Bilbao Airport is a popular gateway to the city for European visitors. However, as the airport only serves European connections, international visitors will need to arrive at one of Spain’s larger international airports before catching a domestic flight to Bilbao. Major European airlines serve the airport as well as a handful of low-cost airlines such as easyJet and Clickair.

Facilities at the airport are good, especially since the addition of a new terminal in 2000. At just five kilometres from the city centre, the airport is easily accessible with buses running every 30 minutes between the airport and the city bus station with a journey time of 15 minutes. Plans to build a rail line are in the making. For greater convenience, taxis are available but can be expensive.

It is possible to arrive in Bilbao by bus with connections linking the city with Madrid (four to five hours), Santander (one hour, 30 minutes) and San Sebastian (one hour). Most services drop passengers off at the TermiBus terminal or the Avenida de Las Americas bus station. As a major seaport, Bilbao can also be reached by car ferry from Portsmouth, UK.

Arriving by train is quicker and more comfortable, but also more expensive. Rail services link Bilbao with Madrid, Vigo and Barcelona as well as with regional cities such as Santander and Leon. Depending on your destination of origin, you will arrive at one of three stations: Santander Station, Abando Station or Atxuri Station.

Once in the city, getting around can mostly be done on foot with driving in the city not recommended due to its narrow winding streets and traffic. If you want to explore outside of the city centre, however, hire cars are available at the airport.

Metro trains and trams make up the city’s public transport for which CreditTrans cards, a stored value card, are valid. These can be purchased in various denominations at stations or newsstands. Day passes allowing unlimited travel are also available, and tickets must be validated before boarding.

The Artxanda Funicular is a worthwhile ride for the outstanding views across Bilbao from the summit of Artxanda Mountain. It is also possible to cover much of the city on foot or by bicycle, with the walk from the old town to the Guggenheim Museum taking about 30 minutes.