Valencia Cruise Port to the Old Town: Bus, Taxi or Walk
Quick answer: You cannot walk comfortably. The old town is about 4.5 km from the Trasmed terminal, an hour on foot along busy roads. Walk about 10 minutes to the Pont de les Drassanes stop and take EMT bus 4 to the old town (about 45 minutes) or bus 95 to the City of Arts and Sciences (about 20 minutes). Both cost €2 a ride (2026). A taxi takes 15–20 minutes. For a 17:30 all-aboard, leave the old town by 15:30 and be on board by 16:00.
Where the cruise ships dock
Valencia is not a tender port. Ships dock at one of two places.
- ·Trasmed passenger terminal (Moll de Ponent). In the south zone of the port, at the entrance closest to the city. Ships under 300 m use it, and it handles check-in. It is wheelchair accessible, with a bar, shops and free wifi. Taxis wait at the official rank by the door. Ride-hailing pick-ups are in the outdoor area.
- ·Cruise quays in the northern extension. Ships over 300 m berth further out. A port shuttle links these quays with the Trasmed terminal, about 2–2.5 km away. From the terminal you leave the port on foot or by taxi, the same as everyone else.
If your ship is at the northern extension, add the port shuttle to every time in this post.
Can you walk to the old town?
No, not in any useful way. The old town (Ciutat Vella) is about 4.5 km from the Trasmed terminal. That is about an hour on foot along busy roads, and you would need to do it twice.
The one place you can walk to is the beach. Las Arenas, El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa are 20–25 minutes on foot from the terminal.
EMT bus 4 to the old town
This is the cheapest direct way to the historic centre.
- ·Where to board: the "Pont de les Drassanes – Terminal marítima" stop (no. 1306), about 10 minutes' walk from the terminal.
- ·Cost: €2 single (2026), so €4 return.
- ·Time: about 45 minutes to the Torres de Serranos area.
- ·Coming back: use the stop on the opposite side of the road.
- ·Gotcha: traffic can make it slower than 45 minutes. Do not plan the return to the minute.
The Torres de Serranos is the 14th-century city gate on the edge of the old town. From there you can walk to the cathedral, the Lonja and the Central Market.
EMT bus 95 along the Turia
Bus 95 leaves from the same stop as line 4 and costs the same, €2 single (2026).
- ·To the City of Arts and Sciences: about 20 minutes.
- ·To La Marina–Neptú (the beach): about 15 minutes.
It runs along the Turia gardens, the old riverbed that is now a long park. It links the port, the City of Arts and Sciences and the edge of the old town. That makes it good for a loop: bus 4 into the old town in the morning, then bus 95 back via the City of Arts and Sciences in the afternoon.
Metro lines 5 and 7 from Marítim
- ·Where to board: Marítim station. Walk there from the port.
- ·Cost: €1.50 zone A single (2026).
- ·Time: about 15 minutes to the centre once you are on the train.
- ·Get off at: Colón or Xàtiva.
Once you reach the station, the metro is faster than the bus. It also avoids road traffic on the way back.
Taxi or ride-hailing
- ·Where to board: the official rank at the terminal door. Uber, Cabify and Bolt pick up in the terminal's outdoor area.
- ·Cost: metered. Check the fare before you go.
- ·Time: 15–20 minutes to the old town, 10–12 minutes to the City of Arts and Sciences.
- ·Gotcha: unofficial drivers approach passengers outside the terminal. Use the official rank or an app.
For three or four people, a taxi is often the quickest option. It is also the easier choice for wheelchair users, because the bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
Cruise line shuttle
Some lines sell a shuttle that drops near the Torres de Serranos or Plaza del Ayuntamiento, taking 15–25 minutes. The price varies by line, so check your cruise planner. It is a ship service, not a port service, so it may not run on your call.
