Port information & tips for Getxo (Bilbao)
Getxo is the elegant gateway to the Basque Country, combining maritime flair with the cultural diversity of Bilbao. The port city on the Bay of Biscay impresses with its stately villas and picturesque cliffs, providing an ideal starting point for discoveries. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the famous Puente Colgante transporter bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming old fishing quarter of Puerto Viejo. Cruise ships dock at the modern Getxo Cruise Terminal (Olatua), from where the metropolis of Bilbao with the world-famous Guggenheim Museum can be easily reached in just about 20 minutes thanks to an excellent metro connection and shuttle buses.
The cruise port of Getxo, picturesquely situated at the mouth of the Nervión, is the modern gateway to the fascinating Basque Country and the dynamic city of Bilbao. It is easily accessible from the DACH region thanks to excellent connections by plane, car, and train. Terminals Getxo 1 & 2 as well as the newer Olatua Terminal (Getxo 3) offer modern facilities for a smooth embarkation.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Bilbao (BIO), located about 15 to 22 kilometers from the port of Getxo, allowing a travel time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes by taxi. After long flights from the DACH region, arriving one day before the cruise is recommended. Taxis to the port cost around 30 to 45 euros, depending on the starting point. In addition, most cruise lines offer comfortable shuttle buses that take you directly to the center of Bilbao, for example to Plaza Moyua near the Guggenheim Museum, for about 15 to 20 euros. Alternatively, you can take the Bizkaibus (Line A3247) from the airport to the center of Bilbao and from there continue by metro to Getxo.
Car
The port of Getxo is excellently connected to the Spanish road network and can be easily reached via the BI-637. Follow the signs towards Paseo Marqués de Arriluce e Ibarra and then take the Ibarra Kalea exit towards Algorta Kaia in Getxo to get directly to the terminal. Parking facilities are available at the port itself. For long-term parking, Saba Las Arenas, for example, offers special rates with a 10% discount for cruise passengers; making a reservation in advance by phone is advantageous. Some hotels in Getxo also offer parking options for the duration of your trip.
Train & Metro
Arriving by train brings you to Bilbao Abando main station, a central transport hub. From there, you can easily and affordably take Metro Line 1 towards Plentzia, Bidezabal, or Larrabasterra to Getxo. Get off at the Gobela or Neguri stations. From there, it is only about 1 kilometer on foot to the cruise terminal or a short taxi ride. The metro ride from Abando to Bidezabal takes about 28 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi rank is available at Abando station, from which the ride to the port costs approximately 25 to 35 euros.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Getxo, picturesquely situated at the mouth of the Nervión, is the modern gateway to the fascinating Basque Country and the dynamic city of Bilbao. It is easily accessible from the DACH region thanks to excellent connections by plane, car, and train. Terminals Getxo 1 & 2 as well as the newer Olatua Terminal (Getxo 3) offer modern facilities for a smooth embarkation.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Bilbao (BIO), located about 15 to 22 kilometers from the port of Getxo, allowing a travel time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes by taxi. After long flights from the DACH region, arriving one day before the cruise is recommended. Taxis to the port cost around 30 to 45 euros, depending on the starting point. In addition, most cruise lines offer comfortable shuttle buses that take you directly to the center of Bilbao, for example to Plaza Moyua near the Guggenheim Museum, for about 15 to 20 euros. Alternatively, you can take the Bizkaibus (Line A3247) from the airport to the center of Bilbao and from there continue by metro to Getxo.
Car
The port of Getxo is excellently connected to the Spanish road network and can be easily reached via the BI-637. Follow the signs towards Paseo Marqués de Arriluce e Ibarra and then take the Ibarra Kalea exit towards Algorta Kaia in Getxo to get directly to the terminal. Parking facilities are available at the port itself. For long-term parking, Saba Las Arenas, for example, offers special rates with a 10% discount for cruise passengers; making a reservation in advance by phone is advantageous. Some hotels in Getxo also offer parking options for the duration of your trip.
