You might think that with 753,583 registered residents crammed into 44,47 sq. kms. Valencia proper- excluding the environs that is - would be a nightmare to navigate. But its structure makes it easy to reach the main points of interest on your two legs
Bus
The layout of Valencia makes it an easy city to explore on foot, but if you're more a sit-and-ride than an up-and-stride sort of person the efficient EMT bus service (tel: 96 352 8399) covers the centre and also operates a special service for the disabled.
One ride costs 0.75 euros, but more economical is the 10 rides for 4.20 euros Bonobus which can be picked up any kiosk. Also available are the special daily tickets which are perfect for visitors.
From the Plaza del Ayuntamiento you can catch a bus to almost anywhere worth visiting. The red, double-decker Valencia Bus Turistic offers a quick whirl around the most popular sights, and, during the summer, leaves every hour from Plaza de la Reina, 10:30am-7:30pm. It has a multilingual audio system in eight languages and costs 7.80 euros a tour.
Metro
There's also a metro system with stations close to the main locations in the centre of town such as the Town Hall, the universities, c/Colon and Plaza Espaņa). The metro runs every quarter of an hour and costs 1 euro. It's possible to connect with the train to La Malvarrosa beach at some stations.
TRANSPORT HIRE
Cars
To hire a car in Spain you must be over 21 and have held your driving licence for a year or more. A credit card is essential. Prices can vary considerably from company to company with many doing special deals off-season and at weekends.
The following is a list of both local and international rental companies:
Autos Golden
Paseo Alameda 36 bajo, tel: 96 337 44 80; www.autogolden.com
Taxi
The quickest way of getting around, however, is by taxi. The minimum fare is 2.40 euros, although this can sometimes be confusing as the metre may read less; it is simply switched on to register fares over 2.40 euros.
Cab companies
Compaņia Valenciana de Radio Taxi
c/Gremis 8, Poligono Industrial Vara de Quart, tel: 96 370 3333/fax: 96 383 4170
Pucol
tel: 609 682 356/fax: 96 142 3273
Taxistar
tel: 639 616 666 or 608 660 342
Special services: Mercedes and Mini vans.
