Getting Around Bilbao

General Overview

Many visitors think that getting around in Bilbao means only using the metro, but let me tell you, that’s just the beginning! Bilbao's public transport system is quite efficient and does take some practice to navigate, but once you get the hang of it, you'll appreciate the options available.

The main public transport types include the metro, trams, buses, and even the Euskotren (which takes you out to places like Getxo along the coast). The metro operates from around 6 AM to midnight, with slightly extended hours on weekends—definitely helps for those late-night pintxos adventures! For a single metro ride, you’re looking at about €1.50, which is pretty decent compared to other cities in Europe. Just to give you a heads-up, they do offer a day pass for about €4, which might sound appealing, especially if you're planning to hop on and off all day. Oh, before I forget, tourists often make the mistake of not asking for the transfer ticket when switching between buses and trams, which can save you a few euros.

On my first trip, I hopped on the metro at Abando and thought I could make it back to my hotel near Casco Viejo during rush hour. Massive mistake! The trains get packed, and the locals move fast compared to tourists fumbling with their metro cards. I learned the hard way to avoid traveling at peak hours like 8-9 AM and 5-6 PM.

That said, I experienced a pleasant surprise the first time I jumped on the tram—it was a sunny day, and riding along the river with a breeze in my hair felt amazing. You really get a unique view of the city, especially if you get off at the Guggenheim stop.

For a money-saving tip, look out for the Bicicletta system where you can rent bikes for under €3 for two hours. It’s great, especially if you’ll be exploring areas like the Bilbao Ría or the parks around the city.

Oh, and if it’s raining (which happens often), be prepared with an umbrella because the buses can fill up quickly. The locals usually don’t mind a bit of rain, but trust me, you don’t want to be fighting for a seat with wet clothes!

To sum up: try out Line 1 on the metro to get to places like the San Mamés Stadium, and don't forget to ask about the transfers! Just take a breath, sync with the locals, and you’ll be moving about Bilbao like a pro in no time.