5 destinations accessible by subway from Bilbao [2024]

5 destinations accessible by subway from Bilbao

Article updated in May 2024.

Today, I’m taking you to discover the Bilbao region—well, just a small part of it. I lived in the Basque city for over four years, so I had plenty of time to explore the surroundings. In this article, I’ll guide you through 5 ideal destinations accessible by subway from Bilbao!

Where to go by subway from Bilbao?

Plentzia — The furthest beach.
Neguri — The closest beach.
Portugalete — Known for its suspension bridge.
Sopelana — Nudist beach and surf spot.
Algorta — Fishermen’s village.

Useful information for using the Bilbao metro:

How much does a metro ticket cost?
Where can you buy transport tickets?
Is it possible to travel with a dog?
Is it possible to travel with a bike?
Is it possible to travel with a surfboard?
Is it allowed to eat on the metro?

Bilbao and its metro in a few words

Thanks to the Guggenheim effect, which has revitalized the city from its industrial ashes, Bilbao has become a popular destination for tourists visiting the north of the country.

Unfortunately, most of them limit their stay to one or two days before heading off to San Sebastian or Santander, or they go directly home.

This is a shame, as the area around Bilbao is dotted with beautiful beaches and charming, lesser-known villages that are just as interesting.

Bilbao has 3 metro lines, serving a total of 49 stations. Opened in 1995, it is chronologically the fourth metro network in the country, after those in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

The various lines connect several neighborhoods and towns along the banks of the Nervion River, which leads to the sea.

It’s a very convenient mode of transport, as it allows you to go directly to the beach, and that’s pretty cool!

3 TOURS YOU CAN'T MISS IN BILBAO!

Where to go by subway from Bilbao?

Given that there are 49 stations, there are certainly 49 possible destinations.

However, I will focus on 5 perfect destinations for a short tourist getaway.

1. Plentzia — The furthest beach

This small village is located 25 km from Bilbao, on the coast.

You can get there by taking Line 1 of the metro, which terminates at Plentzia—only this line!!!

There are other terminals for Line 1, but they won’t take you to the right place.

The journey takes about 45 minutes. It’s long, but most of it is above ground, so you can enjoy the scenery during the trip.

Anyway, even if it’s long, it saves you from spending 30 minutes looking for a parking space, especially in the summer.

Once you arrive, you can follow the river. This path is really beautiful, and you’ll see colorful fishing boats before seeking the shade provided by the village houses.

You’ll also pass by the small Plaza del Astillero before reaching the beach and being able to relax to the sound of the waves.

2. Neguri — The closest beach

Still, on Line 1 of the metro, we stop at Neguri. Travel time: 20 minutes (from the center of Bilbao).

Once you exit the metro, simply leave the station and continue to your right until you see the sea.

Here, you can enjoy the beach as well as the port and admire the boats.

There is also a small shopping center where you can find a cinema, an aquarium, and various dining options.

Neguri is also a place to stroll and admire the luxurious homes of the bourgeoisie.

3. Portugalete — Known for its suspension bridge

You can reach Portugalete by walking from Neguri or by taking Line 2 of the metro (about 20 minutes of travel).

The main tourist attraction in the city is the Puente Colgante, the oldest suspension bridge in the world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which connects the two banks of the river.

You can also find this bridge online under the name Puente de Viscaya. To visit it, you have two options:

– Take the gondola, which costs about €0.55. You can pay with the Barik card (the transport card for Bilbao) as well as the tourist card.

– If you’re not afraid of heights, you can go all the way up for €10.

Although most tourists come to see this bridge, Portugalete also offers many beautiful places to discover.

It’s a lively and pleasant city for having a drink and enjoying pintxos.

4. Sopelana — Nudist beach and surf spot

Still, on Line 1, you can stop at the Larrabasterra station.

From there, you will need to walk 25 minutes to reach Sopelana beach. So, avoid going when the sun is at its peak.

Sopelana beach is somewhat divided into two parts. One part is completely traditional, while the other is reserved for naturists.

It is also a surf spot for athletes who come to experience the Basque waves.

5. Algorta — Fishermen's village

I conclude this list of places to visit by metro from Bilbao with my favorite spot. You can walk there from Neguri or take Line 1 of the metro, heading towards Plentzia, Urduliz, Sopelana, or Larrabasterra for a 25-minute journey.

You will obviously get off at the Algorta stop.

Upon exiting the metro, turn left. If you’re lost, ask someone to point you to Puerto Viejo or use Google Maps for help.

The old part of Algorta is a charming little fishing village facing the sea.

From this area, you can access Ereaga beach. The town of Algorta also has some buildings worth seeing.

How much does a metro ticket cost?

The Bilbao metro is divided into 3 zones.

The price of a single ticket ranges from €1.75 to €1.95 depending on the zone. It allows you to travel from point A to point B.

You can also use the Barik card, the metro card for Bilbao. You load a certain amount of money onto it, and it deducts from your balance with each journey.

Multiple people can travel with the same card. This is a more economical solution if you plan to travel regularly during your stay.

There is also a personalized version that can only be used by the cardholder.

As a tourist, you can also choose to purchase the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, which includes unlimited transport for 1, 2, or 3 days. Its price? Between €10 and €20.

Where to buy the different transport tickets?

A single metro ticket can be purchased from the machines located in each station.

As for the Barik card, you can also buy it from these machines, at the Puente Colgante facilities, the funiculars, or in stores that display the Barik logo.

For the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, you can purchase it at various tourist offices or on this website.