Know before you go

• Early December is mild and dry: ideal racing weather and very busy hotels.

Airport to Finish: City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia airport (VLC) is 8 km west; metro lines 3 and 5 reach the centre in 20 minutes. Taxis cost about 20 to 25 euros.

The famous finish runs over a blue carpet on a pontoon by the City of Arts and Sciences.

Public transport directions to Finish: City of Arts and Sciences

Where to stay by budget

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Hotel Ilunion Valencia 3
• Mid-range: Hotel Caro
• Splurge: Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort

Links search the nights from 3 December to 7 December. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 4 to 6 December 2026. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Family-friendly picks

• Oceanogràfic.
• Bioparc Valencia.
• Gulliver park playground in the Turia.

Evening and day-trip tours

After dark

• Ruzafa and El Carmen bars.

6 tours worth booking for Valencia Marathon

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

• Central Market Modernist market hall
• Casa Roberto Classic paella
• Horchatería Santa Catalina Horchata and fartons
• La Pepica Beachfront paella since 1898
• Bar Central Tapas inside the market

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

• Museum of Science Príncipe Felipe.
• IVAM modern art museum.
• Lonja de la Seda.

Getting around on event days

• Metro, tram and buses cover the city; Valenbisi bikes are cheap.
• Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste is 30 km west: shuttle buses run on race weekends.
• Uber, Cabify and Free Now work in Spanish cities. Taxis are metered and reasonable.
• Renfe high-speed AVE and Ouigo/Iryo trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Valencia and Zaragoza. Book early for event weekends.

Day trips from Valencia

• Albufera: 30 minutes
• Xàtiva: 45 minutes by train

Questions people ask

When is Valencia Marathon 2026?

The next edition is 4 to 6 December 2026, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Finish: City of Arts and Sciences?

Valencia airport (VLC) is 8 km west; metro lines 3 and 5 reach the centre in 20 minutes. Taxis cost about 20 to 25 euros. The famous finish runs over a blue carpet on a pontoon by the City of Arts and Sciences.

Where should I stay for Valencia Marathon?

For most visitors the best base is Ciutat Vella: Old town with the cathedral and Central Market.

What else can we do around Valencia Marathon?

Good short outings in Valencia include Paella cooking class with market visit, Albufera boat ride and paella, City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanogràfic. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Valencia Marathon?

Family-friendly picks: Albufera boat ride and paella, City of Arts and Sciences and Oceanogràfic, Bike tour through the Turia gardens. Oceanogràfic.

How far is Finish: City of Arts and Sciences from Valencia centre?

About 3 km in a straight line. The famous finish runs over a blue carpet on a pontoon by the City of Arts and Sciences.

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