Cartagena, Province of Murcia to Valencia, Valencia Community from $16: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard services on the Renfe AVE trains from Cartagena to Valencia include a catering service called 'Cafe-bar,' where you can purchase a variety of snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and even some regional specialties. While meals are not included in the ticket price, you can enjoy the convenience of dining in your seat, making your journey comfortable.

• The trains operated by Renfe offer different seating options, including First Class (Preferente), Business Class (Clase Club), and Economy Class (Turista). Preferente seats provide spacious seating with complimentary meals and access to lounges at major stations. Clase Club has fewer seats, offering extra legroom and complimentary drinks. Turista is more budget-friendly, but still comfortable with standard seating; consider booking your tickets in advance to secure the best option.

• Several operators service the route from Cartagena to Valencia, with Renfe being the primary provider. Their official website for booking tickets is renfe.com You may also check for travel options on the Interrail website (interrail.eu) for various itineraries. For local transport in Valencia, visiting the EMT Valencia website (emtvalencia.es) can provide comprehensive information on buses and trams.

• Upon arrival at Valencia's main train station, Estación del Norte, you’ll find convenient facilities, including luggage lockers, which allow you to store your bags for a few hours while you explore the city. The station has clean restrooms and a couple of cafes for a quick bite or coffee, available on the ground floor.

• The fastest way to get from Estación del Norte to Valencia's city center is to take Metro Line 3 or 5 from 'Xàtiva' station, located just a short walk from the train station. The metro ride to the city center, especially to 'Colón' station, takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, local bus Line 8 also runs directly to central areas if you prefer that route.

• Book your ticket in advance on the ALSA website (alsa.es) to secure the best prices, as tickets for the daily 4-hour direct service can range from €23 to €36.

• Arrive at Cartagena Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Cartagena) at least 30 minutes before your departure to find your platform and grab any last-minute snacks or drinks from the available shops.

• Upon arrival at Valencia Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Valencia), use the underground pedestrian tunnel to easily access the adjacent metro station; this will help you reach the city center quickly if you wish to explore after your bus trip.