Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Bilbao Spain?

By Anna Duncan

Bilbao, located in the Basque Country of Spain, is a popular cruise destination for travelers seeking a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. If you’re planning to visit this vibrant city on a cruise ship, you might be wondering where exactly your ship will dock. In this article, we’ll explore the various ports that cruise ships use in Bilbao.

Port of Bilbao

The Port of Bilbao is the main commercial port in the region and is also used by some cruise ships. It’s located about 15 kilometers from the city center, but it offers good transportation options to get into town.

There are taxis available at the port and a shuttle bus that takes passengers to the city center. The shuttle bus costs around €1 each way and takes about 25 minutes to reach the city.

Getxo

Some smaller cruise ships may dock at Getxo, which is a port town located about 10 kilometers from Bilbao. Getxo has two ports – one for commercial shipping and one for leisure boats and ferries.

Cruise ships usually dock at the leisure port, which is called Puerto Deportivo El Abra-Getxo. From here, you can take a taxi or public transportation to reach Bilbao.

Bilbao Cruise Terminal

The most common place for cruise ships to dock in Bilbao is at the Bilbao Cruise Terminal. This terminal is located right in the heart of the city and is just a short walk away from many of Bilbao’s top attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum and Old Town (Casco Viejo). The terminal has all of the necessary facilities for passengers including customs clearance, luggage handling services, duty-free shops, restaurants and cafes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, depending on your cruise ship size and itinerary you may dock at different ports in Bilbao. The main port is the Port of Bilbao which is located quite far from the city center, Getxo which is located closer to the city but has limited transportation options, and the Bilbao Cruise Terminal which is located right in the heart of the city. Regardless of where your ship docks, Bilbao has plenty to offer visitors and you’re sure to have a great time exploring this vibrant and fascinating city.