Bilbao Travel Forum

I will be spending 2 weeks this summer with my family in Cabezon de la Sal in Cantabria. We will have our car having traveled to Santurtzi/Bilbao on the P&O ferry from Portsmouth, UK. We would like to visit Bilbao for a day but I do not want to drive (and try to park) in the city of Bilbao.
Can anyone please recommend a place where I can park easily and safely outside of Bilbao and get the metro, train or bus into the centre? Perhaps something like a shopping centre near to metro station or similar? Thanks, John.

FEVE operate a local train service so check their website for locations. TRains run from Bilbao to Santander but it is slow at about 3 hours. Get a bit closer but don't get too close because most of the Metro stations do not have car parks. It's a good Metro system for getting across Bilbao and I recommend going there to see it. I'm a big fan of the place and think you'll be pleased with the trip. Whilst you're in Catabria try to see the Cares Gorge. It's a tough walk and a bit sheer-sided in places but it's stunning. The walk from Poncebos takes about 3 hours to Cain and 3 hours back. It depends how old your family is because it's not fenced and that's a lot of walking but have look at some of the sites on it and make your own mind up.

Thanks Paul.
I had considered FEVE (and local RENFE lines) but have found it difficult to work out which stations have parking and was wondering if there were alternatives. On a few occasions when staying near Oporto, I have parked at a big shopping centre on the edge of the city and taken the metro to the centre - wondered if there was anything similar for Bilbao.
Yes, I definitely want to see some of the Picos whilst on holiday, but I will be careful about exactly which walking routes because I have no head for heights :-(

OK, my suggestion, if you cross the river from santurtzi to Las Arenas, taking the hanging bridge (www.puente-colgante.com), youŽll find a big car park in Las Arenas (Getxo) from the car park to the tube station 2 minutes walk. From Las Arenas to Bilbao 15min. by underground.
If you need further help, just ask.
HOpe youŽll like it!

Excellent!
Many thanks, Jontxu.

You can check my off the beaten path tips... depending on what are you looking for I can help...

Hi Jhono2!

Jontxu gave you a good tip. But there are other posibilities. If you are comming from Santander road, You could keep on the way to San Sebastian-Donosti direction. You could see Bilbao from the highroad and a fast view from Football stadium, Guggenheim etc. Idea is go around Bilbao to get park in Etxebarri. It is only 50 cent of euro per day if you use the underground. It is into station, your car will be safe. You could get one ticket-day for underground for ilimited trips. Or one card for the family with several trips. You have to compare the price. Ask for information in the station.
To get Etxebarri, keep on San Sebastian-Donosti. After pass the tunnel take Galdakao direction. And in the croosroad take direction Bilbao. In three kilometers you can see Etxebarri. Get into the small village and go to the underground station. From Etxebarri station to center of Bilbao 8 min.
I am a local and for me to do this is only about 15 min without traffic when you can see Bilbao from highroad.
Forgive my english and if you need more information Jontxu or me could help you.
Enjoy our City and culture !

Thanks mamvectra - sounds like a good suggestion.
There is no need to apologise for your English which is very good - much better than my Spanish which I am learning...