Exploring Valencia by bike
A great climate, the perfect geography and more than 160 km of bike lanes make Valencia the ideal cycling city for everyone, including the less experienced.
Exploring Valencia by bike in a nutshell...
Valencia is one of Spain’s most bike-friendly cities, offering ideal cycling conditions with its flat terrain, extensive bike lane network (over 160km), year-round pleasant weather, and compact size.
There are two main options for cycling around the city: Valenbisi, the public bike-sharing system with 275 stations (€13.30 for a 7-day pass), or private bike rentals from shops (€8-15 per day) offering higher quality bicycles.
Numerous guided bike tours provide excellent introductions to the city, typically costing €25-35 for 3-4 hour excursions that cover major attractions from the historic center to the City of Arts and Sciences and beaches.
Valencia Tourist Card holders can access discounts on several tours.
Remember: no headphones while riding, lights required at night, helmets mandatory for children under 16, maximum speeds of 10-20km/h depending on the area, and always use designated bike parkings.
Valencia is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain for a reason. The natural conditions that the city enjoys, coupled with the commitment by the local government to develop a liveable city for the people in it, make Valencia the perfect place to discover on a bike.
Getting around with a bike is faster than going on foot, but it will still allow you to see and appreciate everything the city has to offer at your own pace. Of course, as with any private means of transport, it means you can spontaneously and independently decide when and where to go. It also has the advantage of being a great form of physical activity and more eco-friendly than any other private means of transport.
The city of Valencia is essentially flat and considerably smaller than other big cities in Europe or Spain (like Barcelona or Madrid). This makes it very easy for anyone, even groups with children or inexperienced people, to explore the city at their own rhythm.
Valencia also enjoys an average of over 300 days a year of sunny weather, with very few days affected by excessive rain, cold, or ice. Most importantly, Valencia’s attitude towards urban planning has made it possible to have a safe and extensive bike lane presence, which covers the whole city. In fact, the bike paths are in continuous development, with more and more space in the city being dedicated to them. Here you can check Valencia’s bike lane map.
In the city, you can safely cycle on the dedicated bike lanes or normal streets, but you will also enjoy the Turia park, a C-shaped green space that lies on a dry riverbed. The park hugs the city’s old quarters and continues towards the maritime areas.
If you are a more serious cyclist, you can also get out of the city (there are bike lanes to take you there, too) and you will find many cycling options.
About 20 km to the south of Valencia you have the Albufera National Park and its rice fields, as well as El Saler. To the west of the city, there are also many other options, most notably the Parque Fluvial del Rio Turia, where you can get through the Turia park, following the bike lane.
How to Rent a Bike in Valencia
Unless you are a bike aficionado, you won’t have your own bike when you come to Valencia. This means you will have two main options to rent a bike during your stay. One is public rental services, and the other is private bike rental shops. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and in this section, we will help you choose the one that works best for you.
Valenbisi
Valenbisi is a public bike rental service with 275 bike stations in Valencia. The bikes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is overall of great quality and affordable, with a good spread of the bikes throughout the city. This means that no matter which station you’re at, you are likely to find a bike available. In case you don’t, there are plenty of other bike stations in the immediate vicinity.
To use this service, you pay a fixed cost, either per year or per week. A weekly ticket (valid for 7 days) costs €13.30, while an annual card costs €29.21. If you are a MIBISI user, it will cost €26.00. MIBISI is another bike rental service that covers areas and towns outside Valencia’s urban core. As such it isn’t relevant at all for tourists.
Either subscription option can be activated and used on the Valenbisi app. Alternatively, if you don’t like relying on your phone, you can get a ticket at a Valenbisi station (for a weekly pass) or load your pass on a Móbilis card (for the annual ticket). With your card, ticket, or app you will be able to approach a terminal post and take out a bike.
When taking a bike, you will be able to use it at no additional cost for 30 minutes. After this time, you will have to return the bike to any parking station, or pay extra. If you want, after returning the bike, you can immediately take out another one to continue riding for free. You can find more details about the fees in our Valenbisi article.
