Getting a taxi in Bilbao
Grabbing a Bilbao taxi is the best way to explore this beautiful city and any nearby destinations quickly and comfortably. You can secure a ride almost anywhere in Bilbao at any time of the day, especially in busy areas, tourist attractions and major public transportation hubs.
The Bilbao taxi service is provided by several official operators. Standard taxis are white with the typical taxi signs on the roof and red stripes or markings on the side. If you prefer to arrange everything in advance, you can pre-book your Bilbao Airport taxi and any other journeys you may need during your trip to ensure high-quality service wherever you are.
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WHAT'S THE COST OF A BILBAO TAXI?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM BILBAO AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE | 20 € | 25 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM BILBAO AIRPORT TO GETXO | 24 € | 29 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM BILBAO AIRPORT TO VITORIA | 110 € | 130 € | 55 MIN |
| FROM BILBAO AIRPORT TO SAN SEBASTIAN | 155 € | 170 € | 1 HR 10 MIN |
| FROM ESTADIO DE SAN MAMES TO CASCO VIEJO | 9 € | 12 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM TERMIBUS TO BILBAO-ABANDO STATION | 10 € | 13 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM MOYUA TO ARTXANDA VIEWPOINT | 13 € | 15 € | 10 MIN |
Bilbao taxi prices
The Bilbao taxi service is generally reliable as all taxi companies are regulated by the local authorities, who also set the official rates. Bilbao taxi rates are calculated using a taximeter and the total fare depends on the time of day, day of the week, distance to destination, and traffic conditions.
Bilbao taxi rates for city trips:
Tariff 1 (Monday to Friday 07:00 – 22:00)
Base fare – €4.72
Rate/km – €0.87
Waiting time/hour – €21.12
Tariff 2 (Monday to Friday 22:00 – 07:00, Weekends, public holidays 07:00 – 22:00)
Base fare – €5.43
Rate/km – €1.08
Waiting time/hour – €26.86
Tariff 5 (Weekends, public holidays 22:00 – 07:00)
Base fare – €5.74
Rate/km – €1.08
Waiting time/hour – €26.86
For intercity trips, the Bilbao taxi prices are different and set as follows:
Tariff 3 (Monday to Friday 07:00 – 22:00)
Base fare – €7.22
Rate/km – €0.77
Waiting time/hour – €21.11
Tariff 4 (Monday to Friday 22:00 – 07:00, Weekends, public holidays 07:00 – 22:00)
Base fare – €7.93
Rate/km – €0.85
Waiting time/hour – €22.19
For intercity trips, tolls are paid by the passenger and will be added to the total fare. Additional charges may apply if you order a taxi by phone, for oversized luggage that doesn’t fit properly in the trunk, or for transporting pets.
According to these rates, a short 10-km ride around the city should cost an average of €13, while a taxi from Bilbao Airport to the city center should cost around €20 during the day and €25 at night or on weekends. Similarly, a trip from Bilbao to San Sebastian costs between €155 to €170 and to Santander between €145 to €160.
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How to get a taxi in Bilbao
Getting a taxi in Bilbao couldn’t be easier with hundreds of taxis all over the city. Although you’ll see vehicles of all shapes and sizes, official taxis are easily recognizable due to their white color with the red markings on both sides and the typical taxi sign on the roof. If you see an available taxi on the street, you can signal the driver, who will pull over to pick you up.
If you’re near a taxi rank, you’ll have to take the first taxi in line, as taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers on the street near a taxi rank. There are over 50 taxi ranks around the city, usually near central squares, train and bus stations, and, of course, at Bilbao Airport. Taxi ranks have street markings and signs on the sidewalk so you can’t miss them.
How to get a taxi from Bilbao Airport
Bilbao Airport is small and easy to navigate, so you will easily find the taxi rank as it is located in front of the terminal just after the Arrivals exit. There are signs inside the Arrivals Hall but you can also contact the Information Desk if you have any questions. A ride from Bilbao Airport to the city center costs between €20 and €25 depending on your destination and the time of day.
How to get a taxi from Termibus
If you arrive at Termibus by bus, you can walk to the nearest taxi rank on Pérez Galdós K. Street, about 5 minutes away. Head southeast on Juan Antonio Zunzunegui Etorb. towards Ingeniero Torres Quevedo Plaza, then turn right on Luis Briñas K. and you’ll reach Pérez Galdós K. From there, it’s a quick ride to the city center.
