How to get around – Bilbao metro, bus, tram or car?

The public transport system in Bilbao is well developed. Bilbao metro is an excellent way to get around the city.

The city buses and the trams are also a good alternative.

If you are staying in the city center 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 walking 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

However, if you do want to get from one place to the next a bit faster a good choice would be the metro.

Using the metro in a big unknown city is something that you normally have to think twice about. I have been an avid traveler for many years and safety is always high on my list. My experience of the Bilbao metro is indeed very positive. I often catch the metro alone and I have never had a bad experience.

However, on late friday and saturday nights some passengers might be a bit too "jolly", just like on all public transport.

Here you find map of the metro lines

The Bilbao 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 map with all the metro stations:

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 clean, high-tech design

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

Norman Foster's team choose to use materials such as 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:
From 6:00 – 23:00.

Tickets:
In all metro stops there are automatic ticket machines that work with coins and bills.

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, newspaper stands and tobacco stores. You can choose between a 5, 10 or 15 € Creditrans ticket.

Travellers with reduced mobility:
All metro stops are equipped with elevators. The entrances are wide to facilitate access.