A valve operating apparatus includes: a first intermediate arm and a first rocker arm that are interposed between a first cam unit and a first valve; a second intermediate arm and a second rocker arm that are interposed between a second cam unit and a second valve; and hydraulic lash adjusters that rockably support the rocker arms. The intermediate arms are rockably supported by a rocker shaft. In the axial direction of the rocker shaft, the distance between the first transmission part and a bearing nearest thereto is shorter than the distance between the first pressure receiving part and a bearing nearest thereto, and likewise, the distance between the second transmission part and a bearing nearest thereto is shorter than the distance between the second pressure receiving part and a bearing nearest thereto.