Prepare
Prepare for your Grand Tour of the Basque Country
In the Basque Country, we believe you can travel differently, in a more conscious and respectful way. That's why we work from the Code of Ethics for Tourism of the Basque Country, an adaptation to the Basque identity of the UN's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Sustainable with the environment. Responsible toward our people.
What is the Basque Country Tourism Code of Ethics?
A destination isn't a pin on a map. It's a territory, a culture, and a living landscape that senses how we travel through it. The Code of Ethics is born from that idea: caring for the place you visit so it stays just as special tomorrow.
What does it mean for you, as a traveler?
It comes down to simple gestures: respecting the towns and those who live in them, caring for nature, enjoying local culture and products, and traveling slowly.
Before you arrive
Airports
By road
The Basque Country is well connected by motorway to Madrid (A-1), Barcelona (AP-68), and France (A-63). Tolls on some sections.
By train
Renfe connects Bilbao and San Sebastián with Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities. Check timetables and bookings on the Renfe website.
By coach
By coach
01
San Sebastián bus station
Getting here
02
Bilbao bus station
Getting here
03
Vitoria-Gasteiz bus station
Getting here
Getting around the Basque Country
Local public transport
The public transport network in the Basque Country is efficient and well connected. It combines metro, tram, urban and intercity buses, and trains.
01
Metro
Bilbao
02
Tram
Bilbao Vitoria-Gasteiz
03
Urban bus
Bilbobus Dbus Tuvisa
04
Intercity bus
Bizkaibus Lurraldebus Álava Bus
05
Train
Euskotren
Sustainable mobility
A growing network of public charging points accompanies you across the territory.
01
→ Charging points in every capital
02
→ Compatible with European operators
03
→ Routes optimized by range
Tourist offices
Essential practical information
Emergencies and health
Emergency number: 112.
Public hospitals in Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Vitoria-Gasteiz, with European coverage.
Currency and payments
The currency is the euro (€).
Credit and debit cards are accepted in almost every establishment. That said, currency exchange offices can be found in the touristic and central areas of the three Basque capitals, as well as at Bilbao Airport.
Climate by season
Spring and autumn, mild and rainy.
Summer stands out for an exceptionally pleasant, moderate climate (20–25 °C / 68–77 °F).
Winter is cold inland but mild on the coast. Always bring a jacket.
More information
Check the official Tourism of the Basque Country website for up-to-date information on accommodation, food, and events.
A few words in Basque
Basque, our language, is considered the oldest living language in Europe. Learn a few basic words and connect with the land in a different way.
Kaixo
Hello
Eskerrik asko
Thank you very much
Mesedez
Please
Agur
Goodbye
Bai / Ez
Yes / No
Poliki-poliki
Slowly, unhurried