The North Station is one of Valencia’s Art Nouveau landmarks and a sign of the city’s 20th-century expansion, while still maintaining its ties to local traditions and the Huerta.
Estación del Norte in a nutshell...
Valencia’s North Station is a stunning Art Nouveau landmark that serves as the city’s main train station for mid and short-distance routes, showcasing beautiful decorations celebrating Valencian agricultural traditions and folklore.
Location: At the southern edge of Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella), next to the Plaza de Toros, where the historic center meets newer neighborhoods like the Eixample.
Transportation: Extremely accessible via metro (Xàtiva station directly in front, or Colón station nearby), tram (Alacant stop), numerous bus lines, taxi rank, Valenbisi bike stations, or walking from most central locations.
Tickets: The station itself is free to enter and open to visitors; ticket offices inside sell train tickets for regional and mid-distance trains.
Visiting hours: The station is open 24/7, though businesses inside operate between 7:00am and 10:00pm; visiting between these hours is recommended for the best experience.
Estación del Norte (Estació del Nord in Valencian, North Station in English) is the city’s main train station for mid and short-distance trains. It is not to be confused with Joaquín Sorolla train station, which is reserved for high-speed, long-distance trains, and stands just behind the North Station.
Estación del Norte, which takes its name from the company that originally commissioned it, is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings. It stands out for its proportions and importance in the infrastructure network of the city, as well as for its aesthetic value.
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Valencia’s Estación del Norte showcases stunning Art Nouveau architecture, blending historical charm with bustling modern city life right in the heart of the city.
Built during the years of urban expansion in the early 20th century, the station is one of Valencia’s modernist jewels, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Spain.
In faithful keeping with the Art Nouveau determination to unify the practical and functional with the artistic and beautiful, Valencia’s North Station resolved the requirements of its expanding city in beauty.
The need for industrial growth was met and fulfilled in a delicately and meticulously ornamented construction. Estación del Norte couples commercial and industrial necessity with images of the local landscape (the Huerta), agricultural traditions, and folklore. Here, the natural curves and shapes of plants and flowers coexist with the use of modern materials.
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This image, which decorates the halls of the North Station, depicts Josefina Momblanch Llopis, sister-in-law of the architect that designed the station, Demetrio Ribes.
Geographically - and somewhat symbolically - the station stands at the edge between Valencia’s Ciutat Vella, the old quarters, and its newer neighbourhoods, like Ruzafa.
This elegantly maintained building, often a meeting point for locals thanks to its advantaged position, is much more than just a train station. Beautifully far from just being a functional facility, it is also an open museum. It is a memento that, for those that know where to look, offers a glimpse of turn-of-the-century Valencia.
Opening Hours
Of course, the businesses and offices set up inside the station have their own timetables. The station itself, though, is pretty much always open, as there are always trains coming in and out of Valencia.
One thing to keep in mind is that the station can become pretty quiet and empty during the late hours. While this can make your visit easier, it could also mean that you might feel unsafe to go at night, although the station itself is not dangerous.
For this reason, we recommend you keep your visits between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. You’ll find that most offices, bars, and shops will be open between those times.
Location
Valencia’s Estación del Norte is located immediately south of Valencia’s Ciutat Vella, just outside the old city walls. It is right next to the city’s bullring, the Plaza de Toros, where the city centre meets the newer neighbourhoods (to the south), like the Eixample.
The station is enclosed by Calle de Xàtiva to the north (the street that passes in front of its entrance), Carrer d’Alacant to the east, and Carrer de Bailèn to the west.
How to Get There
As the station stands on the line between the old quarters and other neighbourhoods of the city, chances are you will pass by it or have already done so, whether you are walking or taking a bike.
If you are in a different part of the city, you might want to take public transport.
By Metro or Tram
The Estación del Norte is in a great position to be reached by metro and tram, as there are various stops nearby. Depending on where you are located, one or the other might be more convenient.
The closest stations are:
Xàtiva: metro stop right in front of the station.
Colón: metro stop northeast of the station.
Alacant: tram stop right between the train station and the Bullring.
Xàtiva is only 1 minute away from the station, while Colón is 600 m away (7-minute walk, a little under 0.4 miles) from it. The same three lines (3, 5, 9) stop at both stations.
The tram network’s line 10 stop, Alacant, is to the side of the building.
By Bus
Estación del Norte, close to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, is a key point in the urban bus network, so there are quite a few buses stopping right by it.
Remember that, if you need to get to the Joaquín Sorolla train station, you will find a shuttle bus from Estación del Norte.
To go anywhere else, the closest bus stop is probably the one called Estació del Nord, opposite the station. To reach it you’ll only need to cross to the other side of the street (1-minute-walk).
The other bus stop is called Xàtiva. It is a little down the street, to the west, but still very close (140 m, about 0.2 miles).
