2026 FLARE Annual Meeting

Arrival & Transportation

• By bus: Bizkaibus A3247 is the cheapest way into town. Buses leave from outside the arrivals terminal every 15–20 minutes and stop at Plaza Moyúa, Gran Vía, and Bilbao Intermodal (the central bus station). The ride takes about 25 minutes. You can purchase a Barik card (see below) to cover the bus fare and use it for all public transportation in Bilbao and surrounding provinces. It is available at a kiosk just inside the terminal doors from where the bus departs.
• Taxis wait outside arrivals and cost about €25–€35 to central Bilbao. Uber and Cabify also operate.

• By train: Trains arrive at Abando Station (Estación de Abando Indalecio Prieto) in the city center.

Getting around

• Barik card: This rechargeable transit card is sold at metro stations and newsstands. One card can be shared by several travelers, and it gives discounted fares on the Metro, the Tram, Bilbobus, Bizkaibus and Euskotren. It makes coastal day trips easy and affordable without a car.

• Metro Bilbao: You'll know the entrances by their Norman Foster glass tubes. The metro is fast across the city and runs out to the coast (Getxo, Sopela, Plentzia).

• Tram (Tranvía): The green tram runs along the river, linking Casco Viejo, the Guggenheim and the University of Deusto area.

• Walking: Bilbao is very walkable, and the riverfront (Ría de Bilbao) is often the nicest and quickest route between central neighborhoods.

Weather and What to Pack

• October is usually mild, around 12–20 °C (54–68 °F).

• Expect some light rain (the locals call it sirimiri). Pack a waterproof jacket, a small umbrella and comfortable walking shoes. Layers work well for cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Money

• The currency is the euro (€).

• Contactless Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including on transport and in pintxo bars. Carry €10–€20 in small notes and coins for small traditional taverns.

Language and etiquette

• Spanish and Basque (Euskera) are both official languages. English is common in hotels, tourist areas and universities.

• Useful Basque words: Kaixo (hello, pronounced kai-sho), Aupa (casual, friendly greeting similar to "hey" or "what's up"), Eskerrik asko (thank you), Agur (goodbye).

• Meal times are different than in many countries. Lunch is later -- about 14:00–15:30 or more, dinner from 20:30, and pintxo bars are busiest from about 19:30.  

• In pintxo bars, you typically indicate the pintxo you want from the bar, order hot ones from the board, and pay at the end of your time at the bar by telling the staff what you had. It works on an honor system. 

• Tipping in Bilbao is optional. Service is already included in prices, and nobody expects a 15–20% tip as in the US and other countries.  

• Cafés and pintxo bars: Most people tip nothing. If you like, round up or leave the small coins from your change, usually 10 to 50 cents. People often leave them on the little dish the change comes on.

• Sit-down restaurants: Tipping isn't required. If the service was good, locals usually round up or leave about 5–10%. That's often a few euros, and up to around 10% for a nicer meal or a large group.

• Paying by card: The card machine often won't have a tip option, so it's easiest to leave a few coins in cash.

• Many shops close on Sundays, and some restaurants close on Sunday evenings and Mondays.

Health and emergencies

• The emergency number is 112 (police, fire, medical).

• Tap water is safe and good to drink.

• Pharmacies have a green illuminated cross, and staff can advise on over-the-counter medicines.

Power


• Plugs are Type C/F (two round pins), at 230 V / 50 Hz. If you're coming from outside Europe, bring a universal adapter.