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Getting Around Basque Country

Getting Around Basque Country

Basque Country Spain Travel Guide

Bilbao Public Transport

Bilbao's system is modern, clean, and efficient. The metro is an excellent way to get around quickly, reaching many popular attractions. The tram connects locations such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Town, offering scenic trips. An extensive network of city buses covers areas not reached by metro or tram.

The Funicular de Artxanda provides panoramic views of Bilbao from Mount Artxanda, a rapid and scenic ascent.

Bilbao Ticketing & Info

  • Barik Card: Rechargeable public transport card valid across all modes in Biscay.
  • Discounts: Offers significant discounts compared to single tickets.
  • Fares: Single metro ticket ~€1.60-€2.00; Barik fare ~€0.60-€1.50 depending on zones.
  • Usage: Card costs €3, can be topped up at underground stations/kiosks. Multiple people can use one Barik card.

Metro Bilbao

Modern, clean, efficient system with two main lines (L1, L2) serving the city center and nearby regions.

Euskotren Tranbia

The tram connects attractions like the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, and various railway stations.

Bilbobus Network

A wide network of yellow city buses covers areas not reached by metro or tram, providing comprehensive coverage.

San Sebastián Public Transport

Transport Options
  • Dbus: Extensive network of blue city buses covers the entire city and suburbs.
  • Euskotren: Regional train connects San Sebastián with nearby coastal towns and applies to Hendaye (France).
  • Funicular to Mount Igueldo: Historic funicular to an funfair and stunning views of La Concha Bay.
San Sebastián Ticketing
  • Mugi Card: Equivalent to Barik Card for Gipuzkoa, offering discounted fares on Dbus and Euskotren.
  • Fares: Single bus ticket ~€1.85, Mugi Card fare ~€0.90-€1.30.
  • Card Cost: The Mugi Card costs €5.

Vitoria-Gasteiz Public Transport

Euskotren Tranbia

The main public transport system, connecting the city center with several areas.

Tuvisa

A comprehensive bus network complements the light rail service in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Bat Card

The public transport card for Álava, offering discounted fares; card costs €3.

Operating Hours

Metro generally runs from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours for weekends.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient alternatives to public transport, especially for direct routes or late-after-dark travel.

Taxi Information

  • Licensed taxis are typically white with a green light on the roof, indicating availability.
  • Hailing: Can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi stands (airports, stations, major squares), or called over the phone.
  • Fares: Taxis are metered. A base fare (~€3-€5) applies, followed by a per-kilometer charge. Airport transfers often have fixed rates.
  • Payment: Most taxis accept cash; many accept plastic, but confirm beforehand.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

  • Apps: Uber and Bolt operate in Bilbao. Cabify is also present in major cities. Availability can vary.
  • Safety: Licensed taxis are generally safe and regulated.
  • Verification: Always check the driver and vehicle match the app specifics before entering for ride-sharing.
  • Tracking: Utilize in-app GPS tracking for ride-sharing services.

Driving & Road Rules

  • Driving side: Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.
  • Mobile phone use: Illegal while driving.
  • Speed limits: Standard European limits apply (e.g., 120 km/h on motorways).
  • Drink-driving laws: Strict laws are enforced.
  • Tolls: Common on autopistas (toll motorways); factor these into your budget.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas

City centers (Bilbao's Casco Viejo, San Sebastián's Parte Vieja, La Concha promenade, Vitoria-Gasteiz's medieval quarter) are highly pedestrian-friendly.

Walking Tours

Many guided walking tours (free and have paid) are available, focusing on history, pintxos, or architecture. Self-guided routes are also popular.

Cycling Paths

Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for its extensive bicycle lanes. Donostia has excellent coastal cycling paths. Bilbao continually expands its bike infrastructure.

Specialized Transportation: Sea & Unique Rides

Beyond standard options, explore unique transport methods for distinct experiences and beautiful vistas, whether on water or up a mountain.

Boat & Water Transport

  • Small ferry boats operate in specific areas (e.g., across the estuary in Pasai San Pedro/Pasai Donibane).
  • Some ferry services exist for short connections within Bilbao's estuary.
  • These provide a different perspective from the coastal area towns plus metropolitan riversides.
  • No significant river transit for long-distance tourist journeys.

Unique Local Transport

  • Funicular de Artxanda in Bilbao: A historic funicular to panoramic views of Bilbao.
  • Funicular to Mount Igueldo in San Sebastián: Access to an entertainment park and stunning views of La Concha Bay.
  • Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are available in Bilbao and San Sebastián for convenient seeing the sights with commentary.
  • Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs are improving in major cities.

Accessibility & Tours

Urban Accessibility

Newer public transport systems like the metro and tram are generally well-adapted for mobility needs.

Lifts and wide gates

Historical Challenges

Older areas might still present challenges due to stone-paved streets and hilly terrain.

Research specific routes

Guided Tours

Many guided tours (both free and paid) are available, often focusing on history, pintxos, or architecture.

Explore on foot

Walking & Cycling Tips

Pedestrian Experience
  • City centers like Bilbao's Casco Viejo and Donostia's Parte Vieja are best explored on foot for their atmosphere.
  • Self-guided routes are popular and often marked.
  • No specific "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians or cyclists in tourist zones.
Cycling Experience
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz is acknowledged for its extensive and well-maintained bicycle lanes.
  • San Sebastián has outstanding coastal cycling trails for scenic rides.
  • Be cautious in heavy traffic zones and be aware of one-way streets in the old city areas.

Safety on the Road

  • Be aware of city traffic and car-free zones, especially in older areas.
  • Adhere to all traffic in the town laws and speed limits.
  • Always use GPS or a map while driving in unfamiliar areas.
  • Pedestrians should use designated crossings and be mindful of traffic.
  • Helmets are recommended for cycling.
  • Exercise normal vigilance in crowded areas.
  • Always observe local alerts and flags at the shore for the coastline safety.
  • Sudden floods can occur during times of intense rainfall; heed alerts about the weather.

Final Transport Advice

For comprehensive intercity travel, a mix of trains and buses usually gives the best balance of speed and cost.

Consider public transport within cities and a rental car for rural exploration. This blend provides great flexibility.

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