How To Use Public Transportation in Valencia, Spain

Valencia, a vibrant city on Spain’s southeastern coast, boasts an efficient and comprehensive public transportation system, making it easy for both residents and visitors to navigate the city and its surroundings. This guide provides an in-depth look at Valencia’s public transport options, including buses, metro, and trams, along with information on airport connections, international flight options, and how to use the various transport cards available.

Here is the most important information here is a good place to start.

Goto any of the Tabacco shops with the dark red sign you see around town and ask for a SUMA card. This currently costs 6 Euros and gives you 10 rides on any public transportation around town. This card does NOT go to the airport from downtown since the airport is Zone B and the card is for only Zone A. If you get off at the airport you will be asked to pay for Zone B on the spot and will be about 7 Euros.

Buses in Valencia

Valencia’s bus network is operated by the Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT), covering extensive routes throughout the city. EMT buses are a convenient way to reach different neighborhoods, cultural sites, and the city center. For schedules and routes, you can visit the EMT Valencia website.

Download a PDF copy of the Valencia Bus Route Map here

Metro and Trams

The Metrovalencia system, operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV), includes both metro and tram services, providing efficient connections across the city and beyond. The metro network consists of several lines that link key locations, such as the city center, the port, and the airport, while the trams extend to coastal areas and suburban regions. For more details on routes, schedules, and tickets, check out the Metrovalencia website.

Download a PDF copy of the Valencia Subway Metro Map Here

Using The Metro in Valencia

Xativa station is one of the busiest. It is the closest station to the Train Station, The busy bull fighting area area and the very commercial Colon area. While it is perhaps the busiest station that is a relative term as Valencia is generally not too crowded anywhere like other large cities.

Handicapped entrances look like this and are available at every metro station for the disabled and children in strollers or seniors.

Photo of the Valencia, Spain metro system elevator handicapped access.

You will quickly learn that the stations are seldom crowded, very clean and very safe. One or two of the stations can be busy and are less fun to use. For example, station Àngel Guimerà is not great. It is the transfer station for people on the busy 3-5-7-9 lines changing to the 1 or 2 line which crosses and goes east and west. A very busy station due to all the transfers. It is a 3 level station. It is still very clean and very safe, just busy and crowded.

For example, station Àngel Guimerà is not great. It is the transfer station…

Airport Connections

Valencia Airport, located just 8 kilometers west of the city center, is easily accessible by metro and bus. Metro Line 3 (red) and Line 5 (green) connect the city to the airport, offering a quick and convenient travel option. Additionally, bus Line 150 also serves the airport route. For more information on airport transportation, visit the Valencia Airport website.

Valencia Airport (VLC), is known as Manises Airport, is a key gateway for travelers visiting the Valencia region. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers over recent years. In 2023, Valencia Airport handled approximately 8.5 million passengers, marking a steady increase from previous years as the airport recovers and grows post-pandemic. The airport accommodates a substantial number of flights, with thousands of arrivals and departures annually. In 2023, there were over 75,000 aircraft movements, indicating robust activity. Besides passenger traffic, Valencia Airport also handles significant cargo operations, processing several thousand tons of cargo each year. For the latest and most accurate data, you can visit the official Aena website.

Valencia Airport has been recognized for its quality services and operational excellence. Some notable awards and ratings include the ACI Europe Best Airport Award. Valencia Airport has been a finalist and recipient of the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe Best Airport Award in the category of airports handling 5-10 million passengers annually.

Valencia, Spain is one of the main connections for Ryan Air Airlines. Ryan air is very popular in Spain as it has a very good app and fast check-ins while being the cheapest option to fly nearly anywhere in Europe. Living in Valencia Ryan Air will be an important tool with flights many places for as little as 14 Euros one way.

Some current flights from Valencia, Spain on Ryan Airlines as of today.

Does Valencia Airport Have International Flights?

Valencia Airport serves numerous international destinations, making it a gateway for travelers heading to and from the city. Major airlines such as Ryanair, Lufthansa, and Iberia operate flights to various European cities, as well as destinations in Africa and the Americas. For a comprehensive list of destinations and airlines, refer to the Valencia Airport destination guide.

Transport Cards, Costs, and Ideal Users

Valencia offers several types of transport cards to facilitate easy travel on buses, metro, and trams:

TuiN Card

The TuiN Card is a rechargeable card that provides discounted fares on Metrovalencia services. It is ideal for regular commuters and residents who frequently use the metro and trams. The card can be loaded with credit, and the cost per journey depends on the number of zones traveled:

• Zone A: €0.80
• Zone AB: €1.15
• Zone ABC: €1.50
• Zone ABCD: €2.00

Purchase and recharge options are available at Metrovalencia ticket offices and machines.

Mobilis Card

The Mobilis Card is another rechargeable card suitable for use on EMT buses, Metrovalencia, and trams. It can be loaded with single tickets or travel passes, offering flexibility for different travel needs. It is ideal for both occasional travelers and daily commuters. The costs are as follows:

• Single ticket: €1.50
• Bonobus (10 rides): €8.50
• Bonometro (10 rides): €7.20 (Zone A), with prices increasing for additional zones

More information can be found on the Mobilis Card website.

Valencia Tourist Card

The Valencia Tourist Card is ideal for visitors, offering unlimited travel on public transport within the city for a set period, along with discounts at museums, shops, and restaurants. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours:

• 24 hours: €15
• 48 hours: €20
• 72 hours: €25

Details on prices and purchase options are available on the Valencia Tourist Card website.

Metro Zones and How They Work

The Metrovalencia network is divided into several zones, which determine the fare for each journey. Understanding the zones is crucial for purchasing the correct ticket or recharging your transport card. Here’s a breakdown:

• Zone A: Covers the city center and immediate surroundings.
• Zone B: Extends to suburban areas.
• Zone C: Reaches further into the metropolitan area.
• Zone D: Includes outlying towns and more distant locations.

When traveling, the fare is calculated based on the number of zones crossed. For example, traveling from Zone A to Zone B incurs a different fare than traveling from Zone A to Zone D. This zonal system helps to ensure that passengers only pay for the distance they travel.

Pro Tip: You will only use Zone A 95% of the time. Going to the airport from the city center is the rare time you cross into zone B and the standard refillable card isn’t enough.

Using the Cards

Transport cards can be purchased and recharged at various points throughout the city, including metro stations, tobacconists, and online platforms. To use the cards, simply tap them on the card readers at the entrance gates of metro stations or when boarding buses and trams. The fare is automatically deducted based on your journey.

Get Ready to Finally Enjoy Public Transportation.

Navigating Valencia’s public transportation system is straightforward and user-friendly, thanks to its well-organized network of buses, metro, and trams. Whether you are a first-time tourist or a new resident, utilizing Valencia’s transport options will enhance your experience of this beautiful city. For detailed schedules, ticket purchases, and more information, be sure to visit the official websites linked throughout this guide.

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