San Mames Stadium – tickets, prices, discounts, timings, what to expect, FAQs

The San Mames Stadium is the home stadium of the Basque football club Athletic Bilbao.

With a seating capacity of more than 53,000, it is the largest stadium in the region and the seventh largest in Spain. 

The stadium features a sophisticated dynamic lighting system, which makes it a stunning sight to behold, especially at night. 

The San Mames Stadium is famously known as the “Cathedral of Football” for its captivating atmosphere, which is among the most enchanting in the world of football.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the San Mames Stadium.

Top San Mames Stadium Ticket
# Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour
# Tickets for Athletic Club Museum & Tour with Audioguide

What to expect at San Mames Stadium

Discover the world-renowned “Cathedral of Football,” widely regarded as one of the top sporting venues globally. 

Experience the excitement that football players and fans alike feel at San Mames, the legendary home of ‘The Lions.’ 

Go on an unforgettable tour that gives you an inside look into football. 

Experience the excitement on the pitch and take a photo next to the legendary “Pichichi” at the entrance to the players’ tunnel.

Sit on the bench and glimpse into the press room and mixed zone where players and media make their statements. 

Enjoy an ultimate panoramic view of the stadium from the center circle, the club president’s box, and the VIP area. 

Explore the iconic landmark that has been hosting football matches for over a century.

Where to buy tickets to the San Mames Stadium 

San Mames Stadium tickets can be purchased at the stadium or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

Because some tours sell a limited number of tickets, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

How do online tickets work

Go to the San Mames Stadium Tour booking page, select your preferred date, the number of tickets you wish to purchase, and the time slot, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email. 

You don’t need to take any printouts.

On the day of the visit, show the ticket on your smartphone and walk into the stadium.

Cost of San Mames Stadium Tour tickets

Adult tickets for the Bilbao San Mames Stadium tour are available for €16.50 for all visitors above 15 years of age.

Tickets for children between the ages of six and 14 are available for a reduced price of €6.50.

Infants aged five and younger do not require a ticket.

Tickets: Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour

San Mames
Image: sanmames.athletic-club.eus

Embark on a journey through Athletic Club’s San Mamés Museum and Stadium in Bilbao and follow in the footsteps of famous Spanish footballers.

Begin the tour by entering the museum through gates 19 and 20 of the renowned San Mames stadium. 

Immerse yourself in the world of football as if you were a real-life player.

Walk through the locker rooms, run out onto the field from the tunnel, and imagine the excitement that fills the press room.

Explore the modern and innovative Athletic Club museum, which boasts an extensive collection of over 500 original football-related objects spanning more than a century. 

Admire trophies, costumes, graphics, and audiovisual material celebrating the rich history of the Red and Whites.

The museum offers a variety of activities, including four audiovisual productions, 13 interactive systems, 600 videos, an immersive video wall, and a playroom equipped with entertainment for all ages. 

Come and experience the past and present of the Athletic Club in an unforgettable way.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (15+ years): €16.50
Child Ticket (6 to 14 years): €6.50
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

While visiting Bilbao, embark on a one- or two-hour boat tour from City Hall Bridge. As you sail by, listen to an audio guide that points out Bilbao’s key buildings and landmarks.

How to reach San Mames Stadium

The San Mames stadium is located east of Bilbao’s old city center, just a few meters from the Nervion River in central Bilbao.

Address: P.º Rafael Moreno “Pitxitxi”, s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain. Get Directions

You can reach the stadium by car or public transport. 

By Bus

The Athletic Bilbao Stadium can be reached by stepping off at the Ingenieritza Eskola (2878) stop. 

Take buses A3151, A3340, or A3414.

By Subway

San Mamés is the nearest subway station to the stadium.

Take the Línea De Metro Bilbao.

By Tram 

Get down at the San Mamés tram stop to reach the stadium.

By Train

Estación de tren S. Mames is the closest train station.

Take the C1 or C2 train.

