One of my favorite parts of traveling, besides exploring a city’s history and tasting its local cuisine, is feeling the rhythm of daily life—and there’s no better way to experience that than through public transportation. Zaragoza, a historic city nestled along the Ebro River in northeastern Spain, surprised me with its efficient, user-friendly, and modern transit system.
I stayed in Zaragoza for nearly a week, relying almost entirely on buses and trams to get around. From the ancient alleys of the Old Town to new shopping districts and peaceful riverside walks, the city’s wide-reaching and easy-to-use public transport network became my indispensable travel companion.
1. Overview of Zaragoza’s Public Transportation
Though it doesn’t have an expansive metro network like Madrid or Barcelona, Zaragoza boasts a clean and efficient tram and bus system that serves locals and tourists alike. The entire public transport system is managed by Avanza Zaragoza, known for its punctuality, sustainability, and growing digital integration.
Trams (Tranvía)
Zaragoza currently operates a single tram line (Line 1), but don’t underestimate its importance. It runs north to south—from Valdespartera through the city center and Old Town to Actur. For travelers, it connects many top landmarks including the Basílica del Pilar, University of Zaragoza, Aljafería Palace, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Trams are modern, spacious, and air-conditioned, featuring electronic displays and voice announcements. They run every 5–7 minutes, even during rush hours, making for a comfortable and reliable ride.
Buses (Autobús Urbano)
Buses were my main mode of daily travel. Zaragoza has over 30 bus routes covering residential areas, commercial zones, and outer neighborhoods. The buses feature electronic payment systems and real-time station updates, and their stop density means even remote districts are well connected.
Buses run from 6:00 AM to midnight, with select routes offering late-night services (Bus Nocturno)—perfect for evening outings. Tickets are interchangeable with trams, and payments can be made via travel cards or mobile apps.
2. Ticketing and Payment Options
One of the first things I did upon arrival was figure out the ticketing system—it’s key to a smooth trip, especially if you plan to rely on public transport as much as I did. Zaragoza offers several convenient and cost-effective options for every type of traveler.
Single Ticket (Billete sencillo)
You can buy single tickets directly on trams or buses, priced at €1.40 (as of early 2025). While this is a straightforward option for occasional trips, it’s not the most budget-friendly if you’ll be using public transport multiple times a day.
One-Day Pass (Bono de 1 día)
If you plan to use public transport frequently in a single day, I highly recommend the one-day pass for around €4.30. It allows unlimited rides for 24 hours, making it perfect for sightseeing days packed with activities. Passes can be purchased at automated ticket machines, major stations, or select newsstands across the city.
Travel Card (Tarjeta Bus)
For longer stays, consider getting a rechargeable Tarjeta Bus. With a minimum top-up of €10, each ride is discounted to just €0.76, offering excellent value for money. The card is accepted on both trams and buses and can be bought and recharged at most citywide ticket machines.
Mobile App
I relied heavily on the “Avanza Zaragoza” mobile app throughout my stay. It not only offers real-time tram and bus arrival updates, route planning, and transfer guidance, but also allows users to manage and recharge their Tarjeta Bus directly from their phones. It significantly improved my travel efficiency and is a must-download for anyone visiting Zaragoza.
3. Recommended Routes & Transfer Tips
Here are some of the most helpful transport routes based on my personal itinerary. These will help you move around Zaragoza like a local.
Route 1: Zaragoza Delicias Train Station to Old Town
Upon arrival at Zaragoza Delicias, I walked to the nearby bus stop and hopped on Bus 34. In just 15 minutes, I was at Plaza del Pilar—the city’s cultural heart, surrounded by churches, museums, and restaurants. It’s the perfect starting point.
Route 2: Tram Ride from South to North
Line 1 is a tourist’s dream route. I started from Valdespartera, riding past Universidad (for the university), the Gran Vía shopping district, the El Pilar/Murallas stop in the Old Town, and ending at Actur’s shopping and convention centers. The full ride takes around 30 minutes and offers beautiful city views.
