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Abando Railway Station

About the Station

Abando Railway Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Abando Indalecio Prieto Station (Estación de Abando Indalecio Prieto) is the main railway gateway to the city of Bilbao and a key transport hub in northern Spain. Located in the very centre of the city, this terminal impresses passengers with its monumental building and the famous huge stained glass window adorning the main hall. The station serves both long-distance trains connecting the Basque Country with Madrid and Barcelona, as well as commuter routes.

CityBilbao
CountrySpain
TypeRailway station

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a two-level structure. Long-distance trains depart from the upper level, located under the historic train shed, while Cercanías commuter trains arrive at the lower level. The station has direct access to the Abando metro station, allowing for easy continuation of your journey around the city without stepping outside.

Contact Information

  • Official website: adif.es / renfe.com
  • Helpline: +34 912 320 320 (Renfe general line)
  • Address: Plaza Circular, 2, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
  • Opening hours: daily from 05:00 to 23:30 (hours may change on public holidays)
  • Luggage storage information: automatic lockers (consigna) are available during station opening hours
  • Accessibility information: the Atendo assistance service is available for passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended)

How to Get There

Getting to Abando station is very simple, as it is located at Plaza Circular, in the very centre of the city.

Metro: Abando metro station (lines L1 and L2) has direct access to the station lobby, which is the most convenient way to get here from other districts.

Tram: The Euskotren Tranbia tram stop is located just 100 metres from the main entrance.

Buses: Numerous Bilbobus city buses and regional Bizkaibus buses stop near the station.

On foot: You can walk from the historical centre (Casco Viejo) to the station in 5–7 minutes simply by crossing the bridge over the Nervión River. The walk from the Guggenheim Museum will take about 15–20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Services and Amenities

Abando Station offers passengers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. The main hall houses long-distance ticket counters and ticket machines for commuter trains.

Available to travellers are: a Wi-Fi zone, ATMs, car rental services, and shops selling press and souvenirs. For passengers with premium tickets, the comfortable Sala Club lounge is available. The station also has clean restrooms (paid/free depending on the ticket) and automatic luggage lockers of various sizes.

Where to Eat

There are several options for a snack within the station premises. You will find chain coffee shops and fast food outlets (for example, Burger King), where you can quickly have a coffee with a croissant or eat a burger. The average price here is affordable, and the service is fast.

If you have 30–40 minutes to spare, we advise you to go outside. The station is located in the centre, and literally across the road, there are many cafes and eateries serving traditional Basque pintxos and hearty lunches. This is an excellent opportunity to explore local cuisine before your train departs.

Station History

The current station building was inaugurated in 1948, replacing the old station from 1863. The project was designed in a style of monumental classicism, intended to reflect the economic power of Bilbao as an industrial centre.

The main historical and artistic value of the station is the giant stained glass window in the main lobby, created in 1948 by a union of stained glass artists. It depicts allegories of industry, shipping, sports, and traditional Basque life. Today, the station is preparing for large-scale integration into the high-speed railway network (the "Basque Y" project).

Tips for Passengers

Arrive at the station in advance, at least 20–30 minutes before the departure of a long-distance train (Alvia/Intercity), as mandatory baggage screening via scanner is conducted before accessing the platform.

Watch the information boards closely: the departure platform is usually announced 15 minutes prior. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, use the elevators and escalators connecting the station levels and the metro. Please note that the station closes for the night after the arrival of the last train, so overnight stays in the waiting hall are not possible.

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