Train & Metro
Arriving by train brings you to Bilbao Abando main station, a central transport hub. From there, you can easily and affordably take Metro Line 1 towards Plentzia, Bidezabal, or Larrabasterra to Getxo. Get off at the Gobela or Neguri stations. From there, it is only about 1 kilometer on foot to the cruise terminal or a short taxi ride. The metro ride from Abando to Bidezabal takes about 28 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi rank is available at Abando station, from which the ride to the port costs approximately 25 to 35 euros.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The modern cruise terminal in Getxo is excellently located, offering great connections to both the charming coastal town of Getxo and the vibrant heart of Bilbao. Travelers benefit from a well-developed infrastructure and various comfortable ways to get into the city.
Metro Bilbao
The metro is the most efficient means of transport, connecting Getxo directly with the center of Bilbao. Neguri station can be reached after a pleasant walk of about 15 to 20 minutes along the waterfront promenade, from where line 1 trains run at frequent intervals toward the city center and the Guggenheim Museum.
Taxi
Numerous official taxis await passengers directly outside the terminal exit. The ride into downtown Bilbao takes a comfortable 20 to 25 minutes and provides a direct connection to the region's main attractions.
Shuttle Service and Walking to Getxo
Many cruise lines organize comfortable shuttle buses that take guests to the nearest metro station or directly into the center of Bilbao. In addition, the picturesque center of Getxo, with its cafes and the famous Puente Vizcaya transporter bridge, is easily accessible via a scenic 20-minute walk along the coast.
To make the best of your stay in Getxo and Bilbao, a combination of maritime treasures right at the harbor and the world-famous architecture of the nearby metropolis is recommended.
Guggenheim Museum & Abandoibarra
The futuristic titanium building by Frank Gehry is the cultural heart of the region and can be easily reached from Getxo thanks to the excellent metro connection; furthermore, the adjacent riverside promenade invites you to take an inspiring stroll.
Puente Vizcaya
The world's oldest transporter bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connects Getxo in a spectacular way with the opposite bank, while visitors enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the bay and the harbor from the upper pedestrian bridge.
Puerto Viejo & Playa de Ereaga
The picturesque old fishing quarter of Algorta enchants with its traditional whitewashed houses and quaint alleys, while the directly adjacent, extensive Ereaga beach offers the perfect opportunity for a relaxing break by the sea in close proximity to the ship.
Playa de Ereaga & Puerto Viejo
The extensive sandy beach Playa de Ereaga is located only about fifteen minutes on foot or a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal and, thanks to its sheltered location and first-class water quality, offers the ideal place for a relaxing day by the sea. The adjacent promenade is perfect for a stroll and leads directly to the picturesque Puerto Viejo de Algorta, a historic fishing district with white houses and cozy bars where you can enjoy traditional pintxos in an authentic atmosphere. This place also offers an excellent infrastructure with cafes and restaurants, so you can fully savor the Basque lifestyle. It is best to visit the beach directly in the morning to take advantage of the peace before the midday bustle, and plan your return path to the ship about sixty minutes before departure.
The return journey to the modern cruise terminal in Getxo is very relaxed thanks to the excellent connections to Bilbao and the surrounding coastal towns. Plan for about 30 minutes for the trip from the city center and enjoy a straightforward arrival directly at the pier.
Metro and Shuttle Bus
The Bilbao Metro connects the city center via Line 1 directly with the Neguri station, from where you can reach the ship after a short walk. In addition, many guests use the shuttle buses organized by the cruise lines, which usually start centrally at the Guggenheim Museum or Plaza Moyua and provide a direct connection to the terminal.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are plentiful at all major sights such as the Guggenheim Museum as well as at central locations like Plaza Moyua. Thanks to the clear signage, you will also quickly find a vehicle in Getxo at the metro stations and near the Puente Colgante transporter bridge for a comfortable ride to the port.
On Foot
Within Getxo, simply stroll along the well-developed waterfront promenade directly to the cruise terminal while enjoying the view of the coast. The path from the Puente Colgante transporter bridge or the old port Puerto Viejo is flat and very easy to manage thanks to the signage and the visibility of the ship.
