Planning a Valencia city break? Check out this ultimate list of the best Valencia day trips by train perfect for exploring the surrounding areas without needing to rent a car. Thanks to Valencia’s excellent public transport links, you can easily reach many unique destinations across Spain.

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Best Valencia Day Trip Ideas by Train

Where can you travel from Valencia by train?

In this post, you’ll find all the top destinations you can reach from Valencia by train. Many of the most popular day trips are well-connected to the city with regular rail service. Cities like Cuenca and Madrid are even accessible via high-speed trains, making travel fast and convenient. In fact, visiting both Madrid and Cuenca as day trips is only feasible by train – driving would take far too long. To find the best train deals, I usually book through Trainline or Omio.

Why to take day trips from Valencia by train

One of the biggest advantages of planning a Valencia itinerary centered around day trips by train is that you can avoid the hassle of driving and parking in the city center. While Valencia isn’t as large as Madrid or Barcelona, traffic can still be an issue – especially during peak season. Parking in the city center is often expensive, and even hotels that offer parking rarely do so at budget-friendly rates.

If you’re traveling by car, I usually recommend staying outside the city center and following this 7-day road trip itinerary. For easier parking, the area near the City of Arts and Sciences – more modern and spacious – is a good alternative. For the full list of things to do in Valencia and its surroundings, check out my articles Valencia Bucket List and Valencia Hidden Gems.

That said, for many travelers, taking the train is a more convenient and stress-free way to explore the Valencia region. The only real downside is that some of the smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns and hiking areas aren’t accessible by train from Valencia, so you’ll need a car to reach those.

How to get train tickets in Valencia

Depending on how far you’re traveling on your Valencia day trips, you may need different types of train tickets, which you can purchase at Valencia Nord Station or online via Trainline or Omio. To help you avoid confusion, here’s a quick guide to the three main types of train tickets available:

• Cercanías train tickets (for travel within the Valencia metropolitan area, up to 37 miles / 60 kilometers from the city)
• Media Distancia train tickets (for train rides between 37 and 186 miles / 60 to 300 kilometers)
• Larga Distancia train tickets (for longer travels across Spain and Europe, including Spanish high-speed trains)

You can buy Cercanías (commuter) and Media Distancia (regional) tickets at self-service machines in stations. It’s helpful to check train schedules online in advance via renfe.com – and you may want to print them out for convenience. If you purchase a Cercanias “ida y vuelta” (return ticket), you have the flexibility to board any train on that route throughout the day and can sit wherever you like. For more details, you can refer to this Valencia Train Guide.

For Larga Distancia (long-distance) trains, it’s best to book tickets ahead of time, especially during holidays or busy travel periods, as these tickets are for a specific train and assign you a seat. Ticket flexibility depends on the fare type: basic fares are cheaper but less flexible, while more expensive options allow for changes or refunds.

Best day trips from Valencia by train

1. Xativa

Xàtiva (also known as Játiva) is one of my favorite day trips from Valencia by train, thanks to its impressive hilltop castle and rich history. The train ride takes about 50 minutes each way, making it an easy and rewarding getaway. This charming town is famously linked to the influential Borgia (Borja) family – two Popes were actually born here. You can find more details about my visit to Xàtiva and its iconic castle in this post.

2. Sagunto

Sagunto is one of the most fascinating day trips from Valencia – especially for history lovers and anyone interested in Roman ruins in Spain. Just 30 to 40 minutes away by train, this historic town is best known for its impressive Roman Castle, perched on a hilltop with some of the most spectacular views in the region.

Start your visit at the local tourist office in Plaza del Cronista Chabret to grab a map and plan your route. Highlights not to miss include: the Roman Castle, the charming Casco Antiguo (historic old town), the well-preserved Roman Theatre, La Judería (the medieval Jewish quarter), the Historical Museum, the Ermita de la Sangre chapel, and the Church of Santa María.

