The expat guide to public transport in Valencia

Getting around in Valencia couldn’t be easier. Valencia’s public transport is a highly integrated network. With just one public transport card, you can access Valencia’s many modes of transport, such as metro, tram, bus, and cycles.

Shreya

9 minute read

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Updated on 24 Jul 2023

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Living

Getting around in Valencia couldn’t be easier. Valencia’s public transport is a highly integrated network that works like a well-oiled machine. With just one public transport card, you can access Valencia’s many modes of transport, such as metro, tram, bus, and cycles. Talk about ease and convenience!

So once you’ve decided to move here and settled in one of Valencia’s beautiful neighbourhood’s, it’s time to head out the door and explore the streets and sights of Valencia.

Valencia’s metro, locally known as Metrovalencia, is the underground metro system in the city. The clean and air-conditioned metro offers a reliable, fast, and economical way to travel within the city centre and the suburbs.

Metro Lines

You will find 6 metro lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9) and 3 tram lines (4, 6, 8) divided between 4 fare zones (A, B, C, and D). Each line will take you in different directions, so it’s best to check the map.

The most travelled zone is zone A which surrounds the city centre. We’ve highlighted some of the main stops for you in zone A below: The airport, the city centre and the beaches.

Some Recommendations:

• Get off at either Xàtive, Colón, or Alameda station for the city centre.
• Lines 3 and 5 in Zone A take you to and from the airport and the city centre.
• To visit Cabanyal beach, take tram 4 or 6. To visit La Malvarrosa beach take tram 8.
• If you want to take a stroll in the famous Jardín del Turia(Turia Gardens) or visit the *Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences), get off at Alameda station. To visit the Bioparc, get off at Nou d’Octubre station.

If you fancy nice architecture, stop by at Alameda station!

Metrovalencia opening hours

The metro is open from 04:00 - 23:30 p.m. on weekdays and 05:00 - 00:30 a.m. on weekends. You will find a metro every 5-10 minutes in rush hours.

If you decide to take the last trains in zone A or AB after 23:00 p.m., your wait will be approximately 40 minutes.Check the metro timetable to plan your trip better.

Getting your metro ticket

One of the best things about using the public transport system in Valencia is how seamlessly the different systems combine. For instance, you only need to pay once every 90 minutes, even if you switch from a metro to a tram to a bus.

If you want to use the metro or tram, you can purchase a ticket or a card with a subscription plan at any kiosk or tobacco shop, using card or cash. There is a lot of flexibility depending on your needs. So find out below which type of ticket or travel card is suitable for you.

Single journey

A single journey ticket's best for a one-way journey for single or group use of up to 60 people. This means that you can use one card and travel with up to 59 other people, as long as you add enough credit for each person’s journey.

10 journey ticket: Bonometro

The 10 journey ticket, also known as the Bonometro ticket, is best if you plan to travel a few times as it will be cheaper than a single ticket. This ticket is also for single or group use of up to 60 people.

TuiN Card

If you plan on using Valencia's public transport often, then the TuiN card's perfect for single or group use of up to 60 people. You can travel throughout the Metrovalencia network which includes the metro and tram.

The TuiN card offers you more discount compared to getting a single ticket (€1.50) or Bonometro (€0.76). But keep in mind that there's a minimum charge or re-charge required of €5.00.

TuiN Personalised Card

The TuiN personalised card's best for those who travel very frequently using the metro and tram. This card's for personal use only as it has a big advantage. You can enjoy unlimited trips after you’ve spent a minimum amount on your travels per month, making your living costs in Valencia lower.

Bonotransbordo Card

There's also a Bonotransbordo travel discount card which is more versatile than the TuiN card. Unlike the TuiN card which can only be used on the metro and tram, the Bonotransbordo cards can be used on a metro, tram, and bus.

Mobilis Card

The Mobilis Card (Tarjeta Móbilis) is the ultimate travel card in Valencia as it’s a rechargeable card using which you can access the metro, tram, bus, and Valenbisi cycles.

Commuting by bus is a great option if:

• The metro or train don’t reach your destination.
• You want to take in the scenery.
• Travel late at night.

