Valencia

🚌

Public Transport

Sections

1. Types of Public Transport in Valencia

Valencia offers several modes of public transport, including buses, metro, trams, and bicycles. Here’s an overview:

A. MetroValencia (Metro and Tram)

  • Metro: Valencia’s metro system is extensive, with 9 lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) connecting the city center to the suburbs and nearby towns.
  • Tram: The tram system (part of MetroValencia) operates on the surface and is ideal for reaching coastal areas like Malvarrosa Beach and the university district.

B. EMT Buses (Empresa Municipal de Transportes)

  • The EMT operates an extensive network of urban buses covering the entire city, including areas not served by the metro or tram.
  • Night buses (known as "NitBus") are available for late-night travel.

C. Regional Trains (Cercanías)

  • Operated by Renfe, these trains connect Valencia with nearby towns and cities, such as Sagunto, Gandía, and Castellón.

D. Valenbisi (Public Bicycle Sharing System)

  • Valencia is a bike-friendly city with a dedicated bike-sharing system and over 150 km of bike lanes.

E. Taxis and Ride-Sharing

  • Taxis are widely available and metered. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify also operate in Valencia.

2. Schedules

MetroValencia

  • Operating Hours:
    • Monday to Thursday: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Friday and Saturday: 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM
    • Sundays and holidays: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Frequency: Trains run every 5-20 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.

EMT Buses

  • Operating Hours:
    • Most buses run from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
    • Night buses (NitBus) operate from 10:30 PM to 2:00 AM, with some lines running until 4:00 AM.
  • Frequency: Buses typically run every 10-20 minutes during peak hours.

Valenbisi

  • Available 24/7.

Regional Trains

  • Schedules vary by route, but most lines operate from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to late evening (around 10:00 PM).

3. Ticketing Options and Costs

Valencia uses an integrated ticketing system for metro, tram, and buses. Here are the main options:

A. Single Tickets

  • Metro/Tram: €1.50–€4.10 (depending on the number of zones traveled).
  • Bus: €1.50 per ride (purchased directly from the driver).

B. Bonometro (Metro/Tram Multi-Ride Card)

  • Cost: €8.00 for 10 trips (valid for one zone; additional zones cost more).
  • Validity: Can be shared among multiple people.

C. Bonobus (Bus Multi-Ride Card)

  • Cost: €8.50 for 10 trips.
  • Validity: Cannot be shared.

D. Combined Cards

  • Bono Transbordo: €9.00 for 10 trips, valid on both EMT buses and MetroValencia.
  • TuiN Card: A rechargeable card for unlimited travel within a specific time period. Costs vary based on zones and duration.

E. Tourist Cards

  • Valencia Tourist Card: Offers unlimited travel on buses, metro, and trams, plus discounts at attractions.
    • Cost: €15 (24 hours), €20 (48 hours), €25 (72 hours).

F. Valenbisi

  • Cost: €13.30 for a weekly pass or €29.21 for an annual subscription.
  • The first 30 minutes of each ride are free; additional time costs €1.04 per hour.

4. How to Purchase Tickets

  • Metro/Tram: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in metro stations or at authorized kiosks.
  • Bus: Single tickets can be bought directly from the driver (cash only). Multi-ride cards must be purchased at kiosks or tobacco shops ("estancos").
  • Valenbisi: Subscriptions can be purchased online or at Valenbisi stations.

5. Apps and Tools for Navigation

  • MetroValencia App: Provides real-time metro and tram schedules, route planning, and ticket information.
  • EMT Valencia App: Offers bus schedules, route maps, and a trip planner.
  • Moovit: A comprehensive app for public transport navigation in Valencia.
  • Google Maps: Reliable for planning routes using public transport.
  • Valenbisi App: Tracks bike availability and station locations.

6. Local Tips and Considerations

  • Zones: Valencia’s public transport system is divided into zones (A, B, C, and D). Most tourist attractions are in Zone A, so a single-zone ticket is usually sufficient.
  • Validation: Always validate your ticket when boarding a bus or entering a metro/tram station. Fines for traveling without a valid ticket can be steep (€50 or more).
  • Peak Hours: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM and 6:00–8:00 PM). Plan accordingly.
  • Bike-Friendly City: Valencia’s flat terrain and extensive bike lanes make cycling a great option for short trips.
  • Tourist Card Perks: The Valencia Tourist Card includes free public transport and discounts at museums, restaurants, and shops, making it a good option for visitors.
  • Accessibility: Most metro stations and buses are wheelchair accessible. Look for the accessibility symbol when planning your route.

7. Example Itinerary Using Public Transport

If you’re visiting Valencia for a day, here’s how you can use public transport:

  1. Morning: Take the metro (Line 3 or 5) to the City of Arts and Sciences.
  2. Afternoon: Use the tram (Line 4) to reach Malvarrosa Beach for lunch and relaxation.
  3. Evening: Hop on an EMT bus to the historic city center (Plaza de la Virgen) for sightseeing and dinner.

Valencia’s public transport system is affordable, efficient, and easy to use, making it a great way to explore the city. With the right ticket and a bit of planning, you’ll be able to navigate Valencia like a local!