While Valenbisi is an excellent service, their bikes are best fitted for short rides, as they are on the heavier side and are not very fast. This is probably your go-to option if you plan on using the bike as much as other means of transport. If you are interested in cycling for longer periods and you plan on using a bike as your main method of transport to move around in Valencia, we recommend renting a bike from one of the many shops available in the city.
Also, remember that the minimum age to get a Valenbisi is 14 years of age. That said, if you are under 18, you will need to provide an approval document from your legal tutor or parent.
You can get specific info and instructions on using Valenbisi, including video guides, in our Valenbisi article.
Shops Where You Can Rent a Bicycle
In Valencia, there are numerous rental shops where you can rent a bike either for a few hours or for a few days. Although a bit more expensive, this option has several advantages.
For one, you won’t have a limit on how many minutes at a time you can use your bike. You also won’t need to worry about bike station availability and location, instead just make sure you are parking your bike responsibly.
Another one of the advantages you will find when renting a bike in a shop is the quality of the vehicle. While Valenbisi bikes tend to be heavier and a bit harder to manoeuvre, bikes in shops are lighter, with bigger wheels and improved comfort. You will also be able to find bicycles fitted for men or women. Many shops also offer electric bikes, mountain bikes, as well as bikes for kids, and tandem bicycles.
Average prices per day for a city bike go anywhere between €8.00 and €15.00. Discounts for multiple-day rentals generally apply, with prices going under €10.00 per day. Additional services generally offered include insurance or rental extension by phone, without having to go back to the shop.
As mentioned before, a private bike rental is best for those days in which you plan on using the bike as your main method of transport. You can still take your bike with you on the metro, but this can be tricky and uncomfortable in busy metro stations. Similarly, if you have children, a private rental allows you to get a bike that suits their needs.
Here is a comparison table of some of the most common options.
| Days |
|---|
| Regular bike |
| Electric bike |
| Mountain Bike |
| Child bike |
Prices are calculated as the average of some of Valencia’s main bike shops.
Bike Tours
Tours are a great way to get acquainted with any new place and orient yourself before you start exploring the specific areas and get involved in the activities that you like the most.
A tour will give you an overview of the neighbourhoods and their style, the monuments and architecture, the history and traditions of the city.
So why not do all this, with the added comfort and ease of being on a bike. This way, you’ll also get a chance to get used to cycling around the city before you’re off on your own.
Guided Bike Tours
Some shops, in addition to their bike rental services, will offer bike tours. They generally go around the city’s most popular areas and neighbourhoods, giving you lots of insights and useful information about Valencia.
These itineraries are offered in several languages, the selection of which depends on the individual business. Most commonly you will find tours in Spanish, English, Dutch and Italian. Average bike tour prices are between €25.00 and €35.00.
The majority of bike tours last around 3 to 4 hours and are easy enough that you don’t need to be an expert cyclist to participate. In fact, most tours are apt for families with children, even offering bikes for children or baby seat options upon request. Children with their own bikes normally get a discount on the regular price.
Standard Guided Bike Tour
The majority of guided tours offer very similar routes for bike tours, even though there are minimal variations between businesses. To give you an idea of what that looks like, we have put together a summary of the standard bike tour in Valencia.
Normally, the itinerary starts in the city’s old quarters, or in front of the rental shops themselves. The guide will initially take you around the city centre, passing by some of the most important buildings there.
You will then leave the centre through the Serranos gate and cycle along the Turia park for a bit. In the gardens, you’ll appreciate the Palau de la Musica and continue towards the Ciudad de las Artes.
Once you’re there, depending on the tour, you’ll either go back to the city centre or continue towards the maritime areas and the beach. After the beach, you’ll go back to the city.