How to get a taxi from Bilbao-Abando Station
If you arrive at Bilbao-Abando, there is a taxi rank on Hurtado de Amezaga Kalea right in front of the train station. Taxis are available 24/7 and you can get to the city center, the port, or any other destination quickly and comfortably.
How to get a taxi from Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo Subway Station
Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo is a transit station where all three Bilbao metro lines meet. You will find a taxi rank on Areatza Kalea Street, near San Nikolas church, right in front of the park. From there, you can grab a taxi to central Bilbao in less than 10 minutes and for less than €9, depending on your exact destination.
Most popular Bilbao taxi apps
Using a Bilbao taxi app can be convenient when you need to be picked up from your current location and you don’t see any taxis passing by. The most popular apps used in Bilbao are Uber and PideTaxi, which offer reliable services around the clock. Note that even though taxi apps give you a fixed quote in advance, the price may be higher than a regular taxi during rush hour due to high demand. Waiting times can also be longer late at night when fewer drivers are available.
To ensure reliable, 24/7 door-to-door service anywhere in Bilbao, you can always choose Welcome Pickups to book your Bilbao Airport transfer or any other ride around the city. You can easily pre-book your Welcome ride via the online booking form or the Traveler App and enjoy peace of mind during your trip with fixed prices and no hidden charges.
Useful Bilbao taxi numbers
Ordering a Bilbao taxi by phone is a popular choice, even more popular than online taxi apps. If you’re staying at a hotel or you’re visiting a restaurant, the staff should be able to order a taxi for you. Alternatively, you can call a taxi Bilbao number and order one yourself.
To ensure a safe journey, you can call any of the following Bilbao taxi numbers:
- Radio Taxi Bilbao: +94 (444) 88 88
- Tele Taxi Bilbao: +94 (410) 21 21
- Radio Taxi Nervión: +94 (426) 90 26
- Class Taxi Bilbao: +94 (444) 50 50
Benefits of booking a Bilbao taxi in advance
Although the taxi service in Bilbao is available around the clock, late-night service is less frequent, resulting in longer waits. Another disadvantage of on-demand taxis is that you can never be sure how much the ride will cost, as the fare is calculated using a taximeter and traffic conditions affect the total fare.
These problems are solved if you pre-book your transfer in Bilbao with a top-rated company like Welcome Pickups. You ensure reliable door-to-door service from the start of your trip with a Bilbao Airport taxi or from any other destination in the city. You also get a fixed price that you know and pay in advance, helping you budget your trip in advance and avoid surprises. On top of that, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that 24/7 customer support is available in case something doesn’t go as planned.
Bilbao taxi tips
- Once you get in the taxi, check that the taximeter is set to the correct tariff according to the time of day and day of the week.
- A standard taxi in Bilbao can carry up to 4 passengers, so you'll need a larger vehicle if you're in a larger group.
- If you’re near a taxi rank, you can’t hail a taxi from the street; you’ll have to grab the first taxi in line.
- Most taxis in Bilbao accept card payments, but it’s best to confirm with the driver before you get in the taxi if you don’t carry any cash.
- Always ask for the receipt at the end of the trip in case you want to file a complaint or claim a lost item.
- Tipping your taxi driver isn’t expected in Bilbao, but you can round up the fare for good service.
- Baby seats are not provided as standard in a Bilbao taxi, but you can bring and fit your own for free.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Bilbao
Bilbao is generally a very accessible city, making it easy for wheelchair travelers to explore as much as possible. Standard taxis you’ll find on the street can fit a folding wheelchair in the trunk, but they’re rarely fully accessible.
To ensure comfortable transportation and make your own schedule, it’s best to make arrangements in advance. Radio Taxi Bilbao has more than 20 accessible vehicles in its fleet that can accommodate a wheelchair plus 4 passengers and 4 pieces of luggage. You can contact them at +94 (444) 88 88 or via their official website to make your reservation.
Bilbao taxi safety and complaints
Taxi service in Bilbao is reliable if you take an officially registered taxi. Sometimes drivers may try to overcharge tourists, but showing that you know the different tariffs that apply is a good way to prevent this.
However, if you experience any problems during the trip or want to file a complaint against your driver, you can first contact the company the driver works for. Make sure to write down your driver’s name, registration number, and license plate. Also ask for a receipt, if possible, so that you have all the details of your trip in one place. For more urgent matters, you can contact the local police at +94 (420) 50 00.