# Bilbao Airport Transfer Guide (BIO) Honest guide to getting from Bilbao Airport to the city center. Bus, taxi, and private transfer options with real prices in EUR. **Airport:** BIO **City:** Bilbao **Country:** Spain **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio **Last updated:** 2026-03-27 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Bilbao Airport (BIO) sits about **12 km north** of the city center in Loiu. The most common ways to reach downtown are the **Bizkaibus A3247** (about **EUR 3**, roughly 25 minutes to Plaza Moyua) or a **taxi** (around **EUR 25-35**, 15-20 minutes depending on traffic). If you have a pre-booked private transfer, expect similar drive times but with the comfort of someone waiting for you in arrivals. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing BIO is a single-terminal airport, so navigation is straightforward. After passport control (if applicable) and baggage claim, you walk out into the arrivals hall. The terminal was designed by Santiago Calatrava, and while it looks impressive, the layout is simple. The bus stop is directly outside the arrivals exit, clearly signed. Taxis queue right next to it. There is no train station at the airport, so rail is not an option here. One thing to note: Bilbao is in the Basque Country, so signage is in both Basque (Euskara) and Spanish. Do not be confused if place names look unfamiliar — the Spanish versions are always displayed alongside. --- ### Transport options explained honestly | Option | Price | Duration | Frequency | Best for | |--------|-------|----------|-----------|----------| | Bizkaibus A3247 | **EUR 3** | 25-35 min | Every 15-30 min | Budget travelers, solo | | Taxi | **EUR 25-35** | 15-20 min | On demand | Small groups, convenience | | Private transfer | **EUR 35-55** | 15-20 min | Pre-booked | Families, business, peace of mind | | Rental car | From **EUR 30/day** | Self-drive | At airport desks | Road trips, flexible plans | The **Bizkaibus A3247** is reliable and runs from early morning until around 23:00 (midnight on weekends). It stops at several points in the city, with Plaza Moyua being the most central. You can pay with cash or a Barik card. **Taxis** use the meter and are regulated. There should be no negotiation involved. The rank is right outside arrivals. Expect to pay more during night hours (after 21:00) and on weekends — a supplement of around EUR 3-5 applies. If you are heading somewhere outside central Bilbao — say, San Sebastian (about 100 km east) or the Rioja wine region — a pre-booked transfer makes much more sense than a metered taxi. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations The bus is genuinely cheap at **EUR 3** and hard to beat for solo travelers. Taxis are metered, so the price depends on your exact destination: | Destination | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |-------------|--------------|-------------------| | Plaza Moyua (center) | **EUR 25-30** | **EUR 35-45** | | Casco Viejo (Old Town) | **EUR 25-32** | **EUR 35-45** | | Guggenheim area | **EUR 22-28** | **EUR 35-45** | | San Sebastian | **EUR 180-220** | **EUR 150-190** | | Vitoria-Gasteiz | **EUR 100-130** | **EUR 90-120** | For longer distances, pre-booked transfers tend to be cheaper than metered taxis because the price is fixed in advance. Within central Bilbao, taxis and transfers are comparable. --- ### Late night arrivals If your flight lands after **23:00**, bus service becomes limited. The A3247 runs later on weekends (until about midnight), but weekday late arrivals will likely need a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The taxi rank outside arrivals operates around the clock, so you will not be stranded. Night supplement charges apply (roughly **EUR 3-5** extra on the total fare). Pre-booked transfers avoid the uncertainty — your driver will be there regardless of delays. The airport itself is quiet at night. Do not expect many food or shopping options after the last flights. --- ### Families and luggage The A3247 bus can handle regular luggage, but if you are traveling with strollers, car seats, and multiple suitcases, it becomes impractical. The bus storage area is limited, and during busy times you may need to hold bags on your lap. Taxis at BIO are mostly sedans. If you have more than two large suitcases, request a larger vehicle at the rank or book a minivan transfer in advance. Child car seats are **not** provided in regular taxis. If you need one, a pre-booked transfer is the only reliable way to guarantee it. Spanish law requires appropriate child restraints for children under 135 cm. --- ### Where you meet the driver For taxis, walk straight out the arrivals exit and the rank is immediately to your right. For pre-booked