a car, so bikes and public transport here in Valencia are my daily life!), and highlight the best routes for popular attractions.
What Options for Public Transportation in Valencia Are There?
If you’re planning a visit to Valencia, you’ll be happy to know that the city has an excellent public transportation system. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can easily get around the city without the need for a car.
Valencia’s public transportation system includes buses, metro, and tram, which will take you to all the major tourist attractions and neighborhoods.
Buses
Valencia’s bus network is extensive, with over 60 lines that cover the entire city. Buses run from early morning until late at night, and you can purchase tickets from the driver or at a metro station.
The buses are clean, safe, and air-conditioned, making them a comfortable option for getting around the city.
And if you plan on using the bus frequently during your stay, you really should look into getting a Valencia tourist card – offers free, unlimited travel for the period you buy it for!
Metro
The Valencia metro system is modern and efficient, with nine lines that cover the entire city. The trains run from early morning until late at night, and they are air-conditioned and comfortable.
The metro is an excellent option for getting around the city quickly, and it’s easy to navigate. You can purchase tickets at the station or use a transport pass that offers unlimited travel for a set period.
Tram
The Valencia tram system is a great way to explore the city’s coastal areas. The tram runs along the coast and connects the city center with the beach.
Each tram is air-conditioned and comfortable, and it’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can purchase tickets at the station or use a transport pass that offers unlimited travel for a set period.
Tickets and Passes
Getting around Valencia is easy and affordable with the city’s public transportation system. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there are several ticket options available to suit your needs. Here are some of the most popular:
Valencia Tourist Card
If you’re a tourist planning to explore Valencia, the Valencia Tourist Card is a great option. It offers unlimited travel on buses, metro, and trams within Zone A, as well as discounts on entry tickets to many of Valencia’s main attractions.
The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and prices start at €15. You can purchase the card online or at tourist information offices throughout the city.
Single Ticket
If you only need to take a few trips on public transportation, a single ticket is the way to go. You can buy a single ticket for €1.50 when boarding the bus or at ticket machines located in metro stations.
Transport Passes
If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay in Valencia, a transport pass may be a more cost-effective option.
For example, the Mobilis Card offers unlimited trips on buses, metro, and trams within Zone A (which is the city center and the beach, so probably as far as most tourists will go) for 24 hours, and costs €7.20. Another option is the Bonometro Card, which offers unlimited trips on the metro and tram within Zone A for 10 days, and costs €8.70.
On the other hand, the Bonobus Card offers 10 trips on urban and intercity buses, and costs €9.70.
All of these cards can be purchased at ticket machines located in metro stations and at tobacco shops throughout the city.
Discounts
The Valencian government offers discounts on multi-journey transport passes. The discounts bring the price of a SUMA 10 pass (valid for metro, tram, buses, and railways) down to €5.60 (one zone), €8.40 (two zones), and €14.00 (three zones).
Keep in mind though that these discounts are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest prices before purchasing your tickets.
Does Valencia have good public transportation?
Yes, Valencia has an excellent public transportation system that is both affordable and efficient. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’ll find that getting around Valencia is easy and stress-free thanks to the city’s extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines.
One of the best things about Valencia’s public transportation system is that it’s very easy to use. The city has a number of different ticket options, including single tickets, 10-journey tickets, and multi-day passes.
You can buy tickets at any metro station, tram stop, or bus station, making it easy to get started with your journey right away.
Plus, the city’s buses, trams, and metro lines are all interconnected, so you can easily transfer between them without having to worry about buying a new ticket.
Another great thing about Valencia’s public transportation system is that it’s very affordable. Single tickets start at just €1.50, and multi-day passes are available for as little as €7 per day. Plus, if you’re traveling with a group, you can take advantage of the city’s group discounts, which can save you even more money.
So whether you’re traveling on a budget or just looking to save a little extra cash, Valencia’s public transportation system is a great option.
How to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Valencia
Valencia has a reliable and efficient public transportation system that can take you anywhere you need to go in the city. Here’s a quick guide on how to buy public transport tickets in Valencia.
The easiest way to purchase tickets is at one of the many kiosks or estancos scattered throughout the city. You can also purchase tickets online or through the EMTicket app.
The Valencia Tourist Card is another option that includes free unlimited transport on the metro underground, buses in Valencia city center, and discounts on entry tickets to many of Valencia’s main attractions.
If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay, the SUMA card is a great option. It allows you to take 10 trips on urban and intercity buses, metro, tram, and suburban trains for just €10 (€8 + €2 for the card).
Take note though that both the SUMA card and Valencia Tourist Card have to be activated when boarding the bus, so don’t forget to check on.
Does Valencia, Spain have a subway system?
Yes, Valencia has an extensive subway system, which is known as the Metrovalencia. It covers a large part of the city and is a convenient way to get around. The Metrovalencia has nine lines, which cover a distance of more than 150 kilometers.
The lines run from the city center to the suburbs and beyond. The trains are modern and air-conditioned, making them a comfortable way to travel, even in the summer months.
The subway system is integrated with the bus and tram networks, so you can use the same ticket for all three modes of transport. This makes it easy to switch between the different modes of transport and get to your destination quickly and efficiently.
Is the Metro in Valencia Free?
No, the metro system in Valencia isn’t usually free, but it is affordable and efficient, making it a great option for getting around the city. However, on some Sundays all public transportation in Valencia is free, so check if that applies during your stay.
It’s also free if you buy a Valencia Tourist Card. This card offers free unlimited travel on the metro, bus, and tram systems in Valencia, as well as discounts on entry tickets to many of Valencia’s main attractions.
It is important to note that the Valencia Tourist Card is not free, but it can save you money in the long run if you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay in the city.
Additionally, children under the age of 10 can travel for free on the metro as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Can You Pay Cash on Valencia Buses?
Yes, you can pay with cash on Valencia buses. However, bus drivers may not accept large bills, so try to either pay in coins or with a €5 bill at the most. Also note that it’s often cheaper to buy a card for public transport, especially if you plan to use it a few times during your stay.
It’s for this reason that paying with cash also isn’t the most convenient option compared to purchasing a transportation pass. These passes allow you to ride the bus, metro, and tram as much as you want within a certain period of time, and they can be a more cost-effective option than paying for each journey separately.
Can You Get Around Valencia Without a Car?
Yes, you absolutely can get around Valencia without a car! In fact, the city has an excellent public transportation system that is easy to navigate and affordable. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, you’ll find that the public transportation options in Valencia are a great way to get around.
In fact, as I mentioned earlier, I live in Valencia and don’t have a car. Honestly, for me, it’s one of the best parts of living here as I can get around just as easily with public transport or (my preferred option) a bike from the city’s public bike system.
It also means that I don’t need to worry about paying for maintenance or parking. Overall, it’s a definite win-win!
And what does this mean for you if you’re just visiting? Well, you really don’t need to hire a car here. Unless you plan on taking a day trip from Valencia (although many of them can be done by train too), I would truly suggest that you just stick to public transport – or even just walking!
