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Bridge · Bilbao, Basque Country
Puente de Vizcaya
1893 transporter bridge between Portugalete and Getxo at the mouth of the ria, whose suspended gondola carries pedestrians and cars. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Puente de Vizcaya
The Puente de Vizcaya, also known as the Puente Colgante, links Portugalete and Getxo across the mouth of the Nervión ria, about 15 km from Bilbao city centre. It was inaugurated in 1893, designed by Basque architect Alberto de Palacio, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, and was the world’s first transporter bridge.
The idea solved a problem: the ria needed to be crossed without blocking the passage of tall ships that sailed up to Bilbao. Two iron towers of 61 metres support a beam at 45 metres high, from which a gondola hangs. The gondola runs from one bank to the other, carrying pedestrians, bicycles and cars in around a minute and a half, with frequent departures day and night.
The bridge was damaged in the Civil War in 1937 and rebuilt in 1941. In 2006 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site as a landmark of iron engineering from the Industrial Revolution.
Besides the gondola crossing, you can visit the upper walkway, with elevators in the towers, which offers views over the mouth, the port and both towns.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the walkway.
Best time
By day for views from the upper walkway; at sunset for photos of the bridge against the sky. In strong winds the walkway may be closed.
How to get there
By metro, line 2 to Portugalete, or line 1 to Areeta in Getxo, about 25 minutes from central Bilbao. The bridge is a 5–10 minute walk from the stations.
Tip
Cross by gondola and climb to the walkway from either the Getxo or Portugalete side. Then walk along Getxo’s seafront, with early-20th-century mansions, to Algorta’s old harbour.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Puente de Vizcaya
How does the Puente de Vizcaya work?
A gondola suspended from cables runs beneath a high girder, carrying people and cars from one bank to the other without blocking ship traffic.
Can you go up to the top of the bridge?
Yes. There is a visit to the upper walkway, at 45 meters, with an elevator in the towers. It may close in strong winds.
How to get from Bilbao to the Puente de Vizcaya?
By metro to Portugalete or Areeta in about 25 minutes, and then a few minutes on foot.