Getting Around, Valencia Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela)
Valencia has the third-busiest international airport in
Venezuela and there are direct flights arriving from everywhere in the country, as well as between many major international destinations. In the city itself, there is a brand new Metro transport system, meaning that you can now travel around much of the city in style.
Otherwise, you will want to stick with taxis for your transportation in the city. Unlike Caracas, Valencia is a pretty safe city to walk around during the day. If you plan to travel around the surrounding countryside, it is usually a good idea to rent a car at the airport.
Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) / Arriving by Air
Address: Avenida Ernersto Branger, Valencia, Venezuela, VE
Tel: +58 0241 858 1956
Valencia is well connected to the other cities in Venezuela through its international airport, located on the eastern side of the city, being approximately 7 km / 4 miles away. This is the third-busiest airport in the country and handles a series of direct international flights from major cities in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Popular destinations include Aruba, Bogota,
Caracas, Curacao,
Frankfurt, Los Roques,
Maracaibo,
Panama City, Porlamar, Puerto Ordaz and
San Juan.
The best way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taxi. Hertz and National car hire firms have offices in the terminal if you prefer to rent a car and drive yourself.
Car Rental
Valencia is a good base to rent a car if you plan to get out of the city and explore the surrounding sights, such as the Parque Nacional San Esteban (north) and the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier (north-east). The traffic is fairly tame and the roads well-signed. The city lies at the intersection of two major highways, meaning that it is easy to get to the coast or east to Caracas. Car hire firms have offices at the airport, or you can try one of the Venezuelan companies based around the city centre.
Buses and Coaches
Buses serve as the main form of public transportation in Valencia. The traditional bus system uses a number of different styles of bus, operated by several companies. There are standard-sized buses, medium-sized buses called 'busteas', and vans known as 'colectivos'. The routes can be a bit confusing, since several companies run their own services. However, if you need to take a bus to another town, then head to the Big Low Centre, which is the main long-distance terminal, located approximately 4 km / 2.5 miles to the north-east of central Valencia.
Long-distance buses regularly travel to Barquisimeto (two hours and 30 minutes), Caracas (two hours and 30 minutes), Coro (five hours), Maracaibo (nine hours),
Maracay (one hour),
Merida (ten hours), Puerto Cabello (one hour), San Antonio del Tachira (12 hours), San Cristobal (ten hours) and San Fernando de Apure (eight hours).
Trains
Valencia got its first Metro system as recently as 2007 and these speedy underground trains now transport thousands of passengers each day, travelling between the city's suburbs and the downtown core. There are currently two subway lines, with Line 1 running from north to south down the centre of the city corridor, stopping at the stations of Monumental, Las Ferias, Palotal, Santa Rosa, Michelena, Lara and Cedeno. Line 2 has not long opened after much construction work, with a further two lines in the planning.
This is a very new, clean and modern Metro system. If the stations are convenient to where you are going, the Metro is a great way to travel quickly and affordably. The Metro runs between the hours of 06:00 and 20:30 from Monday to Friday, and again at the weekend, from 06:00 to 19:30.
Taxis
Taxi transport is certainly the most convenient way to travel around Valencia. You can generally find taxis parked in front of almost every hotel in the city, as well as outside the main tourist attractions like the museums, the parks and the aquarium. They don't typically use a meter, so you will need to negotiate your fare before setting off. Ask your hotel front desk for an indication of expected fares, so that you can avoid getting ripped off. In general, the taxis in Valencia are considered safe and can be hailed from the street (by day only, not at night).
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