Travel guide
Valencia travel guide: getting here, getting around and what to see, with live data
Valencia is flat, sunny and easy to get around: the metro links the airport with the city centre in about 20 minutes, a €1.10 SUMA card works on buses, metro and trams, and there is no tourist tax. This guide brings together the practical side —getting here, getting around, when to go— and the unmissable sights, with official data and real-time timetables.
Updated September 27, 2026
The essentials in 60 seconds
- Airport → centre
- Metro L3 or L5, about 20–25 min; single ticket €4.80 (included in the €9 24-hour SUMA T+).
- Transport
- A cardboard SUMA card (€1.10) works on EMT buses, metro, tram, MetroBús and Cercanías trains.
- Weather
- About 2,760 hours of sunshine a year; average highs from 16 °C in January to 31 °C in August (AEMET).
- Tourist tax
- None: the Valencian Region does not charge a tourist tax in 2026.
- Languages
- Spanish and Valencian are both official; you'll see both on the streets.
- Emergencies
- 112, free and answered in several languages.
Today in Valencia
What's happening right now, straight from the events listings and live transport.
Plan
Before you go: getting here, when to visit and what's worth knowing.
- Airport to city centreMetro, MetroBús or taxi: times, prices and real timetables.
- How to get to ValenciaBy train, coach, ferry or car (and the low-emission zone).
- When to goMonth-by-month weather, sea temperature and seasonal festivals.
- Practical informationSafety, water, pharmacies, opening hours, tipping and language.
Get around
Public transport, travel cards and accessibility to get around without a car.
Discover
What to see, in how many days, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, beaches, food and day trips.
- Things to see in ValenciaThe must-sees, grouped by area and with tickets.
- Valencia in 1, 2 or 3 daysHour-by-hour itineraries with real routes and transport.
- Valencia's neighbourhoodsWhat each area offers and which suits you for your stay.
- Valencia's beachesFrom Malvarrosa to El Saler: how to reach each one.
- What to eat in ValenciaAuthentic paella, horchata, esmorzaret and markets.
- Day trips from ValenciaThe Albufera, Sagunto, Xàtiva and more by public transport.
- Tours and routesGuided tours, self-guided routes and an AI route planner.
Experience
Festivals, events and what's on in the city while you're here.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Valencia?
Three days let you see the essentials without rushing: one for the old town (Cathedral, Silk Exchange, Central Market), another for the City of Arts and Sciences and the Turia gardens, and a third for the beach, El Cabanyal and the Albufera. With two days you'll have to choose; with one, focus on Ciutat Vella. Our itineraries lay out all three plans hour by hour.
How do I get from the airport to Valencia city centre?
The metro is the easiest option: lines 3 and 5 leave from the station beneath the terminal and reach the centre (Xàtiva, Colón) in about 20–25 minutes. A single ticket costs €4.80 plus the €1.10 cardboard card. There is also the slower MetroBús 150, and a taxi costs roughly €20–30 depending on the time and destination.
Which transport card should I buy as a tourist?
It depends on how many days you stay and how much you travel. For a short break with few journeys, a zone A SUMA 10 is enough (€5.40 for ten trips). If you'll use public transport a lot and arrive by plane, the SUMA T+ (€9 for 24 hours, €17 for 72 hours) includes the airport and unlimited travel. Our calculator tells you which works out cheapest.
Is there a tourist tax in Valencia?
No. The Valencian Region passed a tax on tourist stays, but it was repealed in November 2023 before it was ever collected, and in 2026 there is no regional or municipal tourist tax. If your accommodation adds a surcharge, it's their own fee, not a tax.
Is Valencia a safe city for tourists?
Yes, it's a calm city with little violent crime. The usual problem is petty theft in busy areas: the old town, the metro, the Central Market and the beach. Wear your backpack on your front in crowds, don't leave your phone on terrace tables, and call 112 if anything happens.
Official sources
Figures and timetables checked against these sources. If anything has changed, the official source prevails.