Bilbao is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in Spain's Basque Country that attracts many visitors for its identity, culture and gastronomy. If you're planning a trip to Bilbao, you'll probably arrive via its airport, which is around 12 kilometres from the city centre.

Bilbao Airport, opened in 1948, is one of the main airports in the Basque Country. The airport's official name is Aeropuerto de Bilbao in Spanish or Bilboko aireportua in Basque. The airport codes are BIO (IATA) and LEBB (ICAO). The average number of passengers per year is around 6 million and the average number of flights per day is around 150.

Discover the different transport options you have to get from the airport to the centre of Bilbao, as well as some useful tips and information to make the most of your stay.

Bus

A practical and economical option is to take the Bizkaibus bus number 3247, which stops just outside the arrivals hall. The ticket costs just €1.45 and is bought on board directly from the driver. The frequency is 30 minutes in both directions. The service runs from 6.15 a.m. to 11.15 p.m. (airport / centre direction) and from 5.25 a.m. to 9.55 p.m. (centre / airport direction).

The bus connects to the Bilbao Intermodal bus terminal, with several stops in the city centre, such as Alameda Recalde 11, Plaza Moyua and Gran Vía 79. The journey between the airport and the centre takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Bus Bilbao Airport - City Centre: Bizkaibus (3247)

Hours: 6.15 a.m. - 11.15 p.m.

Duration: 20 mins

Waiting time: 30 mins

Price: 1,45€

Tickets:

• Directly to the driver;

• Vending machines.

Tips:

• Check the timetables in advance;

• Make sure you have cash to buy the ticket directly from the driver;

• If you're travelling with a lot of luggage, make sure you choose a seat near the door.

Pros:

• It's a cheaper and quicker option for getting from the airport to the city centre than a taxi;

• It's a way of getting to know the landscape and culture of the Basque Country, as the bus passes several points of interest;

• It is an ecological and sustainable option, as it helps to reduce CO₂ emissions and traffic congestion.

Cons:

• It can be uncomfortable and crowded during rush hour or peak tourist periods;

• It can be difficult to find space for luggage, as the bus doesn't have many compartments specifically for this purpose;

• It can be inconvenient if your hotel or destination is not close to any of the bus stops, forcing you to walk or use other public transport.

Accessibility: All buses on the A3247 line, which connects the airport to the city centre, are adapted to facilitate access and travel for people with disabilities or special needs.

Taxi

Another option is to take a taxi to the city centre. The journey between the two points costs between 25€ and 30€ and takes around 15 minutes. Taxis are available in the arrivals area of the airport, next to the main exit. You can recognise the official taxis by their white colour and the city shield on the bonnet. You also have the option of asking the driver for a receipt and paying in cash or by credit card.

Taxi Bilbao Airport - City Centre

Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 15 mins

Waiting time: 0-5 mins (depending on the queue for travellers taking taxis)

Price: 25€-30€

Tickets: Directly to the driver, cash recommended.

Tips:

• Taxis are a more convenient and flexible option for getting from the airport to the city centre, especially if you're travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group;

• You can find taxis outside the arrivals hall at the airport, where there is an organised queue and an information board with fares.

• You can also book a taxi in advance via an online service or by mobile phone.

Pros:

• It's a more comfortable and private way to get from the airport to the city centre, without having to share space with other passengers or make stops along the way;

• It's a more practical and simpler choice, as you don't have to worry about timetables, tickets or changes of transport;

• It's a safer and more reliable option, as taxis are regulated and controlled by the authorities.

Cons:

• It is the most expensive and costly transport to get from the airport to the city centre, compared to the bus or private transfer;

• It is a less ecological and sustainable option, as it contributes to increasing CO₂ emissions and traffic congestion;

• It can be difficult to find an available taxi at peak times or when there are more tourists.

Accessibility: Book your taxi in advance, as not all are adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Private transfer

If you prefer a more personalised and worry-free experience, you can book a private transfer from Bilbao Airport to the city centre, or vice versa. This service provides exclusive transport adapted to the individual needs of passengers, guaranteeing a tailor-made trip.

Private transfers are especially recommended for larger groups or travellers looking for direct transport without relying on public transport. This means that a driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you directly to your destination in the centre of Valencia.

Private Transfer Bilbao Airport - City Centre

Opening hours: 24h

Duration: 20 mins

Waiting time: 0

Price: 62€ (per vehicle)

Tickets: Book Online

Tips:

• We recommend booking the private transfer in advance to ensure availability;

• Make sure you give the driver all the precise details about your arrival and departure. This will ensure that the service is organised efficiently.

Pros:

• Private transfer services guarantee exceptional comfort for travellers, combining speed and efficiency;

• The vehicles used are modern and spacious, equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and comfortable seats;

• This transport option provides an exclusive and personalised experience, offering passengers a peaceful and serene journey;

• The flexibility of the timetable is a significant advantage, making it suitable for both large groups and passengers with a lot of luggage.

Cons:

• When opting for a private transfer service, it is important to consider the possibility of delays due to traffic jams or other unforeseen circumstances;

• It is essential to note that when travelling alone, this choice may not be the most economical, as this option tends to be more advantageous for larger groups.

Accessibility: Although the vehicles are not initially prepared to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility, you can contact [email protected] to find a personalised and comfortable solution for you.

If you arrive in Bilbao by train, you can also opt for a transfer from Bilbao Train Station to your hotel or vice versa.

The journey from Bilbao Airport to the city centre offers several options, each adapted to the different needs and budgets of travellers. So choose the means of transport that best suits your preferences and start your unforgettable journey in Valencia. Bon voyage!

Enjoy exploring the top attractions in Bilbao.

If you're travelling to other parts of the country, find out how to get from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia airports to the city centre.

If you want to have other experiences when you visit the Basque Country, explore the tours and activities selected for you.

Visit Living Tours for more travel experiences in Portugal and Spain. And explore more travel ideas on the Living Magazine Blog.