Getting around Bilbao - metro, bus, tram or car?

Want to see the city? The public transport system is well developed here. Bilbao metro is an excellent was to get around. The city buses and the trams are also a good alternative.

If you are staying in the city centre your best means of transportation is a good pair of walking shoes. Bilbao is a relatively small place and many of the main attractions are located within a good waking distance.

If you are planning to explore the Basque Country and surrounding villages renting a car might be a good alternative.

The Bilbao metro is clean and modern
If you want to get from one place to the next a bit faster my first choice would be the Bilbao metro.

The Metro has an easy Y-shaped design and getting lost is hardly an option even if you are in Bilbao for the first time. For the time being the metro has two lines, line 1 and line 2.
You can click here for an interactive metro map with all the stations:
http://www.metrobilbao.net/eng/home.jsp

The Bilbao metro was inaugurated in 1995. It has a total of 36 stations, 20 below-ground stations and 16 above-ground. New stops are added regularly. The latest additions are the Portugalete and Abatxolo stops on Line 2 that were opened the 20th of January 2007.


A metro in high-tech design
In order to design the metro an international competition was convoked. The winner was the British architect Sir Norman Foster, known for his pronounced high-tech style.

The main materials used are steel, glass and concrete. The metro entrances have a peculiar design and are fondly called “Fosteritos” by the locals.


Bilbao Metro - Some important information:
Metro opening hours are from 6:00 – 23:00 (there might be some variations so make sure to check to hours for yourself). There are automatic ticket machines that work with coins and bills in all metro stops. Most metro stops are equipped with elevators. Entrances are wide to facilitate access.

If you are staying in Bilbao for a few days I suggest you get a Creditrans. This ticket entitles you to discount fairs and is valid on the metro, local busses and the Artxanda Funicular Railway. The Creditrans can be bought at the metro stations, news paper stands and tobacco stores. You can choose between a 5, 10 or 15 € Creditrans ticket.



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