Valencia has a surprisingly extensive metro network for a city of its size. Metrovalencia operates nine lines — including a direct connection to the airport — plus a pair of tram lines along the seafront. It is not as fast as the Madrid or Barcelona systems, but it covers the city well and is easy to use. Combined with the city's cycling infrastructure, it makes Valencia one of the more navigable Spanish cities for visitors.
The metro network
Metrovalencia's lines are numbered 1 through 10 (with no line 7 in regular service), and several lines share tracks through the city centre before diverging to serve different suburbs. The most useful lines for visitors are:
- Line 3 (red): connects the airport (Aeroport station) with the city centre and continues to the Rafelbunyol area in the north. This is the primary airport link and one of the busiest lines for visitors. Journey time from the airport to Xàtia (near the old town and main rail station) is around 25–30 minutes.
- Line 5 (green): also runs to the airport, sharing the airport section with line 3, and continues to Marítim-Serrería — the station closest to the beach and Malvarrosa seafront.
- Line 1 (orange): a long east–west line crossing the city, useful for reaching the Riba-roja de Túria area and connecting with other lines.
- Line 2: covers several suburban areas and connects at key interchanges.
The main interchange station for the city centre is Xàtiva, which connects multiple metro lines and sits directly beneath the Estació del Nord — Valencia's beautiful Modernista main railway station for regional and long-distance Renfe trains. Ángel Guimerà is the other key interchange, where several lines converge in the western part of the city.
The airport connection
Getting from Valencia Airport (VLC) to the city centre by metro is easy and straightforward. Lines 3 and 5 both serve the Aeroport station, which is directly connected to the terminal building. Trains run frequently throughout the day; the journey to the city centre takes around 25–30 minutes depending on your destination. This is considerably cheaper than a taxi and avoids any traffic issues — the metro is the recommended first choice for most arrivals.
Check which line you board at the airport. Lines 3 and 5 share the airport station but serve different destinations. If you are heading for the old town or main rail station, line 3 to the city centre stops is the correct choice; if you are heading to the beach at Malvarrosa, line 5 is more direct.
Trams
Valencia has two tram lines (T4 and T6 in the Metrovalencia system) running north along the coast from the Natzaret and Marítim-Serrería area toward El Cabañal and the northern beaches. They share the same tickets and passes as the metro network. The trams offer a pleasant, slower ride along the seafront neighbourhoods — more useful for reaching the beach areas than for cross-city travel.
Buses
The EMT Valencia bus network covers the areas the metro and tram do not reach, including a broad network within the old city. For visitor sightseeing within the historic centre, buses and walking are often more convenient than the metro, as the old town is compact. The tourist-oriented Bus Turístic also operates but uses its own ticketing.
Tickets and passes
Metrovalencia uses a zone-based fare system. The city centre and airport fall within Zone A and Zone B respectively, so journeys to/from the airport require a Zone A+B ticket rather than the basic Zone A single ticket — an important detail to get right.
- Single ticket (Zone A): covers most travel within the city. Inexpensive and available at all metro station machines.
- Airport ticket: a specific combined ticket for the airport journey, covering the zone crossing. Priced somewhat higher than a city ticket.
- Bono (carnet de 10): ten-journey card for Zone A, offering a significant discount per journey. Not valid for the airport zone crossing without a supplementary charge.
- Bono Turístico (Valencia Tourist Card): available for 24, 48 or 72 hours and includes unlimited travel on metro, tram and EMT buses, plus discounts at various attractions. For a sightseeing-heavy visit this can represent good value.
The Tarjeta EMT (reloadable card) is what locals use and can also be used on metro and trams. However, for short visits the Tourist Card or standard tickets are simpler. Cards and tickets are purchased at metro station machines (most have English language option).
City bikes and cycling
Valencia is one of Spain's most cycling-friendly cities, with an extensive network of dedicated cycle lanes, including paths along the old Turia riverbed — now a long green park running through the city. The Valenbisi bike-share scheme covers much of the city and is accessible with a card. For journeys within the historic centre and the Turia park, cycling is often faster and more pleasant than the metro.
Practical tips
- The Metrovalencia system is partially underground in the city centre and partially at street level or above ground in suburban sections — do not be surprised when the train emerges into daylight outside the centre.
- Metro and tram services run from approximately 05:00 to midnight. Night bus services operate on key routes after midnight.
- The Barcelona metro and Valencia metro both use similar smart-card technology, but cards are not interchangeable between cities.
- Real-time departures are displayed at stations; the Metrovalencia app and website provide journey planning in Spanish and English.
- Valencia's beaches (Malvarrosa and La Patacona) are easily reached by tram or metro line 5 — a pleasant alternative to taxis.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Valencia Airport to the city centre by metro?
Take metro line 3 or line 5 from the Aeroport station, directly connected to the terminal. Lines run frequently; the journey to the city centre (Xàtiva or Colón stations) takes around 25–30 minutes. You need an airport-zone ticket, which is priced higher than a standard city ticket.
Is the Valencia Tourist Card worth buying?
If you plan multiple metro, tram and bus journeys each day and want attraction discounts, the 48- or 72-hour Tourist Card can save money. For a shorter visit or mainly walking, standard tickets may be cheaper overall.
Does the Valencia metro go to the beach?
Yes. Metro line 5 goes to Marítim-Serrería, close to Malvarrosa beach, and the tram lines T4 and T6 run along the northern seafront. From the city centre to the beach is roughly 20–25 minutes.
Are Valencia metro and bus tickets combined?
Zone A single tickets and the Tourist Card cover both metro/tram and EMT buses. The standard Bono 10 card for the metro is not automatically valid on EMT buses — different top-ups apply for bus-only travel.
Sources and further reading:
- Network maps, timetables and ticket information: Metrovalencia (FGV) official website.
- Bus network and Tourist Card: EMT Valencia.