Getting around Zaragoza without a car is easy, convenient, and affordable. The city has a well-organized public transportation system, a compact layout, and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it simple to explore whether you’re staying for a day or a week. Between walking, trams, buses, cycling, and taxis, you’ll have no trouble visiting Zaragoza’s top attractions and neighborhoods efficiently. Here’s a complete guide on how to move around the city without driving.
1. Explore the City on Foot
Zaragoza’s historic center is compact and highly walkable, so the best way to explore much of the city — especially for first-time visitors — is simply by walking.
Why it’s ideal:
- Most major attractions, such as the Basílica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral, Aljafería Palace, and Plaza del Pilar, are located within walking distance of each other.
- Streets like Calle Alfonso I and the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) are pedestrianized, safe, and full of cafés, shops, and historical buildings.
- Walking gives you a better sense of Zaragoza’s architecture, atmosphere, and local life.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes, as many streets in the Old Town are cobblestoned.
2. Use the Zaragoza Tram (El Tranvía)
The Zaragoza tram is one of the most efficient and modern ways to travel across the city. It runs along a north–south line, connecting key areas from Parque Goya to Valdespartera, passing through the city center.
Highlights:
- It stops near major landmarks such as Plaza España, Gran Vía, and La Romareda.
- Clean, punctual, and easy to navigate even for non-Spanish speakers.
- Trams run every few minutes from around 5:00 a.m. to midnight.
Tickets:
- A single ride costs about €1.40–€1.50.
- You can buy tickets at tram stations or use a bus/tram card (Tarjeta Ciudadana), which offers discounted fares.
- You can also pay with contactless credit/debit cards directly at ticket machines.
3. Take Advantage of the Bus Network
Zaragoza’s bus system, operated by Avanza Zaragoza, covers areas not reached by the tram. The network is extensive, connecting both central and outer districts.
Key details:
- Buses run from early morning until about 11:00 p.m. (with some night lines available).
- Many routes pass through Plaza España and Paseo de la Independencia, two central hubs.
- Buses are air-conditioned, comfortable, and equipped with electronic boards showing stops and waiting times.
Tickets and Fares:
- A single ticket costs around €1.40.
- You can transfer between a tram and a bus within one hour if you use the same card (Tarjeta Bus/Tram).
- Tickets can be purchased from the driver (exact change needed) or with the rechargeable card.
4. Rent a Bicycle (Bizi Zaragoza)
Cycling is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to get around Zaragoza, especially since the city is relatively flat and has an excellent network of bike lanes.
Bizi Zaragoza, the city’s public bike-sharing system, has hundreds of stations around the city.
How it works:
- Register online or at designated kiosks to get a temporary access card.
- Pick up a bike at one of the many Bizi stations and return it to another station when you’re done.
- Short rides under 30 minutes are usually free once you’ve paid the small access fee.
Alternatively, private bike rental shops in the city center offer daily or hourly rentals, including electric bikes.
5. Use Taxis or Ridesharing Services
If you need to travel late at night or reach destinations not easily accessible by public transport, taxis and ridesharing apps are reliable and safe options.
Taxis in Zaragoza:
- Official taxis are white with a green light and the city’s coat of arms on the door.
- They can be found at taxi stands, near train stations, or hailed on the street.
- Fares are regulated and reasonable, with a minimum starting rate of around €4–€5.
Ridesharing apps:
- Uber, Bolt, and Cabify all operate in Zaragoza.
- Prices are typically similar to or slightly lower than standard taxis.
6. Try Electric Scooters (Patinetes Eléctricos)
Electric scooters are increasingly popular in Zaragoza and offer a fun, quick way to travel short distances.
- Several companies, such as Lime and Reby, operate shared e-scooters around the city.
- You can unlock them via smartphone apps, and payment is usually per minute of use.
- Scooters are ideal for connecting between tram stops or sightseeing routes.
Tip: Always use designated bike lanes or the right side of the road, and avoid riding on pedestrian-only streets.
7. Travel by Train for Longer Distances
If you’re staying in Zaragoza and want to explore nearby towns or cities, the Delicias Station (Estación de Zaragoza-Delicias) is the main transport hub.
From there, you can take:
- High-speed AVE trains to Madrid (1 hour 15 minutes) or Barcelona (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Regional trains to smaller towns such as Huesca, Calatayud, and Teruel.
Even within the city, commuter trains (Cercanías) link some suburban neighborhoods with the center, though they are less frequently used than buses or trams.
8. Walking and Public Transport Combo
Because the city is compact, most travelers find it easy to combine walking with trams or buses.
For example, you might walk through the Old Town in the morning, take the tram to the Aljafería Palace, and then use the bus or walk back through Gran Vía and Parque Grande in the afternoon.
9. Accessibility and Ease for Visitors
Zaragoza’s transport system is modern and accessible:
- Most tram and bus stops have ramps and clear signage.
- Ticket machines and displays are available in English and Spanish.
- Maps and route planners are easy to access online or through apps like Google Maps and Moovit.
Summary
Zaragoza is one of the easiest cities in Spain to explore without a car. The combination of reliable public transport, well-designed pedestrian areas, and cycling options means you can move around effortlessly while enjoying the city’s charm.
Best ways to get around:
- Walk: Ideal for the historic center and main attractions.
- Tram: Fast, modern, and connects key areas.
- Bus: Complements the tram network and reaches outer districts.
- Bike or e-scooter: Eco-friendly and fun for short trips.
- Taxi or rideshare: Convenient for late-night or direct travel.
Final Recommendation
For most visitors, the best approach is to walk through the historic center and use the tram or bus for longer distances. If you’re staying a few days, consider getting a Zaragoza Transport Card or the Tarjeta Ciudadana for convenient and discounted travel.
