Getting Around, Bilbao Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain)

Bilbao is a large city and home to an impressive transport infrastructure to match. With many convenient and inexpensive ways to travel around the Bilbao area, visitors to the city often choose to take advantage of Bilbao's extensive public transport. Buses are one of the most popular ways to travel around Bilbao, with a selection of bus stations located across the western side of the city, together with many central bus stops.

For those looking to travel further afield, the main train stations in Bilbao can be found alongside the scenic river, in the city's El Ensanche district. Also worth a mention, the Metro system in Bilbao is an extensive transport network of underground subway trains, providing one of the best ways to travel to the nearby beaches. Many people visiting the city of Bilbao often choose to rent a car, enjoying the freedom of being able to travel in and around the city at your own pace.

Bilbao Airport (BIO) / Arriving by Air

Address: 48180 Loiu / Vizcaya, Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
Tel: +34 944 869 664
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is a spectacular contemporary masterpiece and symbolises the area's thriving economy. Serving more than four million passengers annually, Bilbao Airport can be found just 12 km / 7 miles from the city and is one of the region's main transport hubs. Bilbao Airport (BIO) serves many large airlines which fly to a number of European destinations, including England, Ireland, the Canary Islands and many significant airports around Spain. Ground transportation at the airport includes bus transport, hotel shuttles and taxis, all of which travel into central Bilbao in less than 20 minutes.

Bilbao Airport (BIO) Guide

Car Rental

Renting a car in Bilbao is one of the most popular and best ways to travel outside of the city and explore the surrounding countryside and neighbouring towns. A selection of notable car hire transport companies can be found at the modern Bilbao Airport (BIO), including Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National Atesa.

Book your Bilbao Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Tel: +34 944 395 077
The main 'Termibús' bus station stands on the southwestern side of the Bilbao city, alongside the San Mamés Metro station. This vast station takes up an entire block and is situated between Gurtubay and Luis Brinas, with most of Bilbao's long-distance buses and coaches based here. Buses from the Bilbao Termibús bus station regularly travel to Madrid (less than five hours), Barcelona (seven hours), Burgos (two hours), Pamplona (less than two hours), Santander (one and a half hours) and Vitoria (less than one hour).

Provincial and local buses in Bilbao are centred around the Bizkaiabus station along the Calle Sendeja, close to the main tourist information office on the Paseo del Arenal. The Bizkaiabus station also provides regular buses which travel from Bilbao Airport into the Plaza de Federico Moyua, which is situated in the very centre of Bilbao's New Town (Ensanche) area.

Trains

Tel: +34 902 240 202
Bilbao's main RENFE train station is known locally as the 'Estación de Abando' and is located on the Plaza Circular. Regular trains travel from the Bilbao Abando station to a number of notable Spanish cities, towns and locations, including Madrid (just over six hours), Barcelona (nine hours), Burgos (three hours) and Valladolid (four hours). Nearby, Bilbao's impressive Concordia train station serves FEVE trains, which travel in a westerly direction to Cantabria and Asturias.

Tel: +34 944 019 900
Located on the other side of the river, the 'Estación Atxuri' train station can be found to the southeast of Old Quarter Bilbao (Casco Viejo). Regular ET/FV (Eusko Tren / Ferrocarril Vasco) trains travel to a range of destinations, including Bermeo, Guernica, Mundaka, and San Sebastian - with a total travel time of less than three hours.

Metro Trains and Subway

Opened in 1997, the Bilbao Metro train network is one of the most modern and stylish underground transport systems in the world. The Bilbao Metro subway travels to the northern coastline, connecting a number of stations along the way and providing a fast way to reach the city's nearby beaches. Bilbao's Metro trains also travel into the city centre and bus station.

Trams

The city of Bilbao operates a convenient and inexpensive tram system, providing travel to a number of notable locations and attractions, including the Museo Guggenheim (Guggenheim Museum) and the Atxuri train station.

Boats and Ferries

Twice a week P&O operate ferries which travel to Portsmouth in England, from Santurtzi, along the Calle de Cosme Echevarrieta - located around 14 km / 9 miles to the northwest of central Bilbao. The travel time is around 30 hours and ferries charge per passenger and vehicle.

Taxis

Taxis are in plentiful supply at Bilbao Airport (BIO) and are sited outside the main terminal building, operating both day and night. Further taxi ranks can be found in the city centre and outside of large hotels. Taxis in Bilbao can also be hailed on the street and pre-booked in advance by telephone.