Complementary bus services outside the Metro operating hours.
The Metro service itself runs06.00 to 23.00 on Mondays to Thursdays, as not enough customers would use the service outside those hours to justify keeping it open longer, with all the expense that this would entail. However, Metro Bilbao offers a complementary bus service on the right bank of the river. On the left-hand back, an equivalent service is offered by Bizkaibus number A3144 and RENFE train services.
What fare zones does Metro Bilbao use?
Metro Bilbao has established the following zone system:
Zone A: stations between Bolueta and San Inazio.
Zone B0: Etxebarri station.
Zone B1: stations between Lutxana and Berango.
Zone B2: stations between Gurutzeta-Cruces and Sestao.
Zone C: stations between Larrabasterra and Plentzia.
Why are bank notes not returned as change on the automatic ticket machines?
There are hardly any transport systems anywhere in the world on which automatic ticket vending machines return bank notes, because this would complicate the operation of these machines excessively and slow down operations. It would also be very expensive. To simplify ticket purchasing Metro Bilbao does, however, offer the possibility of purchasing any type of ticket via a credit card.
Why is there no Metro service before six in the morning and after 11 at night?
A Metro system can only be kept open if it carries large numbers of people. The timetables of a metropolitan transport system must take into account the demand for mobility at different times of day. Metro Bilbao has determined that demand outside current operating hours is not sufficient to justify maintaining a mass transit system.
Metro Bilbao offers a complementary bus service that covers the route both ways between the Casco Viejo and Plentzia stations outside the usual metro opening hours. For timetables and stops see the Timetables and Frequencies section.
Why can´t passengers travel with pet dogs?
Before deciding to ban pets - except guide dogs - Metro Bilbao studied the experiences of other underground systems around the world. Most of them ban pets. The presence of animals may make other customers feel ill at ease: people must be our number one priority.
What are Customer Service Offices?
They are customer service centres at the following stations on the Metro Bilbao lines: San Inazio (Calle Lekeitio-Garcia Alonso exit), Casco Viejo (hall of Plaza Unamuno exit), Ansio and in Areeta at 17 Calle Ibaigane.
Their functions include:
- Providing information for customers by telephone and personally.
- Preparation of Metro cards.
- Renewal of Metro cards.
- Issuing of Youth Tickets and Large Family Tickets.
- Change & replacement of tickets (in cases of loss, theft, wear, extension of time periods and zone changes), and cancellation of tickets.
- Lost property at San Inazio station.
- Dealing with complaints and suggestions.
- Collection of fines.
- Metro boutiques.
Why are there no public lavatories at Metro Bilbao stations?
For several reasons: firstly, there is no legislation that requires us to provide them. Secondly, waiting time at Metro stations is minimal when compared with medium and long distance lines. And finally, the architectural design of the stations seeks to create open spaces with no concealed areas, for the sake of maximising safety. It is hard to keep watch over public lavatories, which makes them “ideal” areas for illegal actions.
Why is no continuous night-time service provided on Fridays in winter as it is on Saturdays?
Because passenger numbers recorded to date on Fridays and the eves of public holidays do not justify the maintaining of a service like the one provided on Saturdays. A public transport system is expensive and can only be justified when large numbers of passengers are carried.
Why are some station entrances closed during the night-time service?
In this Metro Bilbao follows the lead of most of the world’s underground services, seeking to increase and guarantee passenger safety. We consider that it is best to keep only the entrances nearest to the station s office open so as to provide customers with speedier, more efficient service.
Do people with limited mobility problems have priority in the use of lifts?
Lifts are not reserved exclusively for people with limited mobility: they may be used by everyone. Preference for such people depends on the civic-mindedness and good manners of those who do not really need to use the lifts.
However, stickers have been placed in the lifts at the busiest stations indicating that people with restricted mobility should be given preference.
What are the guidelines for air conditioning in summer?
Three air conditioning levels are set - 20, 22 and 24 ºC – but a combination of various external factors such as train occupation, outside temperature, time between opening and closing of doors, type of route (underground or surface) force the system to continually adjust itself, and how long that takes will depend on how full the train is.
Why do automatic ticket machines not take bank notes in denominations larger than 50 euros?
To prevent Metro ticket machines being used as change machines, which would result in their being out of service frequently.
Why are there no traditional staffed ticket offices?
The lack of traditional ticket offices is intended to enable station personnel to concentrate on their priority functions: providing help, support and attention for customers anywhere in the station, rather than being stuck in one place manning a ticket office.
Why are eating and drinking not allowed in Metro Bilbao facilities?
We wish to keep Metro Bilbao facilities as clean as possible. This is highly valued by our customers.
How old must children be before they are required to purchase a ticket on the Metro?
Children up to 4 years old travel free of charge (though they are not entitled to a seat).age 5 upwards they must pay a fare. Accompanying adults must prove the childs age by producing the Family Record Book [Libro de Familia”] upon request by Metro personnel.
What must I do when the balance on my Creditrans ticket is not sufficient for another trip?
You may add the remaining amount to a new Creditrans at the automatic ticket machines in Metro Bilbao stations provided it does not exceed 1.50 €. Follow these instructions:
- Press the Creditrans button on the first screen that appears on the automatic ticket machine.
- one of the three price options offered.
- Once you have selected the relevant option, your used ticket in the Creditrans slot
- Once you have paid, the machine will cancel your old Creditrans and issue you with a new one for the amount paid plus the balance remaining on the old one.