3. Gandia

Gandia, located along the route between Valencia and Alicante, is famous for its Ducal Palace, closely tied to the infamous Borgia family. The train journey takes about an hour each way. This historic palace has served as the family’s official residence since 1485 and was the birthplace of Saint Francis Borgia, a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI.

While the Ducal Palace was my favorite stop in Gandia, the city offers plenty more to explore: the charming Historical City Center, the Museu Faller de Gandia, the Collegiate Basilica, and the Archaeological Museum. Gandia is also renowned for some of Spain’s best beaches, including Playa de Gandia – a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. It’s a popular destination for bachelor parties among Spaniards, too.

Don’t miss trying fideuà, a local specialty similar to paella but made with pasta instead of rice. You can find more details about Gandia in this post.

4. Castellon

While Castellón (also known as Castello or Castellón de la Plana) is famous in Spain as a hub for ceramic lovers and home to many of the country’s ceramic tile factories, it remains a lesser-known destination for international travelers. The train journey takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes one way, depending on the train type.

I wouldn’t recommend Castellón as a first-choice day trip by train, but it’s a worthwhile option for those who’ve already explored most of Valencia’s nearby destinations. The train station is conveniently located close to the city center, making it easy to explore on foot.

Highlights to visit include Park Ribalta, Castellón Cathedral, the historic Correos building (Post Office), Plaza Mayor (Central Square), the Central Market, and the Museu de Belles Arts de Castellón – which offers free entry and features a whole floor dedicated to the region’s ceramics. For dining, the port area of Grau de Castellón is perfect for fresh seafood and paella. My favorite restaurant there is Mirador del Port.

5. Peñiscola

One of the best Valencia day trips that perfectly blends history with beach vibes is definitely Peñíscola. Recently, it gained international attention as a filming location for Game of Thrones, attracting fans from around the world to this charming coastal town. Peñíscola Castle is one of Spain’s most picturesque castles – you can find more details about it in this post.

The only drawback is that reaching Peñíscola by train isn’t as straightforward as trips to Xàtiva, Sagunto, or Gandía. Peñíscola shares a train station with the nearby town of Benicarló, which is about a 14-minute taxi or car ride from the station to the town center. The train journey from Valencia to Benicarló/Peñíscola takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the train. From the station, you can take a taxi or a bus (Autos Mediterráneo or HIFE) to reach the town center.

On the bright side, Benicarló is worth a visit itself, especially in February when the local Artichoke Gastronomic Weeks take place – a perfect chance to savor creative artichoke dishes before or after exploring Peñíscola. Plus, nearby you’ll find one of my kids’ favorite spots in Spain: the Jardín del Papagayo, a delightful bird park.

6. Alicante

Alicante is another fantastic option for a day trip from Valencia. Depending on the train you take, the journey lasts between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2 hours. You can find my one-day itinerary for Alicante in this post.

The city offers a variety of attractions, including the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle, the Archaeological Museum, the Basilica of Santa María, the MACA Contemporary Art Museum, the scenic Explanada de España promenade, and the charming Casco Antiguo (old town). If you have time, don’t miss a boat trip to Tabarca Island, a peaceful escape with crystal-clear waters.

Alicante is definitely worth visiting, and with frequent daily trains from Valencia, it’s a convenient and rewarding destination for a full-day adventure. However, if you can give Alicante a weekend – or even a full week – it’s even better.

7. Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is home to some of the country’s most iconic museums and national landmarks. While it’s more common for travelers to visit Valencia as a day trip from Madrid, the reverse is also possible – and well worth considering.

I’ve traveled from Valencia to Madrid many times for work, and at the end of this post, you’ll find more details on the different types of trains available, along with my personal experiences. The journey from Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla station takes just 1 hour and 52 minutes thanks to the high-speed train connection.

While you can’t see all of Madrid in a single day, it still makes for a unique and enriching day trip. If you’re planning to go, be sure to check out this 1-day Madrid itinerary and 40+ things to do in Madrid..