Depending on the type of tour and company, you’ll stop by the majority of the sites mentioned on this list:
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
- Mercado Central
- Lonja de la Seda
- Plaza de la Virgen
- Valencia’s Cathedral
- Torres de Serranos
- El Turia
- Palau de la Musica
- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
- Valencia’s harbour
- Valencia’s beaches (Malvarrosa, Las Arenas, Cabanyal beach)
Discounted Tours with a Valencia Tourist Card
If you have a Valencia Tourist Card, you can even get a discount on some bike tours:
- 15% off “Modernist Valencia through the Turia river” Bike Tour.
- 15% off “From the past to the future” Bike Tour.
- 10% off Open Bike Tour with Doyoubike.
- 10% off Valencia Bike Tour with Valencia Guias.
Self-guided Bike Tours
If you like the idea of getting introduced to the city with a tour but you are more of an independent type and don’t like following a set schedule, there is a solution for you too. You can opt for any of the Northleg self-guided bike tours.
As mentioned, the tours are self-guided, but for some of them, we also offer the possibility to be accompanied by a guide. A guide is perfect if you prefer to be shown around and rely on an expert who will make sure you don’t miss any of the details about the places you are visiting.
Norms and Traffic Rules for Bikes in Valencia
Every country has their own traffic norms, which must be respected and followed for your own safety and that of others. Here we have gathered all relevant traffic rules so that you can feel safe and avoid any fees when cycling in Valencia city.
General Norms
- You cannot wear earphones or headphones while on a bike. This is true in all of Spain, in cities and outside of them. If you do this and get caught, you could get fined up to €200.00, the same you would get for using a phone while driving.
- You must be visible at all times, so at night you must use approved lights at the front and rear of the bike. Valenbisi and private rental bikes already meet these requirements, so you normally don’t have to worry about bringing your own.
- Children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. Most bike rental shops will also let you rent a helmet when you get your bike.
- Children under 7 (or until they physically fit, generally around 20kg) must travel on a child bike seat, and the bike must be driven by someone over the age of 18.
- You can carry pets with you on a bike.
When You’re on a Bike Lane
- Bike paths in Valencia can either be a separate lane on the “normal” street, usually recognisable for their red colour, or a painted bike lane on the sidewalk.
- The maximum speed allowed on a bike lane is 15 km/h (if it is a bike lane on the sidewalk) or 20 km/h (if it is a dedicated lane on the road).
- Respect traffic signals, always let pedestrians pass unless the traffic lights or signals indicate otherwise.
- Let others in the street know your movements by signalling in advance with your arms.
When You’re on the Road
- If the bicycle path ends you are supposed to cycle on the road. Be careful while doing this because driving on a normal road can be dangerous.
- When driving on a normal road, make sure you are keeping a safe distance between yourself and nearby vehicles of at least 1.5 metres to the side and 5 metres behind and in front.
- Cycling on a bus-exclusive lane is never allowed. You will find these bus-only lanes marked as “EMT” on the road floor. There are, however, bus-bike-taxi lanes, marked as “TAXI-EMT-BICI” on the road floor. These lanes have a section painted in red that acts as a bike lane. This section is exclusively dedicated to bikes and personal transporters (like electric scooters, segways, and electric unicycles). You can also bike in the rest of the bus-bike-taxi lane (outside the red area), but extra caution is recommended.
- When you are cycling on the road, you are only allowed to circulate in the same direction as the rest of the vehicles.
- If you are not going in the right direction on a one-way road, step off your bike and walk for a bit on the footpath.
When You’re in Pedestrian Areas
- You can only cycle in pedestrian areas if the width of the street is more than 3 metres.
- Ensure that you are leaving at least 1.5 metre space for pedestrians to circulate while keeping a distance of at least 1 metre from them.
- Keep your speed under 10 km/h.
Parking your Bike
- Locking your bike to a tree or lamppost when parking is illegal. Look for a bike parking spot.
- Should there not be any available parking space for your bike within 50 metres of your destination, you can lock the bike to urban furniture (except trees, lampposts or building elements).
Tips for Exploring Valencia by Bike
On top of the regular traffic norms, we have put together a list of useful tips for those interested in cycling in Valencia. They are not rules per se, but they will make your experience easier and smoother.
