Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bilbao, Spain
1. AP-8 Highway
Connects Bilbao with Madrid and the rest of Northern Spain. It offers scenic views of coastline and mountains.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel between Bilbao and other major cities.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the Spanish coastline and mountains.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
2. Bilbao Metropolitan Area Toll Ring (OCC)
Surrounds Bilbao city to control traffic and manage urban growth.
- Urban Control: Helps manage urban traffic flow and growth in the Bilbao area.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls for vehicles passing through.
- Alternative Routes: Provides alternative routes to avoid city center traffic.
3. AP-68 Highway
Connects Bilbao with San Sebastian and the French border.
- Coastal Route: Scenic coastal route offering views of the Basque Coast.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel to San Sebastian or France.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
4. Biscay Ring Road (Bi-637)
Surrounds the province of Biscay, providing a circular route to explore.
- Circular Route: Enables travelers to explore the entire province of Biscay.
- Scenic Routes: Offers various scenic views, including mountains and coastline.
- Alternative Route: Serves as an alternative route to avoid traffic in larger cities.
5. Basque Country Highway (AP-1)
Connects Bilbao with Irun, the French border, and other parts of the Basque Country.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel within the Basque Country.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the Basque Country's rolling hills and valleys.
6. Bilbao City Center Navigation System (Gobiko),
An efficient traffic management system to ease city navigation.
- City Navigation: Helps travelers navigate through Bilbao's city center more easily.
- Real-time Traffic Updates: Provides real-time traffic updates to avoid congested areas.
- Alternative Routes: Suggests alternative routes to avoid traffic jams in the city center.
7. AP-15 Highway
Connects Bilbao with Vitoria and Logroño, offering a route to the Interior of Spain.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel to Vitoria or Logroño.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
- Scenic Routes: Offers views of the Basque and Cantabrian mountains.
8. Bilbao-Barakaldo Bridge (Zubizuri)
A pedestrian bridge connecting Bilbao with Barakaldo, offering a scenic walk.
- Pedestrian Bridge: Specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Scenic Route: Offers beautiful views of the Nervion River and Bilbao skyline.
- Iconic Architecture: Calatrava's design adds to the bridge's architectural and cultural significance.
9. Basque Country Highway (AP-7)
Connects Bilbao with San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscay.
- Coastal Route: Scenic coastal route offering views of the Basque Coast.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel to San Sebastian or the coast.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
10. AP-75 Motorway
Connects Bilbao with the Zaratono Industrial Area and Santurtzi.
- Industrial Route: Serves industries located in the Zaratono Industrial Area.
- Alternative Route: Provides an alternative route to avoid city center traffic.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
11. Bilbao Tunnel (Túnel de La Arboleda)
A tunnel connecting Bilbao with the towns of Sopelana and Galdames.
- Local Connectivity: Enhances connectivity between Bilbao and nearby towns.
- Alternative Route: Provides an alternative route to avoid congested roads.
- Mountain Tunnel: Designed for safe travel through mountainous terrain.
12. AP-8 Highway (E-70)
An extension of the AP-8 that connects Bilbao with France via Hendaye.
- International Travel: Allows travelers to reach France easily.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel to France or other parts of Europe.
13. Bilbao Bizkaia Highway (BI-640)
Connects Bilbao with Sondika and the Basque Country Airport.
- Airport Route: Easily connects travelers to the Basque Country Airport.
- Alternative Route: Provides an alternative route to avoid city center traffic.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
14. AP-6 Highway
Connects Bilbao with Burgos and Madrid via Valladolid.
- Long Distance Travel: Ideal for long distance travel to Madrid or other parts of Spain.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls at certain sections.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the Spanish countryside.
15. Bilbao Metropolitan Area Toll Road (OCC)
A toll road surrounding Bilbao that helps manage urban traffic and growth.
- Urban Control: Helps manage urban traffic flow and growth in the Bilbao area.
- Toll Road: Requires payment of tolls for vehicles passing through.
- Alternative Route: Provides alternative routes to avoid city center traffic.