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Transportation options from Bilbao Airport to the City Centre

The port city of Bilbao is the capital of Vizcaya province and is an autonomous community of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Bilbao is known for its incredible architecture, with notable landmarks such as the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santiago (14th century), the Plaza Nueva (early 19th century), and the Renaissance-style churches of San Antonio, Santos Juanes, and San Nicholas. Bilbao is a great place to visit for couples, friends and family alike between its lively nightlife, plenty of kid-friendly attractions, beautiful beaches, amazing food and breathtaking hikes only a 30-minute train ride away.

When landing at Bilbao International Airport (BIO), you have 2 different transport options to get to Bilbao’s city centre; you can either take a taxi or a bus. Taking a taxi or private transfer from Bilbao airport is the easiest and most convenient option, as taxi’s offer door-to-door services in the comfort of a private vehicle, taking just under 15 minutes to reach downtown. Your second travel option is to take Bilbao’s airport bus to the city centre; this is a cheaper but slightly longer option.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Bilbao at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €41 15min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €25 15min 24/7
Bus €6 25min 06:00–23:00

How to get from Bilbao airport to the city centre by taxi

Taking a Bilbao airport taxi is always the best travel option when arriving in a new city after a long flight. It is the fastest and most convenient way to travel into Bilbao’s city centre, especially that they provide 24/7 door-to-door service straight from BIO airport to your accommodation in only 15 minutes. Moreover, Bilbao taxis are very easy to recognise as they are all white with a red stripe on the side of their vehicles.

Taxi fare from Bilbao airport to the city centre

Bilbao taxis calculate their rates using a taximeter, so based on different factors; these factors are divided into tariffs that are set directly on the taximeter. To get from Bilbao airport to the city centre it should take 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions and cost around €25 during the day and €29 at night or on weekends.

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Rates can vary depending on the time of day

25
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Bilbao airport

Where do I get it from?

The official Bilbao airport taxi rank is located at the passenger terminal building on level 1, on the Arrivals sidewalk, and have a capacity for 64 vehicles.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Bilbao airport is definitely the best way to travel as they provide fast and comfortable transfer services from the airport to your accommodation, even more so if you are travelling with heavy luggage and children. As airport taxi prices vary depending on multiple factors, it is highly recommended to book a private Bilbao airport transfer in advance and avoid any hidden fees.

Editor’s Note

It is good to know that there are no airport supplements, nor luggage surcharges at Bilbao International Airport.

Useful Tips

Guide dogs and passenger wheelchairs can be accommodated in the vehicle for no extra charge.
Make sure that the taximeter has been reset and turned on before starting your journey to Bilbao's city centre.

How to get from Bilbao airport to the city centre by bus

If you wish to travel at a cheaper price, then taking the airport public bus is your best transfer option. The Bizkaibus line A3247 runs from Bilbao airport to the city centre every 15 minutes and the journey from the airport to Bilbao Termibus takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The airport bus stops multiple times along the way at Alameda Recalde 14, Moyúa Plaza (Gran Vía 46) and Gran Vía 74, which are all located in the city centre. The bus terminus is at Bilbao Termibus station which lies in the west of the city, very close to the new football stadium, Athletic Bilbao and metro station San Mamés.

How much is a bus ticket from Bilbao airport to the city centre?

A regular one-way bus ticket from Bilbao airport to Bilbao city centre costs €3 and can be purchased directly from your bus driver or at the airport’s ticket office.

Cost

€3

Trip Duration

25 Min.

There is an average waiting time of 15 minutes for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Bizkaibus operates between Bilbao airport and the city centre daily between 06:00 and 23:00 and from the centre to the airport from 05:15 to 21:45.

Where do I get it from?

There are two bus stops for the Bizkaibus line A3247 at Bilbao airport; the first one can be found outside the arrivals terminal on level 1 and the second is located outside the departures terminal on level 3.

Convenience

Taking the public bus from Bilbao airport to the city centre is a great option for those travelling on a budget, as it is a fast and direct way to reach downtown, with buses running every 15 minutes from the airport. However, if you are travelling with luggage or with children this option may be difficult. Moreover, if you arrive during the night, you will have to find another way to get to the city centre.

Editor’s Note

If you are staying in Bilbao a little longer and are planning on using public transportation then it is more cost efficient to purchase a Barik card.

Useful Tips

If you wish to travel from Bilbao airport to San Sebastian, another public bus option exists and is operated by Pesa with a standard one-way ticket costing €16.50.
You can purchase all bus tickets directly from your driver either by cash or by bank card payments.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Bilbao. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Bilbao International Airport from the city centre?

Bilbao International Airport is only located 13 km away from the city centre, and the journey takes around 15 minutes by car.

How to get from Bilbao airport to the city centre?

When landing at Bilbao airport (BIO) you have 2 different transport options to get to Bilbao’s city centre; you can either take a taxi or a bus.

How much is taxi from Bilbao airport to the city centre?

If you wish to take a taxi for your Bilbao airport transfer it will cost you around €25. However, prices vary for night and weekend trips. If you wish to travel at a fixed price with no hidden fees, it is highly recommended to book your private airport transfer in advance.

How much is bus ticket from Bilbao airport to the city centre?

A regular bus ticket on the Bizkaibus line A3247 from Bilbao airport to the city centre costs €3.

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