The Three Kings Parade in Bilbao is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, especially for families with children. Every 5th January, the city is filled with excitement, floats, music and thousands of people who take to the streets to welcome Their Majesties the Three Kings. This event generates very high search peaks on the internet, but also major traffic complications, road closures and difficulties in getting around the city.
In this article, we explain where to watch the Three Kings Parade in Bilbao, the best spots to enjoy it with children and how to organise transport to enjoy the experience without stress or unexpected events.
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1. The Three Kings Parade in Bilbao: A tradition that thrills the entire city
The Three Kings Parade is one of the most traditional Christmas events in Bilbao. Every year, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar travel through the city’s mains streets accompanied by themed floats, children’s characters, music and candy handouts.
It is a free event open to the public, which attracts large crowds from early afternoon onwards. Entire families gather in the centre of Bilbao to the experience a unique moment that marks the end of the Christmas festivities.
However, this large turnout also means:
- Traffic disruptions on many streets
- Overcrowded public transport
- Difficulty parking
- Very busy streets, especially with prams
That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead how to get there and how to get home.
2. Usual route of the Three Kings Parade in Bilbao
Although the route may vary slightly each year, the Three Kings Parade usually passes through some of the most central and emblematic areas of Bilbao.
It normally includes:
- Departure from a large area of the city
- Passing through Gran Via
- Route through the main streets of the city centre
- Arrival at an emblematic point where the Three Kings greet the public
These areas are the busiest and, at the same time, the most difficult to drive through in your own car during the afternoon and evening of 5 January.
If you want to plan your journey taking into account alternative routes and more convenient access points, you can consult our Services section.
3. Where to watch the Three Kings Parade in Bilbao: best areas
Choosing the right place to watch the parade makes all the difference, especially if you are going with young children.
3.1. Gran Vía: the most popular spot
Gran Vía is one of the most iconic sections of the route. Here, the floats pass slowly and there is a great festive atmosphere.
Advantages:
- Good visibility
- Enough space for large groups
- Verly lively atmosphere
Disadvantages:
- Very large crowds
- Difficult to move around with pushchairs
3.2. Areas near the start of the parade route
Positioning yourself near the starting point is usually a good option to avoid the crowds in the centre.
Advantages:
- Fewer people
- Better visibility for children
- Easier to move around afterwards
3.3. Final sections of the parade route
At the end of the parade, the atmosphere is still special, but many families have already left.
Advantages:
- Fewer people
- More space to move around
- Ideal if you want to avoid crowds
3.4. Quiet alternatives for families
Some of the side streets along the parade route allow you to watch the parade in a more relaxed atmosphere. They are ideal for families with young children or elderly people.
4. Three Kings Parade in Bilbao with Children: practical tips
Most of those attending the parade are families, so it is a good idea to bear in mind a few practical aspects:
- Arrive early enough to choose a good spot
- Wear warm clothing
- Avoid overly crowded areas
- Plan your return home before the event ends
- Avoid long walks with tired children
Good transport planning can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a complicated afternoon.
5. How to get around Bilbao on the day of the parade without stress
Getting around is the biggest challenge on 5 January in Bilbao. These are the main options and their implications.
5.1. Public transport
Although public transport is usually reinforced, many lines are crowded and do not always allow you to travel comfortably with children, pushchairs or bags.
5.2. Your own car
This is not the most recommended option. Many streets are closed and car parks fill up quickly. In addition, traffic is particularly heavy after the parade.
5.3. Taxi
Taxis can be useful, but high demand causes long waits, especially at the end of the event.
5.4. Private transfer: the most convenient option for the Parade
Hiring a private transfer in Bilbao for the Three Kings Parade offers numerous advantages:
- Pick-up at your home or accommodation
- Direct transfer to an area close to the parade route
- Avoids walking long distances with children
- Planned pick-up for the return journey
- Spacious and comfortable vehicles
- Drivers familiar with traffic restrictions
You can view all available models in our Vehicles section.
6. Organising Transport for Groups and Families
The Three Kings Parade is a popular event for:
- Large families
- Groups of friends with children
- Grandparents accompanying young children
In these cases, private transport makes it easier to:
- Travel together
- Avoid separate journeys
- Arrive and return in comfort
- Greater safety at the end of the event
It is also ideal for those travelling from towns near Bilbao.
7. Recommended routes for the Three Kings Parade
With a private transfer service, you can organise customised routes such as:
- Return trip from home to the chosen point on the route
- Transfer to less crowded areas
- Pick-up after the parade to return directly home
- Combination with other previous Christmas plans
You can see more options in our Services section.
8. Final tips for enjoying the Three Kings Parade in Bilbao
- Check the official route in advance.
- Choose less crowded areas if you are going with small children.
- Plan your transport for both the outward and return journeys.
- Avoid improvising on 5 January.
- Book your transfer in advance.
For more tips and practical guides on events and travel in Bilbao, visit our Blog.
9. Conclusion: enjoy the Three Kings Parade in Bilbao with peace of mind
The Three Kings Parade in Bilbao is a magical event that deserves to be enjoyed without rushing or worrying. Choosing where to watch it and how to get around is key to having a positive experience, especially if you are going with children.
A private transfer service allows you to focus on what is important: the excitement, the tradition and the time spent with your family.
