Are there any direct routes from either Granada or Malaga up the coast to Valencia, or are most of the trains and roads routed back toward Madrid as it looks to me on websites and guidebooks? We are starting our Spain adventure with around 2 weeks in Andalucia, and from there we will be headed north to Barcelona. Our friends were hoping to stop in Valencia. I am looking for suggestions as to routes and means of travel. We are open to driving, taking a bus or a train.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
There are no trains running along Spain's south coast (the coastal train starts from Valenica to head north) and no direct trains for your route(s). Malaga-Valencia trains take between 4.5 and 5.5 hours, most with only one connection. On my test date, evening departures are fastest. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Buses in Spain are run by various companies, such as https://www.alsa.es/rutas/malaga-valencia.htm, and a quick glance does not indicate that bus would be any faster.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
368 posts
In October we travelled from Malaga (Maria Zambrano) to Valencia (Joaquin Sorolla) on a Saturday direct on an AVE train. Left at 9:45, took 4 1/2 hrs, cost discounted eu53, full cost eu87. Check renfe.com for schedules. AVE tickets are available 60-90 days in advance.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
That's interesting, that the DB schedule site which I consulted first is not reflecting the direct trains shown by Renfe (the official source).
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Valencia is really well worth a visit. It's one of my favorite Spanish cities. But as you are finding, it is not well connected to Andalucía. If you will have a car, it might be best to drive there and drop it off in Valencia. There are easy train connections to Barcelona from Valencia. A stop in Tarragona is also worthwhile, about an hour south of Barcelona and along the train line. An ancient Roman city with some dramatic ruins. You could even see the ruins with just a few hours layover in Tarragona (or an overnight). The coliseum is right along the coast and there is an excellent archeological museum nearby. The station is just down the hill along the coast.
If you do go to Valencia, be sure to take the bus or tram out to the Sciences Museum complex. Well worth it if you like cool architecture. You don't even have to visit the museums, you can spend a couple hours just walking around the huge complex. And of course, get some excellent paella while in town.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15784 posts
I'm planning to visit Malaga, Valencia and Barcelona in March. One of the Spaniards here told me that by then, there would be direct trains between Malaga and Valencia. Apparently they don't run in the winter.
Posted by
OP
Manson, WA, USA
12 posts
Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I appreciate the recommendations for Valencia and also the stop in Tarragona. We are now considering just renting a car in Granada and driving all of the way, spending the night in Valencia on the way north. Has anyone done this? Is one-way car rental prohibitive or pretty reasonable? Any recommendation of good rental companies?