Comparing the options
| Option | Cost (2026) | Time | Board at |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT bus 4 | €2 single | About 45 min to Torres de Serranos | Pont de les Drassanes stop (no. 1306), 10 min walk |
| EMT bus 95 | €2 single | About 20 min to City of Arts and Sciences | Same stop as bus 4 |
| Metro 5 or 7 | €1.50 zone A single | About 15 min once on board | Marítim station |
| Taxi or ride-hailing | Metered | 15–20 min to the old town | Rank at the terminal door |
| Cruise line shuttle | Varies by line | 15–25 min | Check your cruise planner |
| Walking | Free | About 60 min, 4.5 km | Not recommended |
A typical do-it-yourself day costs about €18: three bus rides, the cathedral (€10 with audioguide) and the Lonja de la Seda (€2), all 2026 prices.
When to head back
Because you depend on a bus or taxi, aim to be on board 90 minutes before all-aboard. The rule: leave the old town by 15:30 for a 17:30 all-aboard.
That covers bus 4 at about 45 minutes in traffic, the 10-minute walk from the Drassanes stop and terminal security. From the City of Arts and Sciences, bus 95 is about 20 minutes, plus the same walk. If your ship is at the northern extension, add the port shuttle.
| All-aboard | Leave old town (bus 4) | Leave old town (taxi) | Leave City of Arts and Sciences (bus 95) | On board by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 | 15:00 | 15:10 | 15:00 | 15:30 |
| 17:30 | 15:30 | 15:40 | 15:30 | 16:00 |
| 18:00 | 16:00 | 16:10 | 16:00 | 16:30 |
If you are running late, take a taxi or a ride-hailing car: 15–20 minutes from the old town to the terminal. Call the port agent number in your daily programme if you will be late.
You can plan your day with your own all-aboard time.
Common mistakes
- ·Trying to walk from the ship to the old town. It is about 4.5 km on busy roads. Take bus 4, the metro from Marítim, or a taxi.
- ·Leaving the return to the last minute on bus 4. Allow 45 minutes plus the walk, and be on board 90 minutes before all-aboard.
- ·Planning the Central Market on a Sunday. It is closed on Sundays and holidays and closes at 15:00 on other days. Go in the morning.
- ·Visiting the cathedral on a Sunday morning. Tourist visits start at 14:00 on Sundays and holidays.
- ·Paying in your home currency. Card terminals and ATMs may offer to charge in your home currency. Always choose euros.
FAQ
Can you walk from Valencia cruise port to the old town?
Not really. The old town is about 4.5 km away, an hour on foot along busy roads. The Cabanyal and Malvarrosa beaches are the exception, at 20–25 minutes' walk.
Which bus goes from Valencia cruise port to the old town?
EMT bus 4, from the Pont de les Drassanes – Terminal marítima stop (no. 1306), about 10 minutes' walk from the terminal. It costs €2 (2026) and takes about 45 minutes to the Torres de Serranos area.
How long does a taxi take from Valencia cruise port to the city centre?
15–20 minutes to the old town and 10–12 minutes to the City of Arts and Sciences. Taxis are metered and wait at the official rank by the terminal door.
Is there a shuttle bus from Valencia cruise port?
A port shuttle links the outer cruise quays with the Trasmed terminal. Shuttles into the city are sold by some cruise lines and are not guaranteed, so check your cruise planner.
Is Valencia a tender port?
No. Ships dock, either at the Trasmed terminal on the Moll de Ponent or at the cruise quays in the northern extension.
How do I get from Valencia cruise port to the City of Arts and Sciences?
Take EMT bus 95 from the Pont de les Drassanes stop, about 20 minutes for €2 (2026), or a taxi in 10–12 minutes.
Sights, beaches and a sample day are in the full Valencia port guide.
Sources
- ·Visit València – Cruises: getting to the city from the terminal
- ·Valenciaport – Cruises brochure
- ·MSC Cruises – Valencia port information
- ·El Periòdic – EMT València single ticket rises to €2
- ·RedTransporte – Valencia ticket prices 2026
- ·Visit València – Mercado Central
- ·Adventour Begins – Valencia cruise port guide (updated August 2026)