Route 3: Late-Night Return After Dining
Zaragoza’s nightlife is lively, especially in the El Tubo tapas district. I often stayed out until 11 PM, then took night buses like N1 or N2 back to my hotel. Even late at night, the transit system made me feel safe and connected.
4. Walking & Biking: A Slower, More Intimate Way to See the City
Though the public transport system in Zaragoza is highly efficient and modern, I often found myself choosing slower modes of travel—walking and biking—especially when I wanted to connect more deeply with the soul of the city. These methods offered not just convenience, but also a personal, sensory experience of the streets, sounds, and scents.
Best Walking Areas
- Old Town (Casco Antiguo): With its narrow, historic lanes, centuries-old façades, and charming plazas, the Old Town is a walker’s paradise. Whether you’re admiring the Mudejar-style churches or stopping by a local bakery, every step offers something to discover.
- Ebro River Promenade: Strolling along the riverbanks at sunrise or sunset is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. The water reflects the skyline in a painterly way, especially near the Basílica del Pilar, and the gentle breeze makes for a refreshing break from the urban rhythm.
- Independencia Avenue: This central boulevard not only connects major parts of the city but also invites relaxed ambles under tree-lined paths. Locals gather here for coffee, shopping, or simply a moment of pause—joining them made me feel more like a resident than a visitor.
Bizi Zaragoza Public Bikes
The Bizi Zaragoza bike-sharing system is a standout feature of the city’s mobility options. With dozens of docking stations scattered across all key districts, it’s incredibly easy to pick up and return a bike wherever you go. After registering through the app, I found it seamless to unlock a bike and get moving. Most short trips, particularly under an hour, are free or cost just a few cents. Helmets aren’t provided, so consider bringing your own if you plan on frequent rides. Also, make sure to always lock the bike correctly at a docking station to avoid additional charges or issues with your account.
5. Helpful Travel Tips
- Avoid Rush Hours: Public transport gets busiest during weekday commute times—typically between 7:30 and 9:00 AM, and again from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. If your schedule allows, try to plan your outings outside these windows. Not only will you avoid crowded buses and trams, but you’ll also have a quieter, more scenic experience while traveling.
- Bring Coins or Use Contactless Payment: While buses do accept cash, they often don’t give change, so it’s better to carry coins or, ideally, use a contactless payment method. I found paying with my phone or an NFC-enabled card both quicker and more hygienic. This applies especially when boarding buses, where being ready with payment speeds up the entire boarding process for everyone.
- Use the Official App: Although Google Maps provides basic route suggestions, it doesn’t always reflect delays or changes in service. The “Avanza Zaragoza” app, on the other hand, gives real-time updates on bus and tram schedules, traffic conditions, and even alerts about detours or canceled stops. The app also lets you recharge your transport card digitally, which was a real lifesaver during busy travel days.
- Check for Holidays and Strikes: Like many European cities, Zaragoza’s public services may be impacted by regional holidays or scheduled labor strikes. During my stay, one day of limited service coincided with a local festivity—thankfully, I had checked the Avanza app the night before. Always look ahead on official websites or social media channels for announcements, especially if you’re relying on transport to catch a train or flight.
- Keep Your Ticket or Digital Pass: Ticket inspections are rare but do happen without warning, particularly on trams and night buses. You should always keep your paper ticket or digital proof of purchase until the end of your journey. If you fail to show a valid fare when requested, fines can be steep and immediate. For peace of mind, I used the mobile app to keep a digital receipt of each ride and stored it until I’d exited the vehicle.
6. Discovering Zaragoza Through Its Transport
Transportation isn’t just a means to get around—it’s a window into daily life. Sitting on a tram, watching the Old Town blur past, seeing students on their way to class or elderly couples heading to market, I felt immersed in the pulse of Zaragoza. Conversations on buses, riverside bike rides, and quiet nighttime routes all offered glimpses into local life that I’d have missed otherwise.
Public transport not only saved me time and energy—it brought me closer to the soul of the city. Somewhere between tram stops and bus routes, you just might fall in love with the journey itself—and with Zaragoza’s quiet charm that unfolds along the way.