However, taking a bus isn't very beginner-friendly. When taking a bus in Valencia, you need to remember to:

• Put your hand out to signal the bus driver to stop.
• Board via the front door only, unless you are using a wheelchair. Exit via the exit doors.
• Remember to press the ‘Stop’ button in advance of arriving at your destination.
• Have your travel card or exact change ready to validate your trip.

Bus lines

The extensive bus network in Valencia's served by the EMT (Empressa Municipal de Transports) and Metrobus. The red EMT buses cover the city area. If you're planning to travel towards the villages, you should look out for the yellow Metrobuses. You can also take the night bus (CorreNIT) which runs every 1-2 hours at night.

Lifesaver tip: Download the EMT app which will help you plan your route, save frequently travelled routes, check your travel history, recharge your travel card, and tell you when the next bus, tram, or metro stop's due.

Bus service hours

Buses in Valencia run from 04:00 in the morning until 10:30 at night. After 10:30 p.m. you can take the night bus. These run until 02:00 a.m on weekdays and until 03:30 a.m. on weekends.

Valencia's a great city to cycle in! The city is mainly flat with great weather all year round and has separate bike lanes that make it easy and safe to cycle. If that’s not enough reason, cycling's just a cheap, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around in Valencia.

In fact, cycling's so popular that there's even a state-wide cycling system.

Valenbisi: Valencia’s bike-sharing system

Valenbisi's the cycle rental service in Valencia that offers 2,750 bikes across 275 docking stations. If you are planning to make use of these cycles, you can choose from 2 subscription plans. Both plans grant you access to use a bike and can be purchased online or at the physical station.

The weekly subscription plan costs €13.30 and is perfect when going out with friends.

The Annual Subscription costs €29.21 and is perfect for frequent users. There are special rates for those who are +55 and +35 without a job for more than 7 months.

On top of the subscriptions costs, there is also a usage cost.

Hot tip: Change your cycle every 30 minutes to enjoy your ride for free.

How to rent your Valenbisi cycle: To rent a cycle, head over to a terminal. For annual subscribers with the Mobilis card, tap your card and enter your 4 digit password. For weekly subscribers, type in your 6 digit login access code and 4 digit password code sent to your email. To return your bike, simply return it to a stand and wait until you hear the 2 beeps.

You can combine your Valenbisi Annual Card with your Mobilis card. This way you can travel hassle-free with just one card.

Get your own bike

While the Valenbisi bike-sharing program is popular, these bikes can be heavy, not well maintained, or always available. If you prefer flexibility and hygiene, you should consider buying your own (second-hand) cycle or getting a bike subscription. Make sure to also purchase a good lock!

While most locals prefer to walk, cycle, or take the metro, taking a taxi is useful if you are travelling late at night or have a lot of luggage.

Getting hold of a Taxi

You can use the trusty Uber or Cabify, or just hail a taxi by waving your hand at a taxi with green light, visit a taxi stand, or call for a taxi..

If you decide to call a taxi, your ride will start as soon as the driver starts driving towards you, not when you board the taxi. There might be extra charges for calling as well.

Cost of Taxis

All taxis in Valencia run on a meter. The cost of your trip is dependent on what time you take the taxi and how far you go.

With any taxi, there's a start price of the journey, a minimum cost the trip has to last for, and a price per kilometer after the first 2.5km or 3.5km. There are also additional costs associated if you travel with excess luggage or get a taxi to and from the airport or port.

If you are in the city, everything's easily accessible by walking or taking the public transport system. However, if you do wish to buy a car in Valencia, here are some pointers for you:

• Free parking is hard to find in the city centre.
• Street parking spots are marked with blue and orange street markings. Parking here can cost €1/hour and is limited to 2 hours. Parking is free in off-peak hours (between 14:00-15:00 p.m., after 20:00 p.m, and on Sundays).
• Parking in public car parks can cost approximately €7.90 for 3 hours, up to €19.95 for the whole day.
• Double parking is common for street parking. But we recommend not copying the locals with this as it can cost €300!

Instead of a car, you can buy or rent a scooter as they are easy to park and cheaper.

Now that you know how to use the public transport system, are you ready to explore Valencia, one of the best cities to live in Spain?

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