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Getting from Bilbao Airport to the City Center

When landing at Bilbao International Airport (BIO), you have 3 different transport options to get to Bilbao’s city center; you can either take a taxi, a private transfer, or a bus. Taking a Bilbao Airport taxi or a private Bilboa Airport transfer from is the easiest and most convenient option, as taxis 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 center; 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
Taxi €25 15min 24/7
Bus €6 25min 06:00–23:00
Welcome Airport Transfer €41 15min 24/7

How to get from Bilbao Airport to the city center by taxi

Taking a Bilbao Airport taxi is always the best travel option, especially if this is your first time in the city and you’re having a long flight. A private car, be it a taxi or a private transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to travel into Bilbao’s city center. Depending on where you’re staying, you should arrive at your accommodation in around 15 minutes. Bilbao taxis are very easy to recognize as they are all white with a red stripe on the side of their vehicles.

Taxi fare from Bilbao Airport to the city center

Bilbao taxis calculate their rates using a taximeter. Based on various factors, including tariffs that are set directly on the taximeter. To get from Bilbao airport to the city center it should take 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions and cost around €25 during the day and €29 at night or on weekends, on average.

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Rates can vary depending on the time of day

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Bilbao Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The official Bilbao Airport taxi stand is located at the passenger terminal building on level 1, on the Arrivals sidewalk. It can get somewhat crowded during high-peak travel times, with up to 64 vehicles lining up at once.

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 traveling 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

There are no airport 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 center.
It's not expected to tip your taxi driver in Bilbao. However, if you enjoyed the service, you can round up your fare to the nearest Euro.
Local taxi drivers may not speak fluent English, while private transfer services usually offer guaranteed English-speaking services.

How to get from Bilbao Airport to the city center by bus

If you wish to travel for less, then taking the airport public bus is your best option. The Bizkaibus line A3247 runs from Bilbao Airport to the city center every 15 minutes. 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 center. The bus terminal 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 center?

A regular one-way bus ticket from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao city center 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 center daily between 06:00 and 23:00 and from the center to the airport from 05:15 to 21:45.

Where do I get the bus 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 center is a great option for those traveling 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 traveling with substantial luggage or with children, this option may pose some challenges. The buses don’t run at night, so if your flight lands then, you will have to find another way to get to Bilbao city center.

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.
There is no official limit for luggage, however, you may struggle to find space during busy periods (June-August).
Children under 6 ride free.

How to get from Bilbao Airport to city center by private transfer

A Bilbao Airport transfer is the most convenient transport option from Bilbao Airport to the city center. With a reliable and highly-rated operator like Welcome Pickups, you’ll get to skip the taxi line and get personalized service that includes:

  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation
  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Flexible cancellation

What's the cost of a private transfer from Bilbao Airport to the city?

Pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups ensures you get a fixed fare which you can prepay even before your trip begins. This helps you budget your trip and eliminates the stress of having to negotiate a taxi ride in a foreign language and with fluctuating conditions.

Bilbao Airport transfers to the city center start at €43. If you’re traveling in a larger group, you can consider booking a minivan for €60 or a minibus for €120.

The benefit of pre-booking an airport transfer is that the rate is fixed and all fees are included. Complete your booking online even before your trip starts and take one thing off the to-do list. You can choose a vehicle of the right size for you and your travel party, and pay securely online by credit or debit card. Arrival is smoother and much more relaxed.

Cost

€43

Trip Duration

15 mins.

*Booking a private transfer in advance ensures a seamless experience.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Bilbao Airport (BIO).

Where do I get a transfer from?

When you land, you won’t need to go searching for the taxi stand. An English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at Arrivals. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, so there’s no chance you’ll miss them. After a warm meet and greet, your driver will help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Although local taxis are a good option, Bilbao Airport transfers to the city center ensure a more seamless arrival. With Welcome Pickups, you will have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land and enjoy reliable door-to-door services while eliminating any wait, particularly on high-volume days.

Editor’s Note

It's a good idea to set the pickup time to 20-30 minutes after the landing to leave enough time to clear passport control and baggage claim.

Useful Tips

It's not necessary to tip your Bilbao Airport driver. If you desire to leave a tip after excellent service, it's easy to do so in the app.
Upon booking, look for an email including your driver's name, details, and vehicle information and keep it handy on your travel day.
If you need a child booster or baby seat, requesting one is easy during the booking process online or using the app any time leading up to your trip.
Downloading the Welcome Pickups app helps you keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.

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

Prices

DAYTIME
€43
NIGHTTIME
€43
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Bilbao Airport to city center?

If you wish to take a taxi for your Bilbao Airport transfer it will cost around €25. However, since fares are calculated on a taximeter, 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 to get from Bilbao Airport to the city center?

When landing at Bilbao Airport (BIO) you have 3 different transport options to get to Bilbao’s city center; you can either take a private transfer, a taxi, or a bus.

How far is Bilbao International Airport from the city center?

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

How much is the bus ticket at Bilbao Airport?

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

 

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