You’ll find other stops all around the train station area, but these two are the ones with the most lines.
By Taxi
Cabs are obviously the most expensive option to move around the city.
As the Estación del Norte is so well connected, we would recommend this means of transport if your departure point is not close to any form of public transport, maybe in the outskirts of the city.
In any case, many taxis can often be found in the area. In fact, there is a taxi rank right next to the station, in Carrer de Bailèn. Otherwise, it is normally quite easy to hail a taxi in the street in Valencia, but other options are also booking through a mobile app or through a phone call.
By Bike
Valencia is a very bike-friendly city, so we always recommend exploring it this way.
On the official map, you’ll see that there are bike paths circling the city’s old quarters. You can also cycle in the city centre and its pedestrian zones, as long as there is enough room for people to walk.
On the same map, you will also see that there are two Valenbisi stations by the train station. One is right in front of it, the other one is a little further down the street, to the east, in front of the Bullring. Many other Valenbisi stations are also not far away.
By Scooter
Electric scooters are an ever-more popular transport solution in Valencia. They are ideal if you want to move independently around the city and you don’t want to get stuck in traffic, but you don’t like cycling or walking. Many scooter-sharing companies offer rental plans that let you pay per minute of use and nothing else.
You can park and drive your scooter within a designated area in the city’s urban zone. Generally, you are not allowed to park throughout most of the old quarters of the city.Luckily for you, the station is within the permitted area, so you’ll be able to park your scooter just by it.
If you want to know more about this, you can check out our article about electric scooter rentals in Valencia. In the article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and video guides to help you through the rental process.
On Foot
Given that Estación del Norte is in such a visible spot, it is normal that reaching it on foot is not difficult at all, so if you are in the Old Town, going on foot is the easiest option.
In fact, it is likely that you will pass by it when going from the older historical quarters of the city to the newer ones, like the Eixample.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, located in the old quarters of the city, is only 300 m away (4-minute walk, a little under 0.2 miles). To reach the station from there, you will simply have to walk south, following Avenida del Marqués de Sotelo.
The Serranos towers, at the opposite end of the centre (the northern edge), are 1.5 km (about 0.9 miles) away. You could, for example, take a short walk (about 18 minutes) and cross the entire city centre to go from one point to the other.
If you’d like to explore Valencia on foot, we have created a selection of self-guided walking tours that you can enjoy at your own pace. You can find the one that best fits your needs in the Northleg itineraries section.
Services Inside the Station
Being Valencia’s main train station, Estación del Norte is complete with essential services, shops, and food venues. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you can find inside:
Essential Services
Restrooms (2theloo)
Customer Service/Station Info
Lost and Found
Shuttle bus to Joaquín Sorolla train station
Tourism Hub
Money
Italo Money
ATMs
Apuestas del Estado (lottery)
Food
Anar i tornar
Cafetería Croissantería
Yummy yummy
Food truck
Cafestore
Vending machines
Shops
Natura
Parfois
Parafarmacia
The Body Shop
Hiper Asia
Ale-Hop
Amazing Toko (supermarket)
Apustas del Estado (lottery)
Tickets
Ticket booths
Ticket Office
Parking
Car Park
Bike Park
Accommodation & Leisure
UP! Hostel
If you’d like to know more about these services, you can check the services section in our article about the North Station and transport.
Useful Tips for Your Visit
Here are our recommendations and tips to make sure that you make the most of your experience and you don’t miss out on anything Valencia’s North Station has to offer.
There are restrooms available in the station. As you go into the station, past the hall, you will find them on the right and left sides of the platforms. Keep in mind that generally you have to pay to go in (normally €0.60), so remember to have some cash on you.
Being Valencia’s main train station, Estación del Norte is almost always busy. The busiest times are generally in the middle of the day, from around noon until 6:00 pm.
If you go at a particularly busy time, we recommend you keep an eye on your belongings. If you want something to snack on or drink, there are several bars and cafes in the station. If you want to know exactly which ones, you can check the Services section.
In the winter or during the Fallas festival, you’ll also find churros and hot chocolate trucks parked in the courtyard in front of the station and around it. If you want a proper meal, we suggest you leave the station. You’ll find plenty of food options in the nearby area, either going towards Plaza del Ayuntamiento (a more touristy area) or to the side of the station, in Chinatown.
In the summer months, you might find Valencia particularly hot. You might be surprised that many places, including the train station, might not always have the air conditioning on. So be warned, have water and maybe a little hand fan (abanico, in Spanish) with you.
Curiosities
Here you can have more details regarding the symbolism behind all the decorations that ornament Estación del Norte. You’ll also find out what remains of the old steam locomotives that used to enter and leave the station every day.
