Bilbao cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: The cruise terminals are in Getxo; use Plaza Moyúa as the central Bilbao metro destination, with Getxo 3 (Olatua) as the terminal reference for coordinates and step-free access.

• Walk: not realistic to central Bilbao during a short call; long interurban journey. For the metro connection, Getxo tourism gives about 1 km on foot to Neguri or Gobela.
• Taxi: about €55 one way per taxi for a central Bilbao transfer, taking about 25 minutes; Getxo tourism's indicative 2026 metered estimate covers the centre generally.
• Public transport: Metro Bilbao Line 1 from Neguri or Gobela towards Etxebarri, alighting at Moyua; €2.20 one way for a two-zone occasional ticket. Walk to the station separately from the cruise terminal.
• Step-free: Olatua has an adapted movable gangway, accessible lifts between floors and an unobstructed connection to the public street.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Getxo taxi estimates, Getxo station directions, CTB metro fares, Metro Bilbao 2026 network, Visit Biscay terminal access.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships dock at Getxo 1, Getxo 2 or Getxo 3. Getxo 1 and 2 share a passenger station; Getxo 3 has a separate station, Olatua. The port describes a movable gangway at Getxo 3 designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

The Port Authority provides a shuttle to public-transport facilities. For a cruise-line city transfer, use the destination shown for the bus you board.

About this port

The first choice on a Bilbao call is whether to travel into Bilbao or stay in Getxo, where the cruise berths are located. For a short stay, the marina and nearby beach avoid a city transfer. For an art visit, make the Guggenheim the day's main commitment.

Getting Around

For a Guggenheim visit, a direct taxi or ship transfer avoids the walk to Neguri or Gobela and the metro connection. For an independent metro outing, Moyua is the city-centre stop. On the return use Line 1 towards Plentzia, on the Getxo side of the river.

If staying in Getxo, use the marina and beach beside the cruise facilities as a local starting point. The Vizcaya Bridge, connecting Getxo and Portugalete, is another distinct destination; arrange how to get there and back rather than adding it automatically to a Bilbao museum day.

Things to Do

• Museum priority: reserve the Guggenheim through its official website and give the galleries the main part of your available city time. Consult its visit planner for the date; Monday opening varies across the year.
• Engineering priority: visit the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge, completed in 1893. Its suspended transporter carries people and vehicles between the two riverbanks. Separate the bridge visit from any onward Bilbao plan.
• Shortest outing: stay around Getxo's marina, leisure area and beach. Set a turnaround point based on your berth, rather than on a city-centre transfer deadline.

Getting back to your ship

Return: record both the Getxo berth and passenger station. A drop-off described simply as “Bilbao port” is insufficient.

Practical Information

• Currency: euro (€). Emergency: 112, free.
• Return: record both the Getxo berth and passenger station. A drop-off described simply as “Bilbao port” is insufficient.
• Mobility: confirm vehicle access and assistance for your assigned berth before booking an independent transfer.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Bilbao cruise port to the city centre? No, it is not a practical walk during a short call: the cruise berths are in Getxo. For a metro connection, Getxo tourism gives about 1 km on foot to Neguri or Gobela station.

How much is a taxi from Bilbao cruise port to the centre? About €55 one way per taxi, using Getxo tourism’s indicative 2026 metered estimate. It gives about 25 minutes for the central Bilbao transfer.

How much is the metro from Getxo cruise port to Bilbao? The two-zone occasional ticket costs €2.20 one way. Take Metro Bilbao Line 1 from Neguri or Gobela towards Etxebarri and leave at Moyua; getting to the station is a separate walk.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Bilbao? They dock at Getxo 1, Getxo 2 or Getxo 3. Olatua at Getxo 3 has an adapted movable gangway and accessible lifts.