Bizkaia Bridge
Portugalete, Spain
The world’s oldest transporter bridge (1893), a gondola hanging from a steel span that still ferries cars and people across the Nervión. You can also ride the lift and cross the top walkway for a fee.
The Bizkaia Bridge (Puente de Bizkaia, popularly the “Puente Colgante”) links Portugalete on the left bank with Las Arenas in Getxo on the right bank of the Nervión estuary. It opened in 1893 to designs by the Basque architect Alberto de Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. It is regarded as the world’s first transporter bridge: a gondola hanging from a wheeled carriage carries vehicles and pedestrians across the estuary in a few minutes. The structure has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.
To see the bridge from above, take the panoramic lift up to the high-level walkway; allow 30 to 60 minutes for the lift, the views and a stroll. It is usually quieter early in the morning, in the late afternoon and on weekdays. You can also cross by car, but fares change, so check on site.
- Nearest town
- Portugalete, Spain
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.3230, -3.0170
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping SopelanaCampsite8 km from Bizkaia BridgeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Área de autocaravanas en Bilbao HostelMotorhome stopover8 km from Bizkaia Bridge · 8 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
- Kobeta autokarabanen parkeaMotorhome stopover8 km from Bizkaia Bridge · 80 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping ArrienCampsite12 km from Bizkaia BridgeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Autocaravanas BalmasedaMotorhome stopover21 km from Bizkaia Bridge · 14 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Área de autocaravanas La BárcenaMotorhome stopover25 km from Bizkaia Bridge · 10 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bizkaia Bridge?
Bizkaia Bridge is in Portugalete, Spain, at GPS 43.3230, -3.0170. It is about 9 km from Bilbao.
Can you camp near Bizkaia Bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sopelana, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bizkaia Bridge?
Bizkaia Bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Basque coast: Gaztelugatxe, fishing ports and the Zumaia flysch.
What is there to see near Bizkaia Bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Museo Guggenheim (9 km), San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (23 km), Elantxobe (32 km) and Zumaia flysch at Itzurun beach (61 km).
When is the best time to visit Bizkaia Bridge?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)