Kobetamendi, the hilltop park that hosts Bilbao BBK Live, sits above the city with no direct car access during the festival. Getting there means choosing between organizer-run shuttle buses, free municipal shuttles, a 2.5 km walk from San Mamés, or a taxi drop-off at a set point. This guide breaks down each option so you can match your trip to your budget and energy.
All routes converge at the old Beyena factory, about 800 meters from the festival entrance, so plan for that last stretch on foot. For a full overview of the event, start with our Bilbao BBK Live festival guide, then read on for transport specifics. Festivals in Spain are a big draw for travelers, and BBK Live is one of the country's standout music events.
Option 1: Reserved Shuttle Bus (Lanzadera Kobetamendi)
The festival’s official reserved shuttle, Lanzadera Kobetamendi, is the only bus you can book in advance. It departs from two points: Felipe Serrate Street next to San Mamés, and the BEC exhibition center in Barakaldo. The organizer states the cost at €3.80 per trip on the shuttle information page, and service runs only on festival days from 16:00 to 22:00, with departures every 10 minutes.
You must book online through the festival website, and each buyer can reserve up to 10 tickets. Tickets are not nominative, so someone else can use them, and you can present them on your phone without printing. The service is for ascents only—there is no reserved return—and it drops you at Beyena, the same stop as the free bus.
Option 2: Free Shuttle Buses from San Mamés and BEC
For no extra cost, the municipal free shuttle connects the same two areas to Kobetamendi, running continuously during the festival. Outbound pick-ups are at the BEC next to the Ansio metro stop (where around 3,500 parking spaces are available) and at the end of Capuchinos de Basurto Street behind the BAMI building near San Mamés. The service runs from Wednesday through Sunday, with more frequent departures from 16:00 onward each festival day.
Free buses stop near the old Beyena factory, and you walk the remaining 800 meters to the gates. They also serve the return journey after the concerts, with fenced waiting areas. A festival wristband is mandatory to board any of these buses, so you must exchange your ticket before heading up.
Campers get their own dedicated shuttle to and from the campsite, which runs 24 hours a day from the opening day through the festival’s end. During concerts, a separate shuttle connects the southern part of the grounds with the camping area, so you rarely have to walk the full distance at night.
Option 3: Walking Up to Kobetamendi (2.5 km Route)
If you prefer to stretch your legs, the ‘Kobetamendi Irteera’ walk covers about 2.5 kilometers from the San Mamés esplanade to the BALORE Space inside the festival. It takes roughly half an hour, and the organizer says a traditional Basque band (txaranga) often accompanies walkers to make the climb more festive. This is the most sustainable option and helps you avoid bus queues altogether.
The route is steady uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially on warm festival afternoons. It’s a good choice if you’re staying near the city center or want to arrive early, but allow extra time if you plan to catch an opening act.
Getting to the Departure Points: Metro, Tram, and Bus
Both San Mamés and the BEC are well served by public transport. San Mamés is a major interchange with metro, tram, and bus connections, while the BEC is next to the Ansio metro station on Line 2. Check Bilbao’s metro and tram schedules on the day of your trip, as frequencies may increase during festival peaks.
If you are coming from central Bilbao, the metro is usually the fastest way to reach either departure point. For those staying further out, consider combining a metro ride with a short walk to the shuttle stops. Always verify the latest transport updates on the official Bilbao mobility website before you travel.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing (VTC) Drop-Off Points
Taxis and ride-hailing services (VTCs) are allowed to drop off passengers near the festival entrance only during the morning and early afternoon, roughly between 08:00 and 16:00, according to the official transport plan. After that time, they must drop you at the designated stop near the old Beyena factory, from where you walk the same 800 meters as everyone else.
Make sure to book your taxi or VTC with enough time, as demand spikes around the evening hours. If you are leaving the festival late, you may find it easier to walk down to San Mamés or the BEC rather than waiting for a car at Beyena, given the road restrictions.
Driving and Parking: Road Closures and Restrictions
Private vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the concert and camping areas, and the main access road, Kobetabidea, is closed to traffic from its junction with the Basurtu-Kastrexana road. Restrictions also apply on Monte Caramelo, Masustegi, and Altamira, starting as early as Wednesday and lasting through Sunday. Only authorized vehicles, public transport, and accredited residents can enter the zone.
If you drive, park at the BEC, where around 3,500 spaces are available, and take the free shuttle from there. Note that the municipal motorhome area in Kobetamendi remains closed during the festival. Always check the festival’s official transport news closer to the event for exact restriction times, as they may change based on crowd levels.
Reduced Mobility Shuttle Service
For attendees with reduced mobility, a dedicated shuttle runs from San Mamés to the festival entrance at all times, from 17:00 to 07:00 daily. This service is separate from the standard buses and is arranged in advance through the festival. Inside the venue, there are designated areas for people with reduced mobility, staffed by specialized support teams.
Contact the festival’s accessibility team directly to book this service and confirm pick-up times.
Practical Tips: Wristbands, Cashless Payments, and What to Bring
Before heading up to Kobetamendi, exchange your ticket for a festival wristband at designated collection points in the city. The organizer states that wristbands are not issued at the venue, and you won’t be allowed on any festival bus without one. The wristband also acts as your cashless payment method inside, so top it up online or at on-site booths.
The festival is fully cashless—no cash payments are accepted for food, drink, or merchandise. Check the official allowed objects list before packing, as some items are banned. Leave glass containers and large bags at home to speed up security checks.
Plan Your Visit
The best way to reach Kobetamendi depends on your timing and preference. Book the reserved shuttle if you want a guaranteed seat and a scheduled departure, or hop on a free bus if you are flexible. Walking is a great option for those who enjoy the climb, and taxis work well only if you arrive before the afternoon cutoff.
Whichever you choose, always check the official Bilbao BBK Live website for the latest transport details, as road closures and bus schedules can change. For more on the festival itself, read our Bilbao BBK Live festival guide before you commit to a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Kobetamendi for BBK Live?
You can take a reserved shuttle bus from San Mamés or BEC, a free shuttle from the same points, walk 2.5 km from San Mamés, or take a taxi to a designated drop-off. All options require a festival wristband and drop you at Beyena, an 800-meter walk from the entrance.
Are there free shuttle buses to Bilbao BBK Live?
Yes, free shuttle buses run from the BEC and near San Mamés to Kobetamendi during the festival. They operate continuously, with more frequent departures from 16:00 onward. A festival wristband is required to board.
Where does the Bilbao BBK Live shuttle bus depart from?
Two departure points: Felipe Serrate Street next to San Mamés, and the BEC exhibition center near the Ansio metro stop. Free buses also pick up at the end of Capuchinos de Basurto Street behind the BAMI building.
Can you walk to Kobetamendi from San Mamés?
Yes, there is a 2.5 km walking route from the San Mamés esplanade to the festival, taking about half an hour. It’s a steady uphill climb and is often accompanied by a traditional Basque band.
Is there parking at Kobetamendi for Bilbao BBK Live?
No, private vehicles are prohibited from entering the concert and camping areas. You can park at the BEC, which offers around 3,500 spaces, and take the free shuttle from there.
Are taxis allowed to drop off at the BBK Live festival site?
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop off near the entrance only between 08:00 and roughly 16:00. After that, they must use the designated stop near the old Beyena factory, which is an 800-meter walk from the venue.
