Practical guide
Everything you need to know
Valencia Airport (VLC)
8 km from the city center. Metro lines 3 and 5 to Xàtiva or Colón in ~25 min (~€5). Taxi around €20–25. Bus 150 is also available.
Trains and high-speed rail
Joaquín Sorolla receives high-speed trains from Madrid (~1h50) and Barcelona (~3h). Estació del Nord (a modernist station) serves commuter and medium-distance trains.
Metro, tram and bus
10 Metrovalencia lines + tram to the beach (line 6) and the EMT city bus network. Rechargeable 10-trip pass. App: ValènciaBus.
Parking
Avoid driving in the city center: the low-emission zone is active. Recommended car parks: Reina, Plaza de la Reina, Mercado Central and Brujas. Hotels often have agreements.
Bicycles and cycle lanes
More than 160 km of cycle lanes, including the Turia Garden. Valenbisi (public service with a weekly fee) or private rentals from €10/day.
Safety
Valencia is one of Spain’s safest cities. Take basic precautions against pickpockets at Mercado Central, Estació del Nord and the beach in August.
Emergencies
General emergencies: 112. Local police: 092. Guardia Civil: 062. Tourist information: 010.
Climate
Mild Mediterranean climate: ~300 days of sunshine a year. Hot summer (28–32°C), mild winter (10–16°C). Spring and autumn are perfect.
Budget
Affordable city: set lunch menu from €12–15, restaurant paella €18–25/person, coffee €1.80, transport €1.50/trip.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (Sept–Oct) are ideal: good weather without the crowds. March for Las Fallas, July–August for the beach.