Park in Bilbao

With the Guggenheim Museum as its great international symbol, Bilbao is a gateway to Basque culture. Bilbao is a globally renowned example of a city that underwent urban transformation while maintaining its unique local culture and identity. The city offers a large number of attractions that make a visit to its streets, squares and estuary an unforgettable experience.

Where to park in Bilbao? 

Bilbao, located in northern Spain, is one of the most important cities in the Basque Country, with a population of around 350,000 and a rich history closely linked to industry and trade. In recent decades, the city has undergone a major urban transformation, combining its industrial heritage with a strong focus on culture and contemporary architecture, clearly reflected in landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum. Its gastronomy is also one of its main attractions, with a renowned culinary tradition based on pintxos and high-quality local products. 

However, the city's activity and growth can make parking in Bilbao challenging, especially in the city centre and busier areas. High demand, limited street parking and regulated parking areas can make it difficult to find a space at certain times of the day. If you need to park in Bilbao, Telpark makes it easy to manage your parking in regulated areas or at car parks throughout the city, helping you save time and avoid unnecessary hassle during your stay. 

Find your car park in Bilbao 

Indautxu Car Park in Bilbao 

Located in one of the most dynamic areas of central Bilbao, Indautxu Car Park is a great option if your destination is near Gran Vía or Basurto Hospital. Its location makes it easy to get around both on foot and by public transport, making it an excellent choice for medical appointments, shopping or leisure trips. 

La Alhóndiga Car Park in Bilbao 

Located in the heart of Bilbao, La Alhóndiga Car Park is an ideal option if you are visiting the city for leisure, shopping or cultural activities. Its proximity to key locations such as Azkuna Zentroa, Gran Vía and numerous shops and restaurants makes it a convenient and practical choice. Its excellent public transport connections also make it easy to reach other areas of the city. 

Benefits of parking with Telpark in Bilbao 

In addition to offering strategically located and easily accessible car parks in key areas of the city, parking in Bilbao with Telpark comes with a range of additional benefits. Services may vary between car parks, but these are some of the most common features: 

Monthly and annual parking passes 

If you live or work in Bilbao, this parking option can be especially convenient. With Telpark, you can purchase a monthly or annual parking pass, giving you ongoing access to a parking space at a car park close to your home or workplace. 

Reserve your parking space 

If you know when you are travelling, take advantage of the option to reserve your parking space in Bilbao in advance. With Telpark, you can book up to one month ahead and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your arrival. 

24-hour service and video surveillance 

These car parks in Bilbao are available 24 hours a day and offer both remote and on-site assistance in case any issue arises. The facilities also feature 24-hour video surveillance to help keep your vehicle safe. 

Multipass 

If you do not need to park in Bilbao every day but visit frequently, Multipass is a convenient option. You can purchase passes for 5, 10 or 20 entries at reduced rates, with the option to park for up to 12 hours per day. 

Express Entry 

If you want to park in Bilbao quickly and easily, choose Express Entry. This service is designed so that the barrier opens automatically when your vehicle's registration plate is recognised, while payments are automatically charged to the credit card you have registered. This means you can avoid queues and skip the payment machine. Other services available at our car parks in Bilbao include: 

Electric vehicle charging points 

Designated parking spaces equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. 

Car wash 

A vehicle cleaning service available inside the car park. Leave your car with us and collect it clean. 

Use the Telpark app to park in Bilbao 

Technology makes everyday life easier, and the Telpark app is a great example. From your mobile phone, you can manage everything related to parking in Bilbao in just a few seconds. Available for both iOS and Android, the app offers a range of features: pay for regulated parking (blue and green zones), reserve a space at underground car parks, purchase parking passes and find the nearest car park. You can also check which car parks have electric vehicle charging points and reserve them directly through the app. 

All of this is available through the most reliable and secure app for managing your mobility and parking, giving you complete control over your bookings, parking sessions and journeys, conveniently and from anywhere. 

Other parking options in Bilbao 

In Bilbao, regulated parking is known as OTA (Traffic and Parking Ordinance) and divides streets into different zones depending on the type and duration of parking: 

• Blue Zone in Bilbao: mainly intended for medium-term parking. The maximum parking time is 2 hours. 
• Green Zone in Bilbao: primarily intended for residents of the corresponding area, although non-residents can park for a maximum of 1 hour. 
• Red Zone in Bilbao: intended for high vehicle turnover, with a maximum stay of 1 hour. 
• Orange Zone in Bilbao: exclusively for residents, with no time limit for those holding a resident permit. Non-residents are not allowed to park in these areas. 

Rates and operating hours may vary depending on the zone and the day of the week (working day or public holiday). It is advisable to check the latest OTA zone map, available through the Telpark app or on the Bilbao City Council website. 

How to pay for and manage regulated parking? 

With the Telpark app, managing your parking in Bilbao is quick and easy. Forget about coins, parking meters and tickets: from your mobile phone, you can start or stop your parking session at any time. 

Simply open the app, tap “Start parking” and enter the required details. You only pay for the exact amount of time you use, and if you need to stay longer, you can extend your parking session through the app as long as you are within the permitted parking hours. 

Telpark will also send you a notification before your parking time expires, so you can decide whether you need to extend your stay. 

Got a parking fine because you forgot to renew your session? You can manage or even cancel the fine directly through the app, without having to go anywhere. You can also download receipts for previous parking sessions from your history. 

