Exploring Bizkaia by train is an incredibly comfortable experience and picturesque. The region is well connected by its rail networks, allowing visitors to travel in comfort and at affordable prices without the expense of hiring a car.
If you arrive in Bilbao with luggage, it may be a good idea to leave your suitcases in a left-luggage office so that you can travel by train without any worries and free of charge. If you are interested in making this short trip, which can be for one day or several days depending on your tastes, from the luggage storage in Bilbao we tell you about the best route by train in Bizkaia, using both Renfe and Euskotren services.
Bilbao: the ideal starting point
Bilbao is the heart of Bizkaia and the largest city in the region. Whether you arrive at Abando station with Renfe or at Zazpikale station with Euskotren, Bilbao is the perfect place to start your adventure. Esta ciudad que combina modernidad y tradición es ideal para visitarla antes de comenzar con tu viaje en tren.
Aprovecha para explorar algunos de los principales atractivos de Bilbao como la Catedral de Santiago en el Casco Viejo, el bullicioso Mercado de la Ribera, y el entorno natural del parque de Doña Casilda antes de embarcarte en tu ruta hacia otros destinos de la región.
Travel by train with Euskotren: from Bilbao to Bermeo
Travel by train with Euskotren: from Bilbao to Euskotren is one of the best ways to discover some of the most beautiful coastal towns in Bizkaia.The regional bus also connects them. The line from Bilbao to Bermeo allows stops in some of these charming villages.
The train journey from Bilbao to Bermeo takes about an hour and a half and offers spectacular views of the Basque countryside. On the way, you will pass through picturesque villages such as Mundaka, famous for its left wave, much appreciated by surfers from all over the world, and Gernika-Lumo, a historic town where you can visit the famous Gernika Tree and the Peace Museum.
When you arrive in Bermeo, you will find a lively fishing port and a charming old town. Here you can stroll around the port, taste fresh fish in its restaurants or take an excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the emblematic islet that has gained international fame thanks to the ‘Game of Thrones’ series.
Renfe Cercanías: from Bilbao to Balmaseda
For those looking for a more rural and mountainous environment the Renfe suburban train is ideal. From Bilbao-Abando station, Renfe’s C-4 line connects Bilbao to Balmaseda, a medieval village located in the Encartaciones region. The train journey takes around 40 minutes and is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the green and mountainous landscape of Bizkaia, with inland villages that are not so often visited and overlooked, but which can be great experiences for those who find charm in traditional villages. For hiking enthusiasts, the encartaciones area is also the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area, with routes that take you through valleys and mountains full of nature and allow you to exercise your body during the journey.
Discovering Portugalete and the Vizcaya Bridge
Another popular destination accessible by train is Portugalete, a town located on the banks of the Nervión estuary and famous for the Vizcaya Bridge,declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can get to Portugalete easily using the Renfe C-1 line, which connects Bilbao with Santurtzi, passing through Portugalete.
The journey from Bilbao to Portugalete takes about 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a half-day trip.In addition to the famous ferry bridge, which allows you to cross the estuary in a unique way, Portugalete has a well-preserved old town, where you can stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy the beauty of its old buildings. If you have more time, you can continue on to Santurtzi, a fishing village.
A neighbouring town known for its port and its excellent restaurants where you can taste the most typical fish dishes in the Basque Country. Although this town may be less attractive for tourists, it is ideal for getting to know the fishing and industrial history that characterises Bizkaia.
Plentzia: Beach and relaxation just a train ride away
For those looking for a seaside getaway, Plentzia is the perfect destination. Located about 30 minutes from Bilbao by metro (line L1), Plentzia is known for its wide sandy beach and quiet family atmosphere, making it a popular summer resort. In case you are looking for a similar destination, Sopelana is another great option for enjoying the Basque coasts.
In this case, as mentioned above, this town is connected by the Bilbao metro, which increases the frequency of journeys to this destination. Once in Plentzia, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, if the Basque weather lets you, a walk along the seafront promenade or exploring the narrow streets of the old town.
In short, travelling by train in Bizkaia is one of the best ways to get to know the diversity of this region, both the coastal towns and the inland cities, and it is an economical way to travel without having to rent a car. If you want to get to know this region of the Basque Country in just one day without having to pay for a night’s stay in a hotel, leave your luggage in a secure locker and enjoy Bizkaia is an ideal option. Don’t hesitate to reserve your luggage locker!
