Understanding the Lay of the Land
Valencia is a sprawling city, and getting around efficiently means understanding which mode of transport suits which trip. The city centre — clustered around the Estació del Nord, the Plaza de Toros, and the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) — is compact enough to explore on foot, while the wider metropolitan area is served by a multi-line metro, an extensive bus network, and regional rail connections. Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill in the gaps, particularly for airport transfers and evening journeys.
Walking
Walking is the most practical way to explore the historic heart of Valencia. Much of the city can be done on foot, stopping for a coffee or a beer and then walking more, all very leisurely. Aside from going to the beach and the City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the hub of the city requires no public transportation. Pedestrians should be careful not to walk in the designated bike lanes.
That said, walking comes with caveats. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid isolated neighbourhoods, industrial zones, and unlit streets after dark. Pickpocketing does occur in crowded markets and bus terminals, so keep phones, cameras, and valuables out of sight. Cycling is not a practical substitute for walking: dedicated bike lanes are scarce, and cycling on main roads is dangerous. A few parks have designated cycling paths, and some tour operators offer guided bike trips, but cycling is not recommended as general tourist transport.
Metro
Valencia's metro is a multi-line system. Lines 3 and 5 run directly to the town centre and link the airport to the main train station, Estación del Norte (beside the Xàtiva metro stop), running every 8 minutes and taking about 21 minutes. Other lines serve stations across the network, including Jesús (lines 1, 2, and 7), Túria (lines 1 and 2), and Alacant (line 10). It is clean, efficient, and generally considered safe.
Tickets are handled through a contactless electronic card system. You can buy and recharge cards at station booths, and single-ride tickets are also available. A one-way ticket from the airport to the city centre costs €3.90, plus an additional €1 for the cardboard ticket with rechargeable chip; tickets can be purchased at a manned service counter (English spoken) and at vending machines which do accept credit cards. Fares are paid in euros. There are no trains between the hours of midnight and 05:30.
Note that Valencia also has a tram system: the SUMA 10 card includes unlimited transfers between metro (or tram) lines.
Buses and Regional Rail
The bus network is an extensive form of public transport in the city, and it is inexpensive. The Estació d'Autobusos de València (Valencia Bus Station) on Avinguda de Menéndez Pidal is served by metro Túria (lines 1 and 2), and a dozen bus companies operate there, with arrivals from almost every big city in Spain and most cities in the Valencia region. Ticket offices are on the upper floor, as are a café and information booth. The building is not well managed and the level of services during the night is kept to bare minimum, with very little comfortable seating available if any.
Fernanbus operates bus route 150 from the airport, with yellow buses departing every 15 minutes and terminating at Àngel Guimerá. Tickets cost €1.50 and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
For travel within the city, the rechargeable SUMA 10 card is valid for both metro and bus travel. It allows for ten journeys, including transfers begun within 90 minutes of commencing your journey. The included transfers comprise unlimited transfers between metro (or tram) lines, and a single transfer to or from bus lines. Cards are not personalized, and a single card can be used by multiple people. The SUMA 10 cards are sold from machines in metro stations, and as of 2025 cost €8 (€4 until 30th June 25) for a single zone, with an additional fee of €1 for a cardboard card and €2 for a plastic card. The cards can be recharged at any metro ticket machine.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate from designated stands, including one just outside the arrivals hall at the airport. A ride from the airport to Carrer de la Pau, in the heart of the historic city centre approximately 11 km away, costs around €20-23 with an additional 'airport supplement' of around €5 (Jan 2015). The tariffs are on display in the taxi in Valencian, Spanish and English but are difficult to see. The same journey back from Carrer de la Pau to the airport is half the price. You can book a taxi by calling a radio taxi company or booking online; operators include Direct Taxi Valencia, Radio Taxi Manises, Radio Taxi Valencia, Taxis de Valencia, and Taxi Valencia.
For safety, use hotel-arranged trusted taxis rather than hailing unmarked street taxis, especially at night. Before entering any vehicle, verify the car model, license plate, and driver name. Carry small denominations to make payment easier.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Valencia Airport (VLC) is in the neighbouring town of Manises, 9 km from the city centre. Major airlines serving Valencia from several domestic and European airports are Air Europa, easyJet, Iberia, Ryanair, Transavia, Vueling and Wizz Air amongst others. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (free for the first 30 minutes), and there are a number of restaurants and duty-free shops after security. Nearly all intercontinental visitors will need to connect through a major European hub to reach Valencia, unless they are in a position to take the seasonal direct Air Transat transatlantic flight from Montreal.
A taxi stand is just outside the arrivals hall. If you are arriving at the main bus terminal instead, use official taxi stalls, and avoid unsolicited offers from drivers approaching you inside or outside the terminal.
Car Rental and Other Options
Renting a car is possible but generally not recommended for tourists due to safety concerns. If you do rent, you will need a valid national driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and a credit card for the deposit; the minimum age is usually 21 or 25. Major international brands have a limited presence, often at airports, alongside local companies.
Driving conditions vary widely: expect potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and poor lighting, with aggressive driving common. Seatbelts are mandatory. Parking is available in malls and designated lots, often paid, while street parking is risky due to theft. Motorcycles and scooters are extremely rare and discouraged because of road safety and crime risks. Tuk-tuks and jeepneys do not operate here, and there are no boat taxis, cable cars, or funiculars for getting around the city.
Accessibility and Organised Tours
Accessibility services for travellers with mobility needs are very limited. Public transport is generally not accessible, and you may need to contact specialised travel agencies to arrange suitable transport. There are no hop-on-hop-off tour buses; what are marketed as "tour buses" are typically private, pre-arranged group tours. For guided experiences and day trips outside the city, a private car with a driver or guide is the most practical option.