Public transport in Valencia is reliable, clean, and affordable — but only if you know which ticket to buy. Walk into a Metrovalencia station and you'll be greeted by a confusing array of machines, card types, and zone combinations. Get it wrong and you'll pay double what you should. This guide covers every ticket option so you can ride like a local from day one.
EMT vs Metrovalencia vs TRAM — What's the Difference?
Valencia has three separate public transport systems, and understanding the difference saves you money:
| System | Type | Coverage | Accepts SUMA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT | City buses | Urban bus network (lines 1–100+) | Yes (2025+) |
| Metrovalencia | Metro + tram | City centre + suburbs + beach | Yes |
| TRAM (Ferrocaril de la Generalitat) | Light rail | Coastal line to Port Saplaya & L'Albufera | Yes |
The SUMA card is the universal rechargeable card that works across all three systems. This is what you want.
The SUMA Card — Your Essential Valencia Transport Tool
The SUMA card replaced the older TMB and SUMA Valencia cards. It's a reusable plastic card that you top up with credit or trips. You buy the physical card once (€3.30 deposit, refundable if you return it) and load it with trips or a monthly pass.
Where to Get a SUMA Card
- Metro stations — any ticket machine in the Metro network (Aeroport, Xà tiva, Colón, Túria, etc.)
- EMT sales points — Estació del Nord, Mercado de Colón
- Online — Order a card at emtval.es and pick it up at designated points
How to Top Up
- Insert the card into any Metro or EMT ticket machine
- Select "Recargar" (recharge)
- Choose credit (€5, €10, €20, €50) or a specific trip package
- Pay with card or cash
Pro tip: You can also top up via the EMT València app using NFC if your phone supports it — no need to queue at a machine.
Ticket Types & 2026 Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single journey (Metro) | €1.50–€4.50 | One-off trips, tourists |
| SUMO 10 trips | €7.90 (Zone A) | Most expats, casual riders |
| SUMO 30 trips | €19.80 (Zone A) | Commuters, 10 trips/month |
| Monthly pass (Zone A) | €40.00 | Daily commuters |
| Monthly pass (Zones A+B) | €65.00 | Suburb commuters |
| Annual pass (Zone A) | €320.00 (€26.67/mo) | Long-term residents |
| TURISTA Card (1 day) | €4.00 | Tourists exploring the city |
| TURISTA Card (7 days) | €15.00 | Week-long visitors |
| Aeroport single (Metro) | €4.90 | Airport transfer |
The SUMO 10-trip ticket is the sweet spot for most expats. At €7.90 for 10 trips, each ride costs just €0.79 — compared to €1.50+ for a single. The trips never expire, so there's no rush to use them.
Zones Explained — Do You Really Need Zone B?
Metrovalencia divides the metropolitan area into fare zones. Zone A covers the entire city of Valencia plus the immediate metropolitan area — including the airport (Aeroport station, Line 3/5), the beach (Malvarrosa/El Cabanyal, Line 4/6), and all central neighbourhoods (Ruzafa, Eixample, El Carmen, Campanar, Patraix, Benimaclet, etc.).
Zone B covers outer suburbs like Torrent, Paterna, Burjassot, Mislata, and Manises. You only need Zone B if you live or work in these suburbs.
95% of expats only need Zone A. If you live in the city proper (which most do), a Zone A ticket covers everything — including the airport.
Airport Transfer — Metro vs Taxi vs Bus
| Option | Cost | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 or 5 | €4.90 (single) or SUMA deducted | 35 min to city centre | Runs every 15 min, 05:30–23:30 |
| Taxi | €25–€30 flat rate | 20–25 min | Door-to-door, 24/7 |
| Bus Line 150 | €1.85 (SUMA) | 30–40 min | Cheapest option, stops at Estació del Nord |
| Aerobus | €6.00 | 20 min | Express to city centre, luggage storage |
Our recommendation: Take the Metro if you're arriving between 05:30 and 23:30. It's fast, cheap, and drops you at Xà tiva (next to the train station) or Colón (city centre). Use a taxi if you arrive late at night with heavy luggage.
Valencia Bici + Metro Combo
Valencia's public bike system Valenbisi (subscription €29/year, €1.56/day) integrates nicely with the Metro network. Many stations are within 2 minutes' walk of a Metro stop. The combo works like this:
- Take Metro to the edge of your neighbourhood
- Grab a Valenbisi bike for the last mile
- Park at your destination — no need to worry about parking fees or traffic
For expats, Valenbisi is an excellent alternative to a car. With €29/year and the first 30 minutes free per trip, many long-term residents never buy a car.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a single ticket every time — the SUMO 10-trip costs €7.90 (€0.79/ride) vs €1.50 per single. You save 47% instantly.
- Forgetting to validate — you must tap your SUMA card at the entry gates. If you forget, inspectors can fine you €100 on the spot.
- Using the wrong zone — Zone B costs more. If you only travel within Valencia city, Zone A is sufficient. Don't let the machine upsell you.
- Not knowing the last Metro — the last Metro departs the city centre around 23:30 (later on Fridays/Saturdays). After that, you'll need a taxi (€8–€15 within the city).
- Assuming cash works everywhere — many smaller stations only accept card. Have a Visa/Mastercard ready.
Quick Reference — What Should You Buy?
| Your Situation | Recommended Ticket | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (3–7 days) | TURISTA Card 7-day | €15 total |
| Short-term expat (1–3 months) | SUMO 10-trip (Zone A) | €8–€16/month |
| Commuter (daily metro use) | Monthly pass Zone A | €40/month |
| Long-term resident | Annual pass Zone A | €26.67/month |
| Beach lover + city explorer | SUMO 10-trip + Valenbisi | €10.30/month |
FAQ
Can I use my SUMA card on buses too?
Yes! Since 2025, the SUMA card works on EMT city buses. Tap on when you board, tap off when you exit. The fare is deducted from your balance just like on the Metro.
Is the SUMA card transferable?
No — the SUMA card is personal and non-transferable. If you're caught using someone else's card, you'll be fined. However, there's no name or photo on the card, so enforcement relies on random checks.
Do I need a SUMA card for the airport Metro?
Yes — the airport station (Aeroport) accepts SUMA cards. You can buy a card at the airport ticket machine and load it immediately. Alternatively, buy a single ticket for €4.90 if you only need the one trip.
What if I lose my SUMA card?
Unfortunately, the SUMA card is not registered to your identity, so lost cards cannot be recovered or replaced with the remaining balance. Treat it like cash.
Are there discounts for students or seniors?
Yes — EU students under 26 with a valid student card get reduced monthly passes (€20/month for Zone A). Seniors over 65 travel free on EMT buses and at reduced rates on Metrovalencia. Register for a personal SUMA card at any EMT office with your ID to activate discounts.
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