Coach Rental Across Spain

Valencia and the Albufera by Minibus

Valencia is compact, flat and close to the water, which makes it a relaxed base for a family or club. A minibus strings together the historic centre, the arts and sciences buildings and the rice fields of the Albufera in a single easy day.

The old town and the Turia gardens

Traffic is restricted in Ciutat Vella. Your minibus stops on the fringe and you stroll in to the Mercat Central, the silk exchange (Llotja de la Seda) and the Cathedral with its Micalet tower. Since no official set-down list turned up, the operator settles the exact spot.

L'Oceanogràfic and the rest of the Ciutat de les Arts lie in the former bed of the Turia, towards the south-east: a good second stop when younger travellers need a change of pace.

Minibus interior with individual seats
Minibus interior with individual seats

Rice fields and a boat on the lagoon

El Palmar, in the Albufera nature park, is about 8 km and 15 minutes from the centre. Boat trips run on the freshwater lagoon among the rice fields, and a slow lunch in the village rounds off the morning.

Further out, Sagunto is about 35 minutes north and Xàtiva about an hour south. The Utiel-Requena wine area around Requena is also about an hour. Benidorm and Peñíscola take a little over two hours each.

Airports for Valencia

Places worth a stop in Valencia

  • Port and Marina de València — The cruise terminals are in the port of Valencia (see the cruise-port facts).
  • L'Albufera and El Palmar (day trip) — Freshwater lagoon and rice fields in the Parc Natural de l'Albufera, about 8 km south of the centre by road; boat trips on the lagoon.
  • Ciutat Vella: Catedral (Micalet), Llotja de la Seda, Mercat Central — The Llotja de la Seda is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town has restricted traffic; groups walk from the edge.
  • Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències and L'Oceanogràfic — In the Jardí del Túria, south-east of the centre.

Easy places to be collected

  • Campanar / Nuevo Centro
  • Marina / Malvarrosa beach
  • Avinguda de les Corts Valencianes / Palau de Congressos
  • Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències
  • Estació del Nord / Joaquín Sorolla station
  • Eixample / Russafa
  • Ciutat Vella (Plaça de l'Ajuntament / Catedral)

Arriving on a cruise ship

Fallas and the low-emission zone

In 2027 the Fallas run from 1 to 19 March, with the flower offering on 17 and 18 March. Much of the centre is closed to vehicles then, so pick-ups shift outwards. Book early if your trip falls in those weeks.

Valencia must have a low-emission zone under national law. Its current rules for coaches and foreign vehicles could not be read on an official page, so the operator confirms what applies to the minibus booked.

What travellers ask us

How long is the drive from Valencia airport?

Only about 15 minutes when the roads are quiet: Manises airport lies some 10 km from the city hall square. Aena names no meeting place for groups, so you settle one with the operator.

Can we combine Valencia with a cruise?

Yes. The cruise terminal is in the port of Valencia, and a minibus can collect your group there for a city tour or a trip to the Albufera.

Which days out suit a mixed-age family?

The Albufera boats and the Oceanogràfic suit all ages and involve little driving. Xàtiva, with its castle above the town, makes a gentle full day.

More trips we can arrange

Other vehicles with a driver