Bilbao Airport (BIO): Arrivals, Transport Options & Getting into the City

Bilbao Airport at a Glance

Bilbao Airport, officially Aeropuerto de Bilbao (Basque: Bilboko aireportua), carries the IATA code BIO and sits in the municipality of Loiu, northwest of the city. It is the principal airport serving the Basque Country and the wider province of Biscay (Bizkaia). The terminal is a single building designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, recognisable by its distinctive white wing-like roof, and handles both domestic Spanish routes and international connections across Europe.

Bilbao itself is the capital of Biscay and the largest city in the Basque Country, with a municipal population of around 351,000 and a metro area of roughly one million people. It sits along the Nervión estuary, about 11 km inland from the Bay of Biscay. For context on what awaits you once you clear arrivals, the full guide to things to do in Bilbao covers the city's main draws in depth.

Getting from Bilbao Airport to the City Centre

There are four realistic options for the airport-to-city transfer: the Bizkaibus A3247 coach, a licensed taxi, a VTC (ride-hailing app like Uber or Cabify), or a pre-booked private transfer. Each suits a different type of traveller. Below is a practical breakdown of all four.

• Bizkaibus A3247 (Airport Bus) The cheapest and most frequent option. Runs from the airport to Bilbao Intermodal (Termibus), with stops at Alameda Recalde, Plaza Moyúa, and Gran Vía. Frequency is roughly every 15 minutes during peak hours, up to 20 minutes at quieter times. Journey time is about 20-25 minutes. Occasional (single) tickets cost €5; with a Barik card the fare is much lower (around €1+). Pay on board by cash or contactless card for occasional tickets. Outbound (Bilbao to airport) service starts around 05:15; inbound (airport to Bilbao) runs until approximately midnight. Timetables vary slightly between summer and winter, so confirm with Bizkaibus or AENA before travel.
• Licensed Taxi Airport taxis are operated by Radio Taxi Femade and queue outside the Arrivals exit. The typical fare to central Bilbao is €25-35, taking 15-20 minutes in light traffic. Expect more during rush hour or with luggage supplements. Useful contacts: Radio Taxi Bilbao (+34 944 448 888) and Tele Taxi Bilbao (+34 944 102 121). Best suited to travellers arriving late at night or with heavy baggage.
• VTC / Ride-Hailing (Uber, Cabify) Both Uber and Cabify operate at BIO. Pick-up is from car park P1 or the designated VTC zone — not directly outside Arrivals. Fares to the city centre are typically €30-50 depending on time of day and demand surges. Slightly pricier than taxis on average but bookable in advance, which helps with predictability.
• Pre-Booked Private Transfer Several private transfer companies serve the BIO-Bilbao route. Pricing is usually fixed and comparable to or slightly above taxi rates. Best for groups, families with young children, or business travellers who want a named driver waiting in Arrivals.

Intercity Connections from BIO

Bilbao Airport is not just a gateway to the city. If you are travelling onward to San Sebastián or smaller Basque Coast towns, you can connect directly from BIO without going into central Bilbao first.

The bus company PESA operates direct services from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián (Donostia) roughly every hour, between approximately 07:45 and 23:45. Journey time is about 1 hour 20 minutes and the fare is around €17. Stops include Zarautz (about €14.80, 1 hour), making this a convenient option if you are heading straight to the Basque Coast rather than spending time in Bilbao. If you are weighing up both cities, the Bilbao vs San Sebastián comparison guide lays out the differences clearly.

Inside the Terminal: What to Expect on Arrival

BIO is a single-terminal airport, which keeps things straightforward. Arrivals, ground transport, car hire desks, and the bus stop are all within easy walking distance of each other. The Bizkaibus A3247 stop is signposted just outside the Arrivals exit. Taxis queue to the right. A Bilbao Tourism information desk operates in the Arrivals hall during daytime hours — useful for picking up maps and transport cards.

The Barik card, Bilbao's rechargeable smart card for metro, buses, and tram, is not sold at the airport itself. You can pick one up at Metro Bilbao station vending machines once you reach the city. For an occasional trip on the A3247, you can pay €5 on board without a Barik card; if you already have Barik, the discounted fare (~€1+) applies. Car hire operators including the major international chains have desks in the Arrivals area.

Seasonal Considerations and Timing Your Transfer

The Bizkaibus A3247 currently runs with a regular 15‑minute frequency throughout most of the day in both directions, according to the official AENA and Bizkaibus information. Always confirm the current schedule on the AENA Bilbao Airport website or the Bizkaibus website before travel, particularly if you are catching an early morning flight or arriving late.

August is peak season in Bilbao, partly because of Aste Nagusia, the city's major summer festival which runs for about nine days in mid-August. Expect higher demand for taxis and VTCs during this period, and book accommodation early. The guide to Bilbao in August has full details on what to expect. Conversely, if you are visiting in winter, the city is quieter and fares are more stable, but the bus frequency is slightly lower. The Bilbao in winter guide covers what the city offers in the off-season.

Once You Are in the City: First Steps

The A3247 bus drops you at Bilbao Intermodal (Termibus), Gran Vía, or Plaza Moyúa depending on your stop. Plaza Moyúa sits in the heart of the Ensanche district, close to hotels, restaurants, and metro connections. From here you can reach the Casco Viejo (Old Town) in about 15 minutes on foot or two stops by metro.

If you are heading straight to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao or the Abandoibarra riverfront, these are walkable from Gran Vía in around 10-15 minutes or one metro stop. The city's compact layout works in your favour once you arrive. For a full orientation to the city's neighbourhoods and how to move between them, the Bilbao walking tour guide is a useful starting point.

• Pick up a Barik card at any Metro Bilbao station vending machine — it saves money on every metro, bus, and tram journey versus buying single tickets.
• The metro runs until around 23:00 Sunday to Thursday, until about 02:00 on Fridays and eves of public holidays, and all night on Saturdays.
• Bilbobus city buses cover areas the metro does not, operating roughly 06:00-23:00 on most lines.
• Uber and Cabify work reliably throughout the city for late-night trips when public transport has stopped.
• The Bilbao Tourism office near the Arriaga Theatre in the Casco Viejo can provide free city maps and help with orientation.

For help choosing where to base yourself, the where to stay in Bilbao guide breaks down the main neighbourhoods by character and price point. If you only have a short trip, the 2 days in Bilbao itinerary gives a focused plan that works well for first-time visitors arriving directly from the airport.