Steam Locomotives
While it might not be visible from the outside, Estación del Norte still carries the vestige of what the early railway systems used to be. If you look at the roof of the station from above, or from the inside (above the platforms), you’ll notice a central opening in the canopy.
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Valencia’s North Station showcases a stunning architectural marvel with its expansive glass canopy, designed to illuminate the space and ventilate steam engine fumes during the golden age of rail travel.
This longitudinal opening that runs almost the entire length of the central nave doesn’t only serve the purpose of letting light in. As a matter of fact, its primary purpose was to allow the fumes from the steam engines underneath to escape.
Steam locomotives stopped being popular in Spain after the mid-20th century. In fact, the last steam engine was turned off in June 1975. Nevertheless, the opening in the canopy remains.
Symbolism
As soon as you get to the station, you’ll surely notice the mosaics, tiles, and bas-reliefs that decorate the facade and hall of the building. These decorations are not just Art Nouveau inspired geometry and nature-themed motifs, but rather they represent the city itself.
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The Estación del Norte in Valencia showcases stunning ceramic artwork that celebrates the region’s famous orange groves, with intricate decorations telling the story of Valencia’s agricultural heritage.
One of the most recurring elements is the constant reference to the Valencian Huerta, the cultivated fields that surround the city. The fruit that is repeated most often is the orange and its blossoms, which together come to symbolise Valencian agriculture and its produce as a whole.
Inside, in the hall, you’ll find hand-painted tiles representing Valencian farmers, fields, and folklore. You’ll even see a large panel depicting a Fallera carrying a flower bouquet.
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The stunning ceramic tile mural at Valencia’s North Station captures the essence of local Fallas tradition, featuring a woman in traditional dress holding a vibrant bouquet with the city’s iconic Valencia tower in the background.
On the facade, hovering over the station, you’ll see an iron eagle, which is meant to symbolise speed. Right under the eagle, and repeated in other parts of the station, you’ll see the Valencian coat of arms, four red bars on a yellow background.
Brief History
The construction of the Estación del Norte you see today, was due to the great commercial and industrial expansion Valencia was experiencing at the time (late 19th - early 20th centuries).
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Valencia’s North Station showcases a stunning architectural transformation from its early 20th-century construction to today’s vibrant, historic landmark that now serves as a bustling transportation hub.
First Station in Valencia (1851)
The first railway station in Valencia (and with it, the third railway line in all of Spain at the time), was built on the grounds of the old San Francisco Convent, where Plaza del Ayuntamiento stands today. This first station was called Estación del Norte.
Design and Construction (1906)
The new North Station was commissioned by the Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte and designed by Valencian architect Demetrio Ribes Marco. The company at the time had the most extended railway network in Spain. Works on the site began in August.
Two Stations (1906-1917)
While the new Estación del Norte was under construction, trains still had to get to the old North Station. They would do this by crossing the unfinished façade of the new station and proceeding down the current Avenida del Marqués de Sotelo (view map) until arriving at the old train station.
Inauguration (1917)
The current Estación del Norte was inaugurated, and the old one was demolished.
Nationalisaiton (1941)
The railway network was nationalised. The station was thus passed from the hands of the Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte to those of RENFE (Spanish national railway network). Regardless, the name del Norte remains.
Monument (1961)
The current station was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.
Architectural Elements and Style
Estación del Norte is a monumental Valencian landmark. Like other sights in the city (such as the Central Market), it is representative of the Valencian Art Nouveau movement, known in Spanish as Modernismo Valenciano.
This particular taste is visible in the amalgamation of architecture with sculpture and the decorative arts. The building integrates carpentry, forged iron, and ceramics into its structure.
The Structure
The structure of the building can be simplified as having three main components. Two stand on either side of the train tracks, while a third, larger section, stands as a façade.
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In the picture you can appreciate the structure of the station: a central pavilion and the two protruding bodies at the sides.
The main façade is organised with a central pavilion and two protruding bodies at the sides, which rise higher than the rest of the building, like towers.
In front of the façade is a large uncovered courtyard, enclosed by a Viennese-style gate that separates the station from the busy streets. This two-storey façade combines mouldings, pilasters, and classically inspired elements.
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Valencia’s Estación del Norte showcases a stunning Art Nouveau ticket hall where architectural beauty transforms a simple train station into a breathtaking cultural landmark.
Behind the facade is a foyer where you’ll find the antique ticket offices. Where the old cafeteria used to be, you’ll see the Sala de Mosaicos, a hall fully decorated in ceramic panels, mosaics and traditional trencadís. Past all this, are the platforms and tracks, sheltered by a vaulted metal roof.
The Decorative Elements
In the North Station the decoration is the decisive element. The majority of the ornaments you’ll see are a mixture of ceramic sculptures, painted ceramic tiles, glass, or trencadís. Trencadís is a mosaic made from tiny shards of broken tile, a technique typical of Valencian and Catalan modernism.
