Zaragoza

🚌

Public Transportation

Sections

1. Types of Public Transportation in Zaragoza

Zaragoza’s public transportation system is managed by the municipal company Avanza Zaragoza and includes the following options:

A. Urban Buses

  • Overview: The bus network is extensive, covering the entire city and its outskirts. It is the most commonly used mode of public transport in Zaragoza.
  • Routes: There are over 40 bus lines, including daytime and nighttime services. Key lines connect major landmarks, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.
  • Night Buses: Known as "Búho" (Owl) buses, these operate on weekends and holidays to provide late-night service.

B. Tram (Tranvía)

  • Overview: Zaragoza has a modern tram system with a single line (Line 1) that runs north to south, connecting key areas such as the city center, Gran Vía, and Parque Goya.
  • Stops: The tram has 25 stops, including major points like Plaza España, Plaza del Pilar, and the University of Zaragoza.
  • Frequency: Trams are frequent and reliable, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

C. Suburban Trains (Cercanías)

  • Overview: Zaragoza has a limited suburban train network (Cercanías Zaragoza), primarily connecting the city center with nearby towns and suburbs.
  • Key Line: The main Cercanías line is C1, which runs between Miraflores and Casetas, with stops at Delicias (the main train station) and Utebo.

D. Taxis

  • Overview: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or via apps. They are metered and relatively affordable for short distances.

E. Bicycle Sharing (Bizi Zaragoza)

  • Overview: Zaragoza has a public bike-sharing system called Bizi Zaragoza, which is ideal for short trips and exploring the city. There are over 130 docking stations across the city.

2. Schedules and Operating Hours

A. Urban Buses

  • Daytime Buses: Operate from approximately 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the line.
  • Night Buses: Operate from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM on weekends and holidays.

B. Tram

  • Weekdays: Operates from 5:00 AM to midnight, with trams every 5-10 minutes during peak hours.
  • Weekends: Operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, with slightly reduced frequency.

C. Suburban Trains

  • Weekdays: Trains run approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours and every hour during off-peak times.
  • Weekends: Reduced frequency, with trains running every 1-2 hours.

D. Bizi Zaragoza

  • Available 24/7, but docking stations may have limited availability during peak hours.

3. Ticketing Options and Costs

Zaragoza uses an integrated ticketing system, allowing you to use the same card for buses, trams, and suburban trains. Below are the main ticketing options:

A. Single Tickets

  • Cost: €1.50 for buses and trams.
  • Purchase: Available directly from the driver (buses) or ticket machines at tram stops. Exact change is recommended for bus drivers.

B. Multi-Trip Cards (Abono Transporte)

  • Description: Preloaded cards that offer discounted fares for multiple trips.
  • Cost:
    • Bonobús: €8.50 for 10 trips (valid on buses and trams).
    • Monthly Pass: €42.50 for unlimited travel within a month.
  • Purchase: Available at kiosks, tobacco shops (estancos), and ticket machines.

C. Tourist Card

  • Description: Designed for visitors, this card offers unlimited travel on buses and trams for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
  • Cost:
    • 24 hours: €8
    • 48 hours: €12
    • 72 hours: €16
  • Purchase: Available at tourist offices and online.

D. Bizi Zaragoza Subscription

  • Cost:
    • Annual subscription: €36
    • First 30 minutes of each ride are free; additional time costs €0.50 per 30 minutes.
  • Purchase: Register online at the Bizi Zaragoza website.

E. Suburban Train Tickets

  • Cost: Varies by distance, starting at €1.80 for a single trip.
  • Purchase: Available at ticket machines and counters at train stations.

4. How to Purchase Tickets

  • Bus: Pay the driver directly for single tickets or use a preloaded card.
  • Tram: Use ticket machines at tram stops to purchase single tickets or recharge cards.
  • Suburban Trains: Use ticket machines or counters at train stations.
  • Online: Some passes, like the Tourist Card and Bizi Zaragoza subscription, can be purchased online.

5. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

  • Punctuality: Public transportation in Zaragoza is generally punctual, but buses may experience delays during peak hours or due to traffic.
  • Boarding: Enter buses through the front door and exit through the rear doors. Validate your ticket or card upon boarding.
  • Tram Etiquette: Allow passengers to exit before boarding. Priority seating is reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
  • Language: Most ticket machines and tram announcements are available in Spanish and English. However, bus drivers may only speak Spanish, so it’s helpful to know basic phrases.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid traveling during peak hours (8:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if possible, as buses and trams can get crowded.
  • Bizi Zaragoza: Always return bikes to a docking station to avoid additional charges. Check the availability of bikes and docking spaces using the Bizi Zaragoza app.
  • Safety: Zaragoza is a safe city, but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded buses and trams.

6. Accessibility

  • Buses: Most buses are wheelchair accessible and have designated spaces for strollers and wheelchairs.
  • Trams: Fully accessible, with low floors and ramps at all stops.
  • Suburban Trains: Accessibility varies by station, so check in advance if you require assistance.

7. Additional Resources

  • Avanza Zaragoza Website: www.avanzazaragoza.com (for bus and tram schedules, routes, and updates).
  • Bizi Zaragoza Website: www.bizizaragoza.com (for bike-sharing information and registration).
  • Tourist Information: Visit the Zaragoza Tourism Office for maps, guides, and assistance.

By using this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate Zaragoza’s public transportation system efficiently and enjoy your time in this beautiful city!