8. Cuenca

Cuenca has grown in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to its affordable high-speed train connection with Madrid. Although it sits conveniently between Valencia and Madrid, most travelers tend to visit Cuenca as a day trip from the capital. However, it’s just as easy – and rewarding – to reach from Valencia. The journey from Joaquín Sorolla station takes only 57 minutes, as it’s the same high-speed train that continues on to Madrid – you simply hop off earlier.

Cuenca is best known for its iconic Hanging Houses, as well as its charming medieval streets and impressive cathedral. For a detailed guide, check out my one-day Cuenca itinerary in this post.

9. Requena

Requena is a charming small town near Valencia, best known for its fascinating underground caves and wine-tasting experiences from the Utiel-Requena D.O. wine region. Getting to Requena by train is simple, with the journey typically taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on the service.

If your focus is on food and wine, I recommend joining a guided wine and cheese tasting tour, as many of the best wineries and tasting spots are located in the surrounding countryside rather than in the town itself. However, if you’re planning to explore just Requena’s historic center and its famous caves, the train is a perfectly convenient option.

10. Teruel

Teruel is one of Spain’s most underrated cities – and personally, my favorite lesser-known day trip from Valencia. It’s known for its stunning Mudejar architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage feature, and for the tragic romantic legend of The Lovers of Teruel, one of the most famous love stories in Spanish folklore. You can read more about my visit to Teruel in this post.

The train journey from Valencia to Teruel takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes one way, depending on the service. However, there are usually only three trains per day connecting the two cities, so it’s important to check the schedule in advance to avoid missing your return. While visiting Teruel by train is certainly doable, I’d actually recommend making this trip by car if possible – it gives you more flexibility and allows you to explore more of the surrounding region at your own pace.

Where do high speed trains go from Valencia?

The three main destinations you can visit from Valencia by high-speed train are Requena, Cuenca, and Madrid. High-speed trains depart from Joaquín Sorolla Station, while regional trains operate from Valencia Nord Station – these two stations in Valencia are conveniently located right next to each other.

High-speed trains from Valencia: AVE (by Renfe) or Ouigo, and Iryo

Also, keep in mind that the budget-friendly high-speed train lines in Spain are not operated by Renfe, the national railway company. These services are usually run by Ouigo or Iryo (you can get tickets via Trainline or Omio), so you won’t find these tickets on the official Renfe website.

Through Renfe, you can purchase AVE high-speed train tickets, which are typically way more expensive – but these trains also offer more onboard services. I’ve taken high-speed trains from Valencia with both Renfe and the independent budget-friendly carriers, and one key difference is that they often arrive at different train stations, especially in cities like Madrid. For example, budget carriers typically use Chamartín station, while Renfe’s AVE trains arrive at Atocha, the main hub.

That said, I have to admit that I liked the price-to-quality ratio of the budget options. I only had one bad experience, during a trip from Madrid to Valencia, when there was an accident at Chamartín station. All budget trains were temporarily moved to Atocha. The result? Complete chaos. Renfe staff at Atocha refused to help passengers from other companies: “We don’t care about other companies, go find your train yourself.”

To make things worse, Renfe trains continued running on schedule while the others had to wait for gaps in the timetable. I ended up stuck at the station for three hours. To be fair, I understand Renfe prioritizing their own services and maintaining their schedule – but it was clear the staff were intentionally unhelpful. It felt like resentment, likely because these newer budget companies have broken Renfe’s monopoly and may be seen as threatening their job security.

Which is the best Valencia day trip by train?

All of the Valencia day trips by train are unique, but personally, I would choose either Xativa, Teruel or Cuenca, as these felt quite unique. However, if you’re traveling during the summer peak season, Teruel and Cuenca may not be the best options, as both can feel unbearably hot without the Mediterranean breeze. In summer, I would opt for Xàtiva or Gandia to explore the Borgia landmarks.

Madrid is always a great idea, and it’s best to visit for at least a weekend. Peñíscola is beautiful, but I would prefer visiting it on a tour combined with Morella or driving there, rather than taking the train. As for Alicante, personally, I find it’s not the city itself that is the most interesting, but rather the entire region. It’s worth planning a separate itinerary across the Costa Blanca.

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