Larreineta Funicular
Ride a historic funicular with unique horizontal cabins, offering stunning views of Bilbao and a journey through nature.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy fresh air
Larreineta Funicular
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy fresh air

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic funicular with unique horizontal cabins, offering stunning views of Bilbao and a journey through nature.
"It's like traveling back in time, with impressive history and views of Greater Bilbao."
🎟️ Secure Your Ticket Early
Book tickets in advance and arrive early to guarantee your ride, especially during busy periods.
⏰ Punctual Departures
The funicular runs precisely on schedule every 30 minutes. Don't be late!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Ascending from La Escontrilla
Experience breathtaking views of Greater Bilbao and the Cantabrian Sea as you ascend.

Unique Horizontal Cabins
Funicular cabins
Marvel at the funicular's unique design, with cabins on a horizontal platform, a rarity worldwide.

Journey Through Nature
En route to Larreineta
Witness a transition from urban landscapes to lush nature, spotting fruit trees, sheep, and cows.

Mining Heritage Exploration
La Arboleda
Explore the historic mining village of La Arboleda, with remnants of its past and a free bus from the top station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead & Arrive Early
Punctuality is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Secure Your Ticket Early
Book tickets in advance and arrive early to guarantee your ride, especially during busy periods.
⏰ Punctual Departures
The funicular runs precisely on schedule every 30 minutes. Don't be late!
🚶♀️ Explore La Arboleda
Take the free bus from Larreineta to La Arboleda for a deeper dive into mining history.
💰 Reasonable Price
Enjoy the scenic journey and historical insights at a very reasonable price.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Secure Your Ticket Early
Book tickets in advance and arrive early to guarantee your ride, especially during busy periods.
⏰ Punctual Departures
The funicular runs precisely on schedule every 30 minutes. Don't be late!
🚶♀️ Explore La Arboleda
Take the free bus from Larreineta to La Arboleda for a deeper dive into mining history.
💰 Reasonable Price
Enjoy the scenic journey and historical insights at a very reasonable price.
🌬️ Safe in Any Weather
The funicular is surprisingly safe, even during windy conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Larreineta Funicular for its unique engineering, stunning panoramic views of Bilbao, and the scenic journey through nature. The reasonable price and punctual service are also frequently highlighted. Some note that the experience feels like a step back in time, offering a valuable glimpse into the region's industrial past.
"It was surprisingly safe to ride on the funicular even during a windstorm."
Marilou Tolentino
"Don’t get worried when you don’t see someone at the window OR can’t see access to the actual trolley. They will open the door a few minutes before departure. They are set to leave every half hour ON THE DOT."
Salty Light Media
"We liked the journey, very reasonable price and staff were really helpful"
K S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the funicular station in La Escontrilla, Trapagaran, by foot, bus, or car. Some visitors mention taking the Tünel funicular in Istanbul to get near Galata Tower, but for Larreineta, focus on local transport options in Bizkaia.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but it's generally accessible by car. Consider public transport if parking is a concern.
A free bus service operates from the top station in Larreineta to the village of La Arboleda, making it easy to explore the area.
While not explicitly stated, the horizontal cabin design might offer some accessibility. It's advisable to check with Euskotren for specific accessibility details.
The funicular typically runs every half hour. It's best to check the official Euskotren website for the most up-to-date operating hours and any seasonal closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The funicular offers a very reasonable price for a round trip, with one review mentioning 70 pesos (approx. €3.50) for a round trip.
Tickets are purchased at the station. It's recommended to arrive early to get your physical ticket and secure your spot in line.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving very early is highly recommended, as tickets can sell out, especially during peak times.
The funicular may have seasonal closures, particularly during winter. Always check the official Euskotren website for current operational status.
Specific capacity details are not widely published, but it's a popular attraction, so arriving early is key to ensuring a ride.
🎫 🚡 Onsite Experience
The journey takes just over 12 minutes, covering more than 1 km in distance with a significant gradient.
You'll enjoy panoramic views of Greater Bilbao, the port, and the Cantabrian Sea. As you ascend, the scenery transitions to natural landscapes with fruit trees and grazing animals.
Yes, it's considered a great family activity, offering unique views and a historical experience. The journey through nature is also engaging for children.
Opened in 1926, it was promoted to serve the upper neighborhoods and facilitate transport of passengers and goods to the mining areas. It's a designated Bien de Interés Cultural.
From Larreineta, you can take a free bus to La Arboleda to explore the historic mining village, its remains, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning panoramic shots of Bilbao and the coast during the ascent. The unique horizontal cabins also make for interesting photographic subjects.
Mornings offer good light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons can provide dramatic lighting. Consider the weather for optimal shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
Explore the remnants of mining structures, the lakes, and the modern sculptures in La Arboleda for unique shots that tell the story of the area.
Access to operational machinery areas is usually restricted for safety reasons. Focus on the exterior and the journey itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the top, the free bus to La Arboleda provides further exploration. The historical mining village, with its remnants and open spaces, can be an engaging place for children to learn about the past in a hands-on way. Remember to book tickets early to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
🚶♀️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
La Arboleda offers a deep dive into the region's mining past, with preserved structures and informative murals. The panoramic views from the ascent also provide context to the historical importance of the area within Greater Bilbao.
📸 Photographers
La Arboleda offers a different kind of photographic appeal, with its historical mining remnants, natural lakes, and artistic installations. The interplay of old industrial structures with the natural environment can yield compelling shots. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' for the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Horizontal Cabins
This horizontal platform system is a testament to the ingenuity of its time, designed to facilitate the transport of both passengers and goods efficiently to the mining communities. The design ensures that passengers remain level regardless of the track's gradient, offering a smooth experience as the funicular navigates the challenging terrain. It’s a rare feature, with only a few such funiculars existing worldwide, and the only one of its kind in Spain.
A Journey Through Time and Landscape
This contrast is particularly poignant given the funicular's historical purpose: to serve the mining districts. The journey offers a glimpse into the past, where such transport was vital for daily life and industry. As you climb higher, the views expand to encompass the vastness of Greater Bilbao, the bustling port, and the distant shimmer of the Cantabrian Sea on the horizon. It’s a perspective that evokes a sense of scale and history, making the ride a memorable experience.
Exploring the Mining Heritage of La Arboleda
The village itself, with its preserved mining structures and murals depicting its history, provides a tangible connection to the lives of those who worked there. It’s an opportunity to learn about the region's industrial heritage and appreciate the resilience of the community. The combination of the scenic funicular ride and the historical exploration of La Arboleda makes for a comprehensive and enriching day trip.
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