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Airport Transportation

Bilbao Airport

Also known as: Loiu Airport, Bilbao International Airport.

BIO · LEBB · Bilbao

Airport facts

Name
Bilbao Airport
IATA code
BIO
ICAO code
LEBB
City
Bilbao
Country
Spain
Coordinates
43.3011, -2.9106
Time zone
Europe/Madrid

About Bilbao Airport

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main airport for Bilbao and the Basque Country, in northern Spain. It sits in Loiu, in Biscay, about 9 km (5.6 miles) north of Bilbao city center, over the hills from the city. In 2025 it handled about 7.1 million passengers.

Vueling has an operating base here and carries almost half of the passengers, flying to Barcelona, Paris, London Gatwick and many other Spanish and European cities. Volotea, Lufthansa (to Frankfurt and Munich), Air Europa, Iberia (to Madrid), KLM, easyJet and Wizz Air fly most of the other routes.

All flights use a single terminal, opened in 2000 and designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava. Its white, wing-like shape has earned it the nickname "La Paloma", the Dove.

From the airport, most travelers head into Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, along the coast to Getxo and Bermeo, or on to San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, both linked to the airport by direct buses.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Aena

Runways

Two (10/28 and 12/30)

Passengers per year

About 7.1 million in 2025

Largest airline

Vueling (about 47% of passengers in 2025)

Terminal opened

2000, designed by Santiago Calatrava

Arrival tips for Bilbao Airport

All flights arrive at the single terminal. Flights from Spain and other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, for example from the UK, you queue at passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System. Bilbao is a mid-sized airport, so arrival is usually quick.

Once you have your bags, follow the signs out to the bus stops, the taxi rank and the car rental desks. The Bizkaibus A3247 runs to central Bilbao (Plaza Elíptica) and the city bus station in about 15 minutes, every 15 minutes most of the year and every 12 minutes in July and August. Direct Lurraldebus coaches go to San Sebastián, stopping only at Zarautz, and other coaches run to Vitoria-Gasteiz. There is no metro or train to the airport. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

Spain is on Central European Time (CET) and uses the euro. The Basque Country is often rainy, so keep an umbrella handy.

Ground transportation

The Bizkaibus is the quick, cheap way into Bilbao; for San Sebastián, Vitoria or the coast, a coach or pre-booked car works well.

  • Bizkaibus A3247 to Bilbao

    About 15 minutes to Plaza Elíptica and the city bus station, every 15 minutes (every 12 in July and August).

  • Coach to San Sebastián

    Lurraldebus DO04 runs direct to Donostia-San Sebastián, stopping only at Zarautz, hourly (every 30 minutes in summer).

  • Coach to Vitoria-Gasteiz

    Line A3720 runs every 2 hours in winter and hourly in busier months.

  • Taxi from Bilbao airport

    Taxis wait outside the terminal. Door to door to central Bilbao in a short ride.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for groups and trips to San Sebastián, La Rioja or the coast.

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Terminals

Terminal

One terminal for all flights, opened in 2000 and designed by Santiago Calatrava, nicknamed "La Paloma".

Airlines and destinations

Air Europa

Madrid and Spanish cities

Airline guide

easyJet

Bristol, Geneva, Manchester, Milan–Malpensa

Airline guide

Iberia

Madrid

Airline guide

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Amsterdam

Lufthansa

Frankfurt, Munich

Airline guide

Volotea

Spanish and European cities

Airline guide

Vueling

Barcelona, London–Gatwick, Paris–Orly, and many Spanish and European cities

Airline guide

Wizz Air

Central and Eastern Europe

Airline guide

Frequently asked questions

How far is Bilbao airport from the city center?

Bilbao Airport is about 9 km (5.6 miles) north of Bilbao city center, in Loiu. The Bizkaibus A3247 reaches central Bilbao (Plaza Elíptica) in about 15 minutes, and taxis and pre-booked cars go door to door.

How do I get from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián?

Lurraldebus coaches run directly from Bilbao Airport to Donostia-San Sebastián, stopping only at Zarautz. They run hourly from October to June and every 30 minutes from late June to September. A pre-booked car goes door to door.

Is there a metro or train to Bilbao airport?

No. Extending Bilbao Metro Line 3 to the airport is only a project, with no timetable. The Bizkaibus A3247 is the public transport link to the city, running every 12 to 15 minutes.

Who designed Bilbao airport?

Bilbao's terminal was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2000. Its white, wing-like shape gave it the nickname "La Paloma", the Dove.

Which airlines fly from Bilbao?

Vueling is the largest airline at Bilbao, with almost half of the passengers and a base at the airport. Volotea, Lufthansa, Air Europa, Iberia, KLM, easyJet and Wizz Air also fly here, to Spanish and European cities.

How do I get from Bilbao airport to the Guggenheim Museum?

Take the Bizkaibus A3247 into central Bilbao, then walk or take a short tram or taxi ride to the Guggenheim on the riverfront. A taxi or pre-booked car from the airport goes straight there.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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