Bilbao Shuttles

A popular cruise destination along the northern shore of Spain, Bilbao is located a few miles inland, though reachable by small boats via the city’s central Estuary of Bilbao. Most cruise ships dock along the north shore’s Port of Bilbao, located in the smaller port town of Santurtzi, where various parks and local seafood restaurants bring the fishing culture to life. Public transportation throughout the region includes the C1 Train Route via the Santurtzi Train Station, as well as the slightly further but much faster Metro Bilbao Line via the Santurtz Subway Station. Private transfers make sightseeing just as easy with sedans ideal for solo travelers looking to go on riverside tours and a couple dozen looking to get carried away with a chartered bus. And of course, meet-and-greets take an extra step toward style with local personal drivers aware of the should and should-nots, as well as chauffeured limousines that make stylish arrivals top priority.

Various activities can be enjoyed especially close to the cruise port. Start in Santurtzi, home to various exhibits that include the Santurtzi Interpretation Center’s local maritime artifacts housed in an old fish auction building, afterward moving south toward the neighboring city of Portugalete. Here, vehicles can ride the famous Vizcaya Bridge, a fascinating cable car-ferry that carries vehicles across the water through a suspension platform, while an iron-wood pedestrian bridge is located at the bridge’s highest point. Travel a couple miles further south along the same estuary to find the modern jungle skyline of Bilbao, major landmark to keep in mind including the old shipyard at Bilbao Maritime Museum, inclined railway views via the Artxanda Funicular, and vast hillside vistas of town from the biggest urban natural space called Etxebarria Park. Upscale eats can be found near the Guggenheim Bilbao, including Porrue Restaurant and Nerua, more casual attractions including the festive tapas at both Gare Koki and Baster, each walking distance from the Arriaga Light Rail Stop.