When Cycling on a Bike Path
- On one hand, not knowing exactly where you are going will let you discover new areas and alleys in Valencia. On the other hand, if you are on a bike, this could slow you down considerably. Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with the city, it’s a good idea to plan your route before you begin.
- Valencia has an extensive bike path network, try to circulate on the one closest to you whenever possible, even if it means making your itinerary a bit longer. Here you can check Valencia’s bike paths.
- Be very careful at intersections, especially when bike lanes intersect with the road.
- If the bicycle lane ends, look around really well, because there might be a bicycle path on the other side of the street.
When Cycling on Normal Streets
- When cycling on normal streets, watch out for the one-way roads, you should be cycling in the same direction as the cars.
- You can stay to the right of the lane to be safe, but make sure cars are respecting you and your space rather than driving too close to you.
When Using the Footpaths
- If there is no bike lane and you are too scared to cycle on the road with other vehicles, you can always get off your bike and carry it next to you over the footpath.
- Remember not to cycle on the footpath, you would be an obstacle for other pedestrians (and it is also illegal).
When Parking your Bike
- Whenever you need to park your bike, always lock it very well. The best way to lock your bike is to make sure that your chain is passing between the tubes of the frame and the spokes of the wheel.
- Some bike parts, like the saddle or the wheels, might still get stolen, especially if you are parking for a long time in a heavily trafficked area. In that case, you might want to secure the different parts of your bike separately.
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.
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Yes, Valencia is an extremely bike-friendly city.
The city is essentially flat and considerably smaller than other big cities in Europe. It also has an excellent and extensive bike lane network.
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Yes, the bike lanes and paths in Valencia are almost everywhere, as cycling is actually the method of transport preferred by many locals.
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Yes, of course. There are many bike rental shops all over the city. You can rent a bike for any length of time, going anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks.
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In Valencia, prices for a regular city bike usually stay around €12.00 per day, and €50.00 per week.
Of course, if you have more specific requests, like an electric bike, prices go up to around €28.00 per day and €115.00 per week.
You can find out more about bike rentals in Valencia in the dedicated section of our article.
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Yes, many (but not all) shops offer different kinds of bikes for rent, including electric bikes and mountain bikes.
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Yes, many bike rental shops, especially the bigger ones, also offer electric kick-scooters (patinete in Spanish).
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No, wearing earphones or headphones while on a bike is forbidden in Spain. If caught, you could be fined up to €200.00.
You can find out more about traffic rules in the relevant section of this article.
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You should park your bike at a bike parking spot or chain it to urban furniture (no trees, lampposts, or buildings).
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No. If there is no other place to ride your bike and you have to use a footpath or sidewalk, you can always get off the bike and carry it next to you.
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Cycling on a bus-exclusive lane (marked as EMT on the road floor) is never allowed.
There are, however, bus-bike-taxi lanes, marked as “TAXI-EMT-BICI” on the road floor. You can cycle on those ones.
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Yes, but you have to bike in the same direction as cars (for example you can’t bike in the opposite direction on a one-way road). Also you have to make sure you are visible to other vehicles.
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Yes, you can bike in pedestrian areas (which are not the same as footpaths or sidewalks) if there is enough space to keep a safe distance between you and pedestrians. Otherwise, you have to get off the bike and walk next to it.
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If you are under 16 years of age, yes. Otherwise it is not mandatory, although advisable.
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Yes, there are many. Bike shops, locals and tour guide companies all offer bike tours in Valencia. If you prefer a guided tour at your own pace, we offer self-guided bike tours as well.
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Valencia is an extremely bikeable city, so almost anywhere you go, you’ll find bike paths. Local favourites for cycling are the Turia Park and the beach promenade.
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It depends on how often you will use the bike. If you intend to cycle as your main method of transport and you want to go for long bike excursions, we recommend you rent a bike.
If you want to use a bike for short stretches of time and together with other means of transport, then we recommend Valenbisi.
