The Maldonado Municipal Park in Riba-roja is home to one of the most unique spots in Valencia: the Steam Railway Center, a miniature railway where the trains are not just for decoration, but the means of transport that families use to travel around the circuit every Sunday.
The center combines two aspects. On the one hand, the experience of climbing aboard the carriages and traveling along the tracks on locomotives powered by steam, gasoline, electric batteries, or even pedals, in the case of the cycle train.
On the other hand, the opportunity to see historic steam locomotives that are no longer in service and are part of the permanent collection of the site.
The trains are operated entirely by volunteers from a non-profit association.
How the visit works
The trains depart from the Túria Park station to travel the more than 600 meters of tracks in this public and free-access location. Departures are every few minutes and no prior reservation is necessary.
There is also a special train departing at 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. from Terme station, which includes a stop with a guided tour of the center’s workshops.
The facilities complete the tour with elements typical of a real railway operation: a turntable for turning locomotives, an inspection pit, a coal bunker, a water supply tower for steam engines, and a locomotive depot.
The center is open every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., closing for vacation between mid-July and mid-August.
Admission to the park is free. Train tickets cost €1 for children between the ages of 1 and 13, and €3 for adults aged 14 and over. Children under the age of one travel free of charge.