Tips for driving around Bilbao 

Bilbao's urban and tourist character, together with its commitment to sustainable mobility, has led to a gradual transformation of the city centre. Driving a private car through some areas can be challenging due to traffic restrictions introduced to improve air quality and give priority to pedestrians and public transport. 

In key central areas such as the Old Town, Abando and the area around Moyua, traffic is regulated or restricted. Streets such as Arenal, Licenciado Poza, Gran Vía (pedestrian section), as well as areas around Alhóndiga and Ensanche, have been partially or fully pedestrianised or reserved for authorised vehicles, emergency services, public transport, residents and bicycles. 

In addition, since 1 January 2026, Bilbao has been implementing its Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in accordance with national regulations. In its first phase, it affects the Abando district and part of the Old Town, restricting access for vehicles without an environmental sticker, with exceptions including residents, essential services, deliveries and emergency vehicles. 

Areas of Bilbao with restricted traffic 

Pay close attention to road signs: if you see a restricted-access sign, you may only drive through the area if your vehicle is authorised. Many of these areas are monitored by number plate recognition cameras, so entering without permission may result in a fine. 

The main areas with controlled access in Bilbao include: 

• Old Town: limited traffic. Several streets are exclusively pedestrian. 
• Ensanche and Abandoibarra: include restricted sections and areas where pedestrians or public transport have priority. 
• Gran Vía, Plaza Moyua, Calle Ercilla and Arenal area: limited traffic, with controlled access at certain times. 

Are you staying in Bilbao? 

If you are coming to Bilbao for tourism, work or an event and your accommodation is located within a restricted-access area, it is important to contact your hotel or apartment in advance. Many accommodation providers can arrange a temporary permit allowing you to access the area with your vehicle during your stay. 

Other ways to get around Bilbao 

Bilbao has a modern, efficient and well-connected public transport network, making it an excellent option for both residents and visitors. The system is operated by several providers, including Bilbobus, Bizkaibus, the Metro, the tram and Bilbaobizi, the city's public bike-sharing service. 

Getting around Bilbao by bus 

• Bilbobus serves the urban area with more than 40 daytime routes, with services generally starting at around 6:30 am and ending between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, depending on the route. 
• At night, the Gautxori night bus service connects the main areas of Bilbao and surrounding neighbourhoods until the early hours of the morning at weekends. 
• Bizkaibus complements this network with connections to nearby towns in the metropolitan area and other destinations across Bizkaia. 

Some of the most useful routes for visitors include: 

• Route 56 (La Peña – Termibus) and Route 77 (Peñascal – Mina del Morro), which pass through key areas such as the Old Town, Indautxu and Abando. 
• Special services operated on match days at San Mamés, increasing frequency before and after events. 

Getting around Bilbao by metro or tram 

Bilbao Metro connects the city's main neighbourhoods with coastal towns such as Getxo and Portugalete. It is ideal for travelling quickly between more distant areas. The tram, operated by Euskotren, is a convenient way to get around the city centre and visit places such as the Guggenheim Museum, the river, and the Old Town. 

Getting around Bilbao on foot 

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Bilbao. The city centre is designed with pedestrians in mind, with numerous pedestrian streets and promenades along the river. In less than 30 minutes on foot, you can walk from the Old Town to neighbourhoods such as Indautxu, Deusto or San Francisco. Bilbao combines tradition and modernity, so exploring the city on foot is a great way to discover its architecture, street art and local atmosphere at your own pace. 

Things to do in Bilbao: must-see attractions 

Now that you know where to park in Bilbao and how to get around the city easily, why not start planning your route? Here are some of the places you should not miss during a getaway to the capital of Bizkaia: 

Old Town and Plaza Nueva 

Also known as the “Seven Streets”, the Old Town is the historic heart of Bilbao and a perfect place to start exploring the city. Wander through its streets, browse the traditional shops and soak up the local atmosphere in Plaza Nueva, filled with pintxos bars, terraces and lively activity. Don't miss the Ribera Market either, one of Europe's largest indoor markets. 

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 

A symbol of the city's modern transformation, the Guggenheim is a must-see, both for its avant-garde architecture and its contemporary art exhibitions. Outside the museum, you will find iconic sculptures such as Puppy, the enormous flower-covered dog, and Maman, the giant spider overlooking the riverside promenade. 

Santiago Cathedral 

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Santiago Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and an important stop along the Camino de Santiago. It is one of the city's oldest religious monuments and offers a peaceful break from the lively atmosphere of the historic centre. 

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and Doña Casilda Park 

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, located in the peaceful surroundings of Doña Casilda Park, houses one of Spain's most important art collections, with works ranging from the 13th century to modern art. The park, with its fountains, ponds and tree-lined paths, is ideal for a relaxing break between visits. 

Artxanda Funicular and viewpoint 

If you want to see Bilbao from a different perspective, take the Artxanda Funicular. In just three minutes, you will reach the top of the mountain, where you will find one of the best viewpoints over the city. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the river, bridges, the Guggenheim, San Mamés and much more. 

Ready to discover Bilbao at your own pace? Reserve your parking space in advance and plan your visit before you arrive so you can move around the city more comfortably. That way, you can forget about searching for parking, make the most of your time and focus on enjoying iconic places such as the Guggenheim Museum, the Old Town, Gran Vía and the Bilbao riverfront.