Vizcaya Bridge
World's first transporter bridge, a UNESCO site connecting Portugalete & Getxo with a historic gondola.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful experience
Vizcaya Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's first transporter bridge, a UNESCO site connecting Portugalete & Getxo with a historic gondola.
"A spectacular hanging bridge, a must-do for its unique engineering and history!"
🎟️ Gondola Ticket Deal
Cross the river on the gondola for less than a euro – a bargain for a unique experience!
🚶 Top Walk Views
Consider the €10 ticket for the top walk for stunning panoramic views. Worth it for the perspective!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Gondola Ride
Connecting Portugalete and Getxo
Experience a historic 'flying ferry' ride across the estuary on a suspended platform. A truly unique engineering marvel.
Panoramic Top Walk
Upper platform of the bridge
Ascend to the top for breathtaking views of the Bilbao Estuary, city, and port. An unforgettable perspective.
Architectural Marvel
Vizcaya Bridge
Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the few remaining transporter bridges worldwide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gondola vs. Top Walk
Best Time to Avoid Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Gondola Ticket Deal
Cross the river on the gondola for less than a euro – a bargain for a unique experience! +1
🚶 Top Walk Views
Consider the €10 ticket for the top walk for stunning panoramic views. Worth it for the perspective!
Bizkaiko Zubia (Vizcaya Bridge), opened 1893. The hanging gondola moves back and forth every eight minutes between Portugalete and Getxo at the mouth of the Bilbao Estuary in Spain.
⏰ Gondola Frequency
The gondola runs every 5-8 minutes, so you won't wait long to cross.
🚆 Easy Access from Bilbao
Take the city train from Bilbao (San Mamés) to Portugalete for a smooth 20-min journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Gondola Ticket Deal
Cross the river on the gondola for less than a euro – a bargain for a unique experience! +1
🚶 Top Walk Views
Consider the €10 ticket for the top walk for stunning panoramic views. Worth it for the perspective!
⏰ Gondola Frequency
The gondola runs every 5-8 minutes, so you won't wait long to cross.
🚆 Easy Access from Bilbao
Take the city train from Bilbao (San Mamés) to Portugalete for a smooth 20-min journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Vizcaya Bridge as a unique architectural and engineering marvel, highlighting its historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The inexpensive gondola ride is a major draw, offering a fun and memorable experience. Some find the top walk a bit pricey but acknowledge the spectacular views it provides.
"Very interesting piece of architecture / engineering. Pretty iconic in Bilbao. We went on the hanging gondola, but you can get the lift up to the top and walk across. Apparently this was in the original design but wasn't added until much later"
Tony Ecuyer
"This is a spectacular hanging bridge which you cross the river on a platform. It has been in operation since the late 1800s, which is amazing. The platform takes about 4 cars, bikes and passengers. It only cost €0.95 for a person and a bike! Definitely a must do.
It runs every 5 mins, and you can spend a lot of time just watching it travel back and forward. Even for those non-Engineers out there it is something special.
There are less than 10 of these hanging bridges world wide, so no wonder it is a UNESCO site."
Simon Round
"Inexpensive, fun, educational ride across the river on a "ferry" platform suspended over the river by a gantry crane operating between the two shore towers. One of only 5 of these 1880s "flying ferries" for cars an d people still in operation."
Christopher Hugo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the city train from San Mamés station in Bilbao to Portugalete. The ride is about 20 minutes, and the bridge is a short 5-minute walk from the station.
Limited parking may be available in Portugalete and Getxo, but it can be challenging to find. Public transport is highly recommended.
While you can walk to the bridge from nearby areas, it's most conveniently accessed via public transport from Bilbao.
Both Portugalete and Getxo sides offer great vantage points for photos. Consider crossing on the gondola and then walking the top for diverse perspectives.
Yes, it is very well-connected by public transport, with train stations in both Portugalete and Getxo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gondola ride is very inexpensive, costing less than one euro per person. Walking across the top platform is a separate ticket, typically around €10. +1
Tickets for both the gondola and the top walk can be purchased on-site at the small shops located at the foot of the bridge on either side.
The bridge operates daily, with hours typically extending from morning to evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating times.
For the gondola ride, advance booking is generally not necessary as it runs frequently. For the top walk, it's advisable to check if advance booking is recommended during peak season.
Information on discounts for specific groups (e.g., children, seniors) is usually available at the ticket office. The gondola ride is already very affordable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a unique experience of crossing a river on a historic suspended gondola or walking the upper deck for panoramic views. It's a fascinating blend of engineering and history. +1
The gondola ride itself is very quick, taking only a few moments. Walking the top platform will take longer, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the views.
Yes, you can take a lift to the top and walk across the upper platform, offering spectacular views. This is a separate ticketed experience.
The gondola ride is enclosed and relatively low. The top walk is at a significant height, so those with a fear of heights might prefer to stick to the gondola.
Explore the towns of Portugalete and Getxo, enjoy the coastal scenery, or take a train back to Bilbao for its many attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
Both the Portugalete and Getxo sides offer excellent viewpoints. The top walk provides stunning panoramic shots, while the gondola ride offers a unique perspective from within.
Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful light. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
Yes, you can take photos from the gondola, but be mindful of reflections on the windows and the movement of the gondola.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around heritage sites and busy public areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
From the top, you can capture wide-angle shots of the estuary, the surrounding towns, and the intricate structure of the bridge itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the top walk offers amazing views, it might be less appealing to very young children or those with a fear of heights. However, older children and teens will likely appreciate the panoramic vistas and the engineering marvel of the bridge. Consider the gondola ride as the primary family activity, and the top walk as an option for families with older kids who enjoy heights and expansive scenery.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the top walk is more expensive, the gondola alone provides a memorable experience. You can easily incorporate a visit to the bridge into a day trip to Portugalete or Getxo without breaking the bank. It's a perfect example of how to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site affordably.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The top walk is where you'll get the most dramatic shots, with sweeping panoramic views of the coastline, the river, and the urban landscape. Golden hour light can create stunning effects on the bridge's ironwork and the water. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the essence of this iconic landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: A Transporter Bridge
Unlike modern suspension bridges, the Vizcaya Bridge utilizes a gondola that travels back and forth along a horizontal beam. This 'flying ferry' system was a groundbreaking concept at the time, and the Vizcaya Bridge remains one of the few operational examples of this type of structure worldwide. Its continued functionality after over a century is a testament to its robust design and ongoing maintenance.
Visitors can experience this engineering feat in two main ways: by riding the historic gondola across the river or by ascending to the top walkway. Both offer unique perspectives on the bridge's scale and historical significance. The bridge's iconic status is recognized globally, making it a must-see for anyone interested in industrial heritage.
Experiencing the Vizcaya Bridge: Gondola vs. Top Walk
For those seeking more expansive views and a deeper appreciation of the bridge's scale, the top walk is highly recommended. Accessed via a lift, this experience allows you to stroll along the upper platform, 45 meters above the river. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Bilbao Estuary, the port area, and the charming towns of Portugalete and Getxo. While more expensive than the gondola, many visitors find the spectacular vistas well worth the price.
Many travelers suggest doing both if time and budget allow, as each offers a distinct and memorable way to engage with this historic landmark. The choice often depends on personal preference for a quick, novel ride versus a more leisurely, scenic exploration.
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