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On the wall of the Sala de Mosaicos, depicted here, you can appreciate the painted tiles along the trencadís technique on the white wall.
The colourful ornaments and details depict the Valencian Huerta (the productive fields surrounding the city), its people, and its products (oranges and blossoms in particular).
The façade is richly decorated with brightly coloured details and garlands. Numerous ceramic sculptures reproduce different floral ornaments and coats of arms (either representing the City of Valencia or the Compañía del Norte). The original entrance is decorated with two ceramic panels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find quick answers to all of your questions. Linked, you’ll find the articles or the sections of the articles that can give you more detailed information.
Estación del Norte is Valencia’s main train station and one of the city’s most important Modernist buildings.
Yes, in fact the majority of the trains coming to Valencia make their stop in Estación del Norte.
Estación del Norte between the northern edge of the Ruzafa neighbourhood and the southern section of the Ciutat Vella district.
Yes, of course. You can access the entire station and admire its beautiful architecture and ceramic work. The only section you cannot access without a valid ticket are the train platforms.
Estación del Norte is representative of the Valencian Art Nouveau movement, known as Modernismo Valenciano.
This style is recognisable in the amalgamation of carpentry, forged iron, and ceramics into its structure.
The current Estación del Norte was built between 1906 and 1917.
If you are in Ciutat Vella, the best way to reach Valencia’s Estación del Norte is probably to go on foot, or if you prefer, on a bike.
If you are further away and need to use public transport, you can easily reach the square by metro, tram, or bus.
For more detailed information, you can check the relevant section of this article.
Entrance to the train station is always free.
If you want to get a train ticket, you can have a look at our article about the Estación del Norte and its train lines.
Of course you can. Valencia is an extremely bike friendly city, and on the official map, you’ll see that there are bike paths circling the city’s old quarters. You can also cycle in the city centre and its pedestrian zones, as long as there is enough room for people to walk.
If you’d like to know more about traffic rules and norms in Valencia, you can check out our article about cycling in Valencia.
Estación del Norte is an important junction point for Valencia’s public transport, so there are a lot of buses that stop nearby. Buses C1, 6, 7, 8, 11, 19, 28, 35, 40, 70, 71, and 73 all stop in front of the Estación del Norte.
The metro is one of the best public transport methods to reach the train station. Lines 3, 5, and 9 all stop at the closest metro station, Xàtiva.
The tram is also a good way to get to the station. Line 10’s stop Alacant is to the side of the building.
Of course. There are two Valenbisi stations in front of Estación del Norte, and many others not too far away.
Yes. But be careful not to go into the no-park zone, which roughly covers the Old Town area.
You can see where you’re allowed to park on your app’s map.
Nearby Places of Interest
Being opposite the Old Town, Valencia’s main train station is rather close to many of the city’s landmarks and important buildings.
Plaza de Toros
Plaza de Toros, also known as the Plaça de Bous is Valencia’s bullring, one of the most beautiful and largest in Spain. It is still active to this day, meaning you can see corridas and bullfighting events in it. It bears a strong resemblance to civil Roman architecture, particularly the Colosseum.
The Plaza de Toros is just next to Estación del Norte, so you’ll only need to cross Carrer d’Alacant (to your right, keeping the station behind you) to reach it. This will only take you about a minute.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento or Plaça de l’Ajuntament in Valencian, is the City Hall square in Valencia. As such, it is one of the most important and central squares of the city. Every day, locals can be found relaxing by its fountain and enjoying the view of its flower market.
Estación del Norte is only 300 m away south of the Town Hall Square (4-minute walk, less than 0.2 miles).
Ruzafa (or Russafa, in Valencian) is a popular neighbourhood in the Eixample of Valencia. It is more modern than the old quarters of the city, and it features many chic venues, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Ruzafa is known for its indie art galleries and stores, American-style bakeries, cafes with terraces, as well as trendy bars and clubs. You can read more about this neighbourhood in our article about Ruzafa.
Going from the Estación del Norte to Ruzafa should take you around 5 minutes (400 m, just over 0.2 miles). From the side of the station, you can take Carrer d’Alacant and then Calle de Castelló on the left*.* In just a few minutes you’ll find yourself in Ruzafa.
The Mercat de Colón is one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia and one of the most important examples of
Valencian Art Nouveau
.
In the past, the site had been a market like many of the others that can be found in the city, but today it is more of a dining and drinking venue, with fine restaurants, bars and outdoor cafés. Now renovated, this gated centre is decorated with ceramic details and sheltered by brick columns and a wrought-iron roof.
The Mercat is only 900 m east (11-minute walk, a little under 0.6 miles) of the Estación del Norte.
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