Welcome to Bilbao, a beautiful city located in the Basque Country, Spain. If you are planning a visit, it is important to know the different transportation options available to get around the city. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information on how to get from the airport to the center of Bilbao, how to get around on foot, by bicycle, by public transport and by car.
Useful information and tips for getting around Bilbao
Bilbao is a city with a wide range of public transportation and mobility options for visitors. Below are some useful tips for getting around the city:
-
Before leaving: it is advisable to find out about the main points of interest in the city and plan your route to optimize your visit time.
-
Barik Card: this card is the most widely used in Bilbao to pay for the different means of public transport. It can be purchased at any metro or streetcar station, as well as at kiosks and tobacconists in the city. It can also be recharged online and in the vending machines located in the stations.
-
Maps and guides: There are different tourist guides and maps of the city, which can be found at tourist offices or downloaded online. These maps include information on public transport routes, the main points of interest and the opening hours of museums and tourist attractions.
-
Public transport timetables: it is important to know the timetables of public transport in Bilbao, as some services may have a reduced schedule on weekends or public holidays. In general, the metro and streetcar usually have a long schedule, while buses may have shorter schedules.
How to get from the airport to the center of Bilbao
Bilbao airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center. There are several options to get to the center of Bilbao from the airport:-
Bus: The A3247 bus line connects the airport to the center of Bilbao in about 25-30 minutes. Buses leave approximately every 30 minutes and the fare is around 1.45 euros.
-
Cab: Taking a cab is a comfortable but more expensive option. Travel time is usually about 15-20 minutes and the fare can vary between €25 and €30.
-
Rental car: If you prefer to have more freedom to move around the city, you can rent a car at the airport. The main car rental companies have offices at the airport and prices vary depending on the company and the type of car you want to rent.
Getting around Bilbao on foot
Bilbao is a very pleasant city to walk around. Many of the city's main attractions are located in the historic center, so you can explore the area on foot. Some of the most popular places to visit include the Guggenheim Museum, Santiago Cathedral and the Old Town.Getting around Bilbao by bicycle
Another popular way to get around Bilbao is by bicycle. The city has a bicycle rental system called"BilbaoBizi". There are several rental stations located in different parts of the city. The rental cost is around 1.42 euros per hour, although there are also daily or weekly rental options.Getting around Bilbao by public transport Bilbao's public transport system is very efficient and consists of metro, streetcar and buses. To use public transport in Bilbao, you can buy a "Barik" card. This card is recharged with money and is used to pay for the ticket on any means of public transport in the city. You can also buy individual tickets at the metro stations or at the ticket vending machines located at the bus stops.
How to get around Bilbao by public transport: Prices and Timetables
To move around Bilbao by public transport, the responsible company is Bilbobus, which offers a wide network of urban buses that connect the whole city. Bilbobus buses are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and free wifi. In addition, there is also a streetcar service, Euskotren, which connects Bilbao with other cities in the Basque Country.
The price of a single ticket for public transport in Bilbao is 1.50€, but there are also options such as the round-trip ticket (2.90€) or the 10-trip ticket (12€), which can be more economical for those who travel frequently by public transport.
In addition, it is important to note that there is a rechargeable card called Barik, which allows the use of all means of public transport in the area of Bilbao and surroundings. This card can be purchased at Bilbobus or Euskotren stations and can be recharged at the same places or in vending machines located at bus stops or train and streetcar stations. It can also be recharged through the Barik website or mobile application. The price of the Barik card is €3 and a balance must be added to be able to use it.
As for the timetables, Bilbobus buses usually run from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. On the other hand, streetcar schedules vary depending on the line and the day of the week, but in general they usually have a frequency of between 10 and 15 minutes. It is recommended to check the timetables on the website of the transport companies before planning your trip.
Getting around Bilbao by car
Getting around Bilbao by car can be a good option for those who prefer to have more freedom in their itinerary and explore the surroundings of the city. There are several car rental companies in Bilbao, including the major ones such as Europcar, Avis, Hertz and Sixt, as well as local companies such as Niza Cars, Autorent and Alquiler de Coches Bilbao.
Prices for car rental in Bilbao vary depending on the company, the model of the car and the duration of the rental. In general, you can find prices from around 25 euros per day for a small and economic car, to more than 100 euros per day for a luxury car or a van.
It is important to keep in mind that driving in Bilbao can be complicated due to the traffic and the narrow and winding streets of the city. There are also many pedestrian zones and one-way streets, so it is important to know the rules of the road well and have a good GPS or map to avoid getting lost. Also, be aware of the cost of parking in the city, as many areas are pay parking and it can be difficult to find free parking in the center.
