Bilbao is one of Spain’s most straightforward cities for travelers: compact, walkable, with excellent public transport and high English proficiency in the tourist center. This FAQ covers the practical details that save you time and money.
Bilbao Travel Tips: Getting to Bilbao
Bilbao Airport (BIO) Transport
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is 12km north of the city center in Loiu. The Bizkaibus A3247 runs every 15-20 minutes from the arrivals terminal to Bilbao’s Termibus station (25 minutes), stopping at Gran Via and Plaza Moyua along the way. A single ticket costs 3.00 EUR. The bus runs 06:00-00:00. A taxi from the airport to the city center costs 25-30 EUR and takes 15-20 minutes. Uber and Cabify operate in Bilbao but cannot pick up at the airport rank, only drop off. For early morning departures, reserve a taxi through Radio Taxi Bilbao (+34 944 448 888) the night before.
Arriving by Train
Bilbao Abando station (officially Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto) handles Renfe long-distance trains from Madrid (4 hours 40 minutes, from 25 EUR advance) and Barcelona (6 hours 30 minutes, from 30 EUR advance). The station sits on the edge of the Ensanche, a 10-minute walk from the Casco Viejo. The FEVE narrow-gauge station (Bilbao-Concordia) next door runs regional trains along the Cantabrian coast to Santander (3 hours, 11 EUR). Euskotren services to San Sebastian (2 hours 30 minutes, 7.90 EUR) depart from the Atxuri or Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo stations.
Getting Around Bilbao
Metro Bilbao
Metro Bilbao has two lines (L1 and L2) running along both banks of the Nervion. Stations are clean, frequent, and signed in Basque and Spanish. Single tickets cost 1.70-2.00 EUR within the city center zone. A Barik transport card (3.00 EUR deposit, available from Metro station machines) reduces fares by roughly 30% and works on Metro, buses, tram, and the Artxanda funicular. The Metro operates 06:00-23:00 Sunday through Thursday and until 02:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday eves.
Walking and Cycling
Bilbao’s city center is genuinely walkable. The Guggenheim to the Casco Viejo takes 15 minutes along the riverside Abandoibarra promenade. The city’s bike-sharing system, Bilbaobizi, offers 24-hour access for 5 EUR registration with the first 30 minutes of each ride free. Docking stations are concentrated in the Ensanche and along the river.
Bilbao Travel Tips: Practical Information
Money and Tipping in Bilbao
Spain uses the Euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere including pintxo bars for amounts above 5 EUR. ATMs are plentiful; decline the currency conversion offer when using foreign cards for a better exchange rate. Tipping is not expected. Spaniards typically leave small change (10-20 cents) for a coffee or round up to the nearest euro for a meal. A 5-10% tip at a sit-down restaurant signals exceptional service but is never required.
Language in Bilbao
Spanish (Castellano) and Basque (Euskera) are co-official in Bilbao. Street signs, Metro announcements, and menus appear in both languages. About 30% of Bilbao residents speak Basque, with higher rates among younger people. English is widely spoken in hotels, the Guggenheim, and tourist-facing restaurants. In traditional pintxo bars in the Casco Viejo, pointing at what you want and saying ‘este, por favor’ (this one, please) works fine.
Safety in Bilbao
Bilbao has a low crime rate compared to Spain’s larger cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Pickpocketing occurs around Plaza Nueva and Calle Ledesma on busy weekend nights; keep phones and wallets in front pockets. The San Francisco street corridor in Bilbao La Vieja has a visible drug trade presence (primarily hashish and heroin) after dark. Stick to the northern end of the neighborhood near the river at night. Bilbao’s emergency number is 112.
Tax Refunds and Practical Etiquette
Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds (21% IVA) on purchases over 90.15 EUR from a single store on the same day. Ask for a Tax Free form at the time of purchase and present it at the DIVA kiosk in the airport before baggage check-in. Restaurant meal times run late in Bilbao: lunch 13:30-15:30, dinner 20:30-22:30. Many kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00. Pintxo bars bridge the gap with food served continuously from about 12:00 to 23:00.
Bilbao Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Bilbao?
Bilbao is in Spain, part of the Schengen Area. US, Canadian, UK, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, and South Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2025, ETIAS authorization (7 EUR, valid 3 years) is required for visa-exempt travelers. Check current ETIAS status before travel.
What is the best way to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian?
The PESA bus from Bilbao Termibus to San Sebastian city center runs hourly, takes 1 hour 10 minutes, and costs 12.90 EUR one way. This is faster and cheaper than the Euskotren train (2 hours 30 minutes, 7.90 EUR) which stops at many intermediate stations. Book PESA bus tickets at the station or via the PESA website.
Is Bilbao expensive?
Bilbao is moderately priced compared to other Western European cities. A pintxo and a glass of txakoli wine costs 4-6 EUR. A 3-course menu del dia at lunch runs 14-18 EUR. A 4-star hotel averages 120 EUR in high season, 80 EUR in low season. The Guggenheim ticket (16 EUR) and Fine Arts Museum (10 EUR) are the main attraction costs. Budget 80-120 EUR per person per day for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, attractions, and transport.
Suggested Hotels in Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Five-star design hotel directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum with a rooftop terrace overlooking the titanium facade. The 145 Mariscal-designed rooms, atrium garden, and Beltz restaurant make it Bilbao’s definitive luxury address. Best for Guggenheim-focused travelers and special occasion stays. Check rates and availability
Hotel Carlton
Landmark 1926 building on Bilbao’s most beautiful square, Plaza Federico Moyua, with high-ceilinged rooms, marble bathrooms, and a grand staircase lobby. The 142 rooms maintain classic period character with modern bathrooms. Best for travelers who want a historic luxury experience at mid-range prices. Check rates and availability
Pension Manoli
Family-run guesthouse on a quiet Casco Viejo lane with 10 simple, spotless rooms and genuinely helpful local owners. Private bathrooms, shared kitchen, and unbeatable 50-65 EUR rates in Bilbao’s best location. Best for budget travelers and solo visitors wanting Old Town immersion. Check rates and availability
