Traveling to Valencia by road

Valencia is equipped with a modern road network, making it easily accessible from any city, both within the peninsula and beyond. 
The AP-7 Mediterranean motorway, which runs north to south along the entire Levantine coast, connects with the European motorway network and the A-23 Sagunto-Somport and A-3 Madrid-Valencia dual carriageways.

You already know that we always recommend using public transport or cycling; after all, we are a destination that prides itself on sustainability and was the European Green Capital in 2024.

However, if you need to get around Valencia by car, there are a few things you should know to park easily, spend less, charge your car, and understand the traffic restriction measures in the Ciutat Vella district.

Free parking in Valencia is not an easy task, but there are private car parks throughout the city.

In the historic center, there are two municipal car parks open 24 hours: one in Plaza de Brujas, next to the Central Market, and another in Plaza de la Reina, very close to the Cathedral. In the Ensanche area, you have the Mercado de Colón parking lot.

At the City of Arts and Sciences, there are two parking areas: one under the Umbracle and another at the Oceanogràfic. Both have a flat rate of 7 euros per day if you purchase a ticket to any of the buildings in the City of Arts and Sciences.

You can check other car parks on this website with rates starting from €1.20 per hour. Another alternative for short stays is the ORA system.

Parking in the ORA: what it is and how to use it

The ORA is the regulated parking system managed by Valencia City Council. Ultimately, it is a controlled way for you to park on the street economically. Although you can check the exact times and prices by zone on the website, here is a summary of the most important points.

The general hours are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, and it is divided into three categories:

• The Blue Zone is where anyone can park and has two rates: a general one and another for the city center, as it is the busiest area.
• The Orange Zone is an area for both residents and visitors, but it is slightly more expensive than the blue zone.
• The Green Zone is for residents only. This means that if you are in a green zone, you cannot park there.

There are countless smart parking meters in all these areas, and you can pay with both cash and card.

A tip for those who don't know their vehicle's license plate by heart: memorize it, because you will need it to start your parking time in the ORA.

Another factor to keep in mind is that the maximum parking duration is two hours.

You're probably wondering, what if I want to stay longer?

In that case, you must renew your ticket at the parking meter or through one of the available apps. For example, Telpark and Elparking work perfectly. You just need to download them to your mobile and follow the steps provided. Note that geolocation is important, so if it's the first time you're using them from your current location, it's best to do so next to the car.

You have surely heard about the new climate change and energy transition law that regulates low emission zones. And what will sound even more familiar is the environmental sticker required for vehicles to drive through certain cities.

Well, although you do NOT need said environmental sticker to enter Valencia with your vehicle, you should know that we have a restricted access zone in the historic center known as the APR zone.

What is the APR zone?

It stands for Residential Priority Area and is part of a series of measures to protect the heritage environment and improve the quality of life in the Ciutat Vella district of Valencia, which belongs to the historic center. Only authorized vehicles or public transport can enter, and entry without authorization is subject to fines. So, if you were planning to drive through its streets, check its coverage on this map and find the nearest car parks.

And is there no Low Emission Zone?

The Low Emission Zone (ZBE) will be implemented progressively from 2025 until its final establishment in 2028. It will affect cars, motorcycles, and mopeds with an A label (also known as "no label"), according to the DGT's environmental badge catalog. Vehicles associated with economic activities (SMEs, self-employed, etc.) will be excluded from the restrictions. There will also be no obligation for vehicles used by holders of PRM parking cards (for people with reduced mobility), those belonging to large families or families with children under three years old, and those transporting pregnant women or people with temporary reduced mobility. Emergency vehicles, essential services, and those considered historic will also not face restrictions.

During 2025, an information phase will be carried out, during which no fines will be imposed on offenders. It will be from January 2026 when entry into the ZBE is limited for vehicles with an A label, but only those from outside the province of Valencia (gasoline vehicles over 27 years old or diesel vehicles over 22 years old). From January 2027, the limitation will apply to any vehicle without a label from outside the city itself. The restrictions will become total starting January 1, 2028.

If you already have low emissions built-in because you are traveling in an electric car, you will need to charge it. The best way is to search for available charging points through applications such as Electromaps or via their website; from there, you can locate the nearest address and the status of the chargers distributed throughout the city.

And if you have arrived without your car but want to rent one, you have endless options. The main car rental companies are located at the airport and the train stations. If you are looking for a private transfer or need a bus because you are traveling in a group, you can check the companies that offer this service.