North Train Station, Valencia: A Local’s Guide

The North Train Station of Valencia (Estación del Norte in Spanish and Estació del Nord or simply València Nord in the local Valenciano language) is the main train station in Valencia. It is located in the city center and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

I enjoy passing it by because of its gorgeous architecture that stands out. This is also the place from where I usually take the train when going on day trips around Valencia.

Valencia’s North Train Station is clean, safe and bustling with activity any time of the day. It’s a busy transportation hub and the starting point for all cercanías (short-distance) and media distancia (mid-distance) trains departing from Valencia.

Brief intro to Valencia’s North Train Station

Architectural style: Valencian Art Nouveau (Modernismo Valenciano)
Architect: Demetrio Ribes
Year opened: 1917
Number of platforms: 10
Best known for: Being one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The North Train Station is located in the Ruzafa neighborhood, on the edge of the Old Town, a stone’s throw away from several major landmarks, such as the City Hall and the Bullring.

The main entrance is facing Calle Xàtiva, which becomes Calle Colón to the right. Calle Colón is one of the busiest shopping streets in Valencia, where pretty much all the main Spanish fashion brands are represented.

The North Train Station is the major hub for mid and short-distance trains in Valencia and one of the busiest train stations in Spain.

It’s important to note that no high-speed trains depart from Valencia’s North Station as that’s a service provided by the Joaquín Sorolla Train Station, located 1 km (0.6 miles) to the south.

The two stations are linked by a frequent bus service. This service is free for all passengers holding a valid ticket.

What to expect when visiting the North Train Station in Valencia

Whether you plan to take the train or not, I highly recommend you visit the North Train Station when in Valencia. This train station is not only beautiful on the outside, but it also hides a few surprises within its walls.

Start by walking across the main courtyard to get a close-up view of the facade adorned with oranges and mosaics depicting idealized everyday life scenes from the huerta (the vegetable gardens outside the city).

I find the interior of the North Train Station more breathtaking still.

As soon as you step inside, you’ll find yourself in the main hall. Here you can appreciate the splendid columns crowned with oranges and flowers, the exposed beam ceiling, the stained glass windows and the walls completely covered in trencadis (broken tile mosaics commonly used in Valencia and Barcelona).

The old wooden ticket offices are still in use today, although tickets can be purchased online or from the vending machines across the hall as well.

On the right side of the main hall you’ll find the Mosaic Room. This gorgeous space so peaceful and quiet now, used to be a busy coffee shop back in the day.

Decorating its walls, are images of barracas (typical houses made of reeds and mud), scenes from Albufera and a woman in traditional clothes like the ones worn during the Las Fallas Festival. I think this is one of the most beautiful and candid spaces in Valencia.

From the main hall you can access the huge covered area that leads to the platforms. There are several shops and café on both sides where you can pass the time if you happen to arrive early for your train.

Note: At the time of writing this, this area is occupied by scaffolding as ceiling restoration work is underway. Luckily, this isn’t the prettiest part of the train station, so it likely won’t detract from your overall experience.

Tips for taking the train from the North Train Station

1. The North Train Station is the main hub for cercanías commuter trains in the Valencia region. These are short distance trains that go as far as Castellón de la Plana, Gandia and Utiel. There are 6 cercanías train lines, numbered from C1 to C6.

2. Over a dozen towns and villages in the Valencia region that are serviced by these trains make for great day trip destinations from Valencia. Some of the best festivals in the Valencia region are also accessible via cercanías trains.

3. You can check the timetables for cercanías trains here. People often get confused when visiting the Renfe website as it’s not immediately obvious.

4. Cercanías train tickets can be purchased from the ticket office (same day tickets only) or the automated vending machines located within the North Train Station. Cercanías train tickets cannot be purchased online through the Renfe website or app.

4. The North Train Station also connects Valencia with several cities across Spain via mid-distance trains. These are called regional exprés, media distancia, and Intercity trains.

5. Prices for mid-distance train tickets vary depending on the specific type of train. This is due in part to the level of comfort on board and the number of stops en route. Generally speaking, regional exprés are the least comfortable and Intercity are the most comfortable of the three.

6. Some of the most popular destinations you can reach by mid-distance trains from Valencia North Train Station include Alicante, Murcia, Cartagena, Alcoy, Teruel, Zaragoza, Tarragona, and Barcelona. If you want to travel to Madrid, Cuenca or other cities that are further away, I recommend taking the high-speed train from Joaquin Sorolla Train Station nearby as you’ll get there much faster.

7. Unlike cercanías, media distancia train tickets can be purchased online from the Renfe website or app. You can also buy them at the ticket office or through the automated vending machines within the North Train Station.

My advice for getting around the North Train Station

1. Valencia’s North Train Station has three entrances. The main one is facing Calle Xátiva. The other two are on the side, facing Calle Bailèn.

2. Inside the North Train Station you’ll find several shops and cafés. A food truck offering horchata and a beloved carousel for kids operates in the courtyard just in front of the train station for several months each year. During Las Fallas you’ll also find stalls offering typical Las Fallas food, such as churro and chocolate.

3. When buying train tickets from the ticket office inside the North Train Station, you have to get a number from the number dispenser machine. First select the language, then choose between same day tickets or a future date. When is your turn, your number will be displayed on the screen together with the ticket booth number.

4. You must validate your ticket before boarding the train. To do so, simply scan it through the ticket validation machine just before you enter the platform.

5. When boarding a train you must pay attention to both vía (platform) and sector (section). Often times, more than one train is stationed at a platform, with the first one to leave at the far end. The platform and section are announced on the main display panel and on the screens in front of each platform. The sections are labeled A, B, or C and are clearly marked on the platforms.

6. The North Train Station has 10 platforms, numbered from 1 to 8, 21 and 22. Platform 1 to 6 are the closest, situated directly beneath the main display panel. Platform 7 and 8 are further down to the right and have separate ticket validation machines. While platform 21 and 22 are further down to the left.

7. Last but not least, the North Train Station has both paid and free restrooms. The paid ones are situated to the right, before the ticket validation machines and can be used by anyone. Card payments are not currently accepted. The free ones are on the left, inside the platforms, and are accessible to anyone holding a valid ticket.

Where to stay near the North Train Station

If you have to catch a super early train, you can stay at Up! Hostel inside the train station. This is a no frills hostal with shared rooms and bathroom.

If you prefer more upscale accommodation, there are plenty of options in the nearby vicinity of the train station to choose from, such as Zenit Valencia and NH Collection Colón.

How to get to Valencia’s North Train Station

Since the North Train Station is such an important transportation hub, you can easily access it from anywhere in Valencia by public transport.

• Closest metro stations: Xàtiva and Bailén
• Closest tram station: Alacant
• Bus: 16, 32, 63, 67, and C1
• Bike: There are docking stations nearby
• Car: 24-hours underground parking available on Calle Bailén
• Train: From Valencia Cabanyal, València Sant Isidre, and València Font de Sant Lluís. All these train stations are in Valencia and have direct connections to the Valencia North Train Station.

Practical Information

Nearby attractions: