Bilboa -- Has anyone recently taken the shuttle from the cruise terminal to town?

Howdy all. Looking for updated information concerning the shuttle or other transportation services from the Bilboa terminal (which I believe is 20k outside of town) to the city center. Would really like to visit the museum and walk around, without having to take the shore excursion. The excursion looks like a tour of the town, plus a few moments inside the Gugg. Going next year, but planning now :)

I have the same question, just_cruising! Are we the only ones going to Bilboa?

We cannot speak to recent, but have been to Bilbao several times (on both cruises and when driving our own rental car). The Shuttle buses have traditionally been free (provided by the Port and city) but we have been on some cruises where the ship neglects to mention the free buses until the last minute (so they can sell more excursions). The bus drop location in Bilbao has varied on our trips but has always been on a main street in town. The most recent location was within a 10 min walk of the Guggenheim and on a trip prior to this it was right in the center of the shopping district (about a 20 min walk to the Guggenheim). If you are able to do a lot of walking, you will find just about everything in Bilbao to be within a mile radius. There is also a wonderfully clean tram line that can take you from the central downtown area to the Guggenheim. We strongly recommend to the Old Town area and spending a few minutes walking around the indoor Market (Markets are a great way to get a feel for the local culture in Europe).

As to the Guggenheim, the outside area is beautiful and we enjoy just walking around the outside of the building and admiring the architecture. You can also walk inside and see part of the main atrium without actually paying to enter. If you want to walk around the inside and admire the art (a pile of dirt in a corner next to a broom is art?) then you have to pay the price (15€ for adults and 7.50€ for Seniors). Although many would disagree, we have found the art collection in the Guggenheim to be lacking (for want of a better word). The most impressive items we have seen in the musuem has been the temporary art exhibitions..but of course these are always changing.

Hank

Would absolutely agree with above post. We were in Bilbao in June this year with Royal Caribbean and once a couple of years ago. The drop off point is usually somewhere near The Plaza de Federico Moyúa. Our most recent shuttle dropped us off outside Church (Iglesia San José) in centre and we walked about 15-20 mins to the old town (Casco Viejo) which is lovely to wander around. (If you 'google map' walking directions between the two it will show you route(s))

We then followed the river round to Guggenheim and walked around outside before heading back to bus. Unless you are really into the art it is very nice to look at the exterior. It was a beautiful day and we strolled around at an easy pace as we had plenty of time to enjoy the City. Shuttles back to the ship were frequent.

Deb

Thank you both so much! We're following your suggestions and doing the Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim from afar! A lunch break of pinctxos and wine in the middle!