Arrival in Bilbao

Most travelers — whether arriving by train, bus, or car — will want to go straight to the museum. Thanks to a perfectly planned tram system (EuskoTran), getting to the museum is a snap. From any point of entry, simply buy a €1.15 single-ride ticket at a user-friendly green machine, hop on a green-and-gray tram, enjoy the Muzak, and head for the Guggenheim stop (only one line so you can’t get lost, trams come every 10–15 min, www.euskotran.es). When you buy your ticket, validate it at the machine (follow the red arrow), since you can’t do it once on board. An all-day pass costs €3.

The Metro system, designed by prominent architect Lord Norman Foster, is a work of art…but not practical for most visitors. If you get lost, ask: “¿Dónde está el museo Guggenheim?” (DOHN-day ay-STAH el moo-SAY-oh “Guggenheim”).

By Train: Bilbao’s RENFE station (trains from most parts of Spain) is on the river in central Bilbao. The train station is on top of a small shopping mall. To reach the tram to the Guggenheim, descend into the stores.Leave from the exit marked Hurtado de Amézaga, and go right to find the BBK bank. Enter, find the Automatikoa door on the right, and buy your ticket at the green machine marked Abando (the machine is mixed in with a bunch of ATMs). Leave the bank and continue right around the corner. Validate your ticket at the machines at the tram stop before boarding the tram marked Basurto.

Trains coming from San Sebastián arrive at the riverside Atxuri station, southeast of the museum. Buy and validate your ticket, hop on a tram, and follow the river to the Guggenheim stop.

By Bus: Buses stop at the Termibus station on the western edge of downtown, about a mile southwest of the museum. Luggage storage is available at the station. The tram (San Mamés station) is on the road just below the station— look for the steel CTB sign, buy and validate a ticket at the machine, and hop on the tram (direction: Atxuri) to Guggenheim.

By Car: Parking at the museum itself is a hassle; the closest option is the garage two blocks in front (Calle Iparraguirre 18). But to avoid stressful city traffic and frustrating one-ways, the best plan is this: Use the expressway exit marked Centro, following signs to Guggenheim. You’ll pass the long train station on your right; continue straight through the traffic circle, veer left at the river, and park at the big garage (called Pío Baroja). Walk 10 minutes to the museum, or hop on the tram (direction: Basurto).