By Car

If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

Choose between a host of parking options around the stadium.

San Mames Stadium Tour timings

The Bilbao San Mames Stadium offers tours six days a week, excluding Mondays. 

However, during July and August, tours are available on Mondays. 

The museum is open from 10 am to 8 pm from March to October and from 10 am to 7 pm from November to February. 

It’s a good idea to arrive ten minutes before your scheduled tour time, except for the last tour of the day at 7.15 pm. 

For this tour, it’s recommended that you arrive one hour before your scheduled time to explore the museum beforehand. 

You can revisit the museum after all the San Mames tours, except for the day’s last tour.

Opening hours and tours at San Mames are subject to change on match days, during closed training sessions, or other events.

Best time to visit the San Mames Stadium

San Mames
Image: arkitok.com

We suggest booking your tour on a weekday when the stadium is less busy for a more enjoyable visit. 

Mornings and late evenings have fewer visitors, providing a more peaceful and tranquil experience.

Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the stadium.

How long does the San Mames Stadium Tour take

The Athletic Bilbao Stadium tour tends to take around 45 minutes.

You can allocate another 45 minutes to visit the museum.

However, there is no time limit on your visit, and you can stay for as long as you want.

Reviews for the San Mames Stadium Tour

Here are some reviews to help you plan before taking a San Mames Stadium Tour.

Audio option made the tour interesting

The best stadium tour we have had.We took the audio option which made the visit so interesting.The tour is well laid out and the stadium itself is awesome. Fascinating history, extremely well documented, and with the personal audio tour, you can do this at your own pace. Access all the areas; I cannot rate this highly enough. First class visit.

Bob G, Tripadvisor

So much to investigate in the museum

This tour was superb. We had an audio guide to listen to, and were left to find our way around the stadium, behind the scenes. The museum was really well done, there was so much more to investigate in the museum than we had time to do. Overall, we felt very welcome, and thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon.

Alan F, Tripadvisor

More than a stadium

Excellent museum and stadium tour. Spent over 2 hours on the tour. Really informative audio guide and the information provided in the museum wasn’t overwhelming. The tour takes you through the origins of the club, players, the history, trophies and traditions. The stadium itself is breathtaking and architecturally beautiful

Susan K, TripAdvisor

FAQs about the San Mames Stadium Tour

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the San Mames Stadium.

What are the San Mames Stadium tour hours?

The tour hours vary depending on the day and season. 

It’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

How should I buy tickets for the San Mames Stadium tour?

It is best to book tour tickets online.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Atletico Bilbao Stadium box office or by clicking here.

What should I wear on the San Mames Stadium tour?

Comfortable and appropriate footwear is recommended as there will be a lot of walking and stairs to climb. 

It’s also a good idea to dress for the weather, as portions of the tour may be outdoors.

Is photography allowed on the San Mames Stadium tour?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos throughout the tour, but flash photography is not permitted.

Is the Athletico Bilbao Stadium tour accessible for non-Spanish speakers?

Yes, the tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Basque, and French.

Are food and drinks allowed on the Athletic Bilbao Stadium tour?

No, food and drink are not allowed on the Athletico Bilbao Stadium tour. 

However, you can grab a bite at The ‘La Campa de los Ingleses’ tavern and the ‘San Mamés Jatetxea’ Restaurant.

Is there parking available at the Athletic Bilbao Stadium?

Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors at the stadium. 

However, availability may be limited during certain events.

Is there an official shop at the Athletico Bilbao Stadium?

Yes, there is an official shop available for visitors to purchase souvenirs and memorabilia.

Can people with reduced mobility access the San Mames Stadium museum route?

Yes, the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. 

For more information, please refer to the official website.

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About the author

Hanan Irfan is a football fanatic and a true red at heart. An ardent supporter of Manchester United, Hanan is inspired by the Class of 92’s story. Apart from football, Hanan also likes following different sports and going on alpine treks.