transfers, drivers typically wait in the arrivals hall holding a name sign. The meeting point is usually near the exit doors, close to the information desk. Your transfer company will confirm the exact spot when you book. The terminal is small enough that finding anyone is straightforward — there is only one arrivals exit. --- ### Decision helper **Take the bus if:** you are traveling solo or as a couple with light luggage, arriving during daytime hours, and your accommodation is near a bus stop on the A3247 route. **Take a taxi if:** you want door-to-door service without pre-planning, have moderate luggage, and are comfortable with metered pricing. **Book a private transfer if:** you are traveling with family, arriving late at night, have lots of luggage, need a child seat, or are heading outside central Bilbao. The fixed price and guaranteed availability remove the guesswork. 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Bilbao Airport is small, well-organized, and close to the city. For most travelers, the bus or a taxi will work fine. If you want certainty — especially late at night, with family, or heading further afield — a pre-booked transfer is worth considering. The Basque Country is a wonderful region, and getting into the city should be the easy part. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How far is Bilbao Airport from the city center?** About 12 km north of central Bilbao, in the town of Loiu. Drive time is typically 15-20 minutes. **Q: Is there a train from Bilbao Airport?** No. There is no rail connection at BIO. The bus (Bizkaibus A3247) and road transport are your options. **Q: How much is a taxi from BIO to the city center?** Around EUR 25-35 depending on your exact destination and time of day. Night and weekend supplements apply. **Q: Does the airport bus run at night?** The last bus departs around 23:00 on weekdays and midnight on weekends. After that, you need a taxi or transfer. **Q: Can I use Uber in Bilbao?** Uber and similar ride-hailing apps have limited availability in Bilbao. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are more reliable. **Q: How do I pay for the airport bus?** Cash (EUR) or a Barik contactless transport card. The fare is about EUR 3. **Q: Are taxis metered at Bilbao Airport?** Yes. All official taxis use meters. There is no need to negotiate a price. **Q: How long does the bus take to Plaza Moyua?** About 25 minutes in normal traffic, up to 35 minutes during rush hour. **Q: Can I get a taxi with a child car seat at BIO?** Regular taxis do not carry child seats. You need to pre-book a transfer and request a seat in advance. **Q: Is Bilbao Airport one terminal or two?** One terminal. It is compact and easy to navigate. Everything is accessible from a single arrivals hall. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving at Bilbao Airport Late at Night — What to Expect **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/late-night Bilbao Airport is not a 24-hour hub. Late evening flights do arrive, but the airport winds down quickly once the last wave of passengers clears. If your flight lands after **22:00**, here is what you need to know. ## Bus service after dark The Bizkaibus A3247 runs its last departure around **23:00 on weekdays** and approximately **midnight on Fridays and Saturdays**. Sunday evening service ends earlier, closer to 23:00. If your flight lands at 22:30 and clears baggage claim by 23:00, you might catch the last bus — but it is a gamble. Any delay and you have missed it. ## Taxis at night The taxi rank operates **around the clock**. Even at 01:00 or 02:00, there are usually taxis available, though the queue may be shorter than during the day. You will not be stranded. Night supplement charges apply after **21:00** and add roughly **EUR 3-5** to your total fare. A trip to central Bilbao that costs EUR 25-28 during the day will cost about **EUR 28-35** at night. This is regulated and displayed on the meter — it is not a scam. ## Pre-booked transfers This is where transfers have a clear advantage over taxis at night. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall regardless of the hour, and the price is the same as a daytime booking — **no night surcharges**. If your flight is delayed, the driver tracks it and adjusts. For late arrivals, a transfer removes two worries: whether transport will be available, and what it will cost. ## The airport after hours Once the last flights clear, BIO goes quiet. Expect the following after 23:00: - Most shops and restaurants are **closed** - The information desk may be **unstaffed** - ATMs remain available - WiFi continues to work - The terminal stays open but feels empty ## Nearby hotels If your arrival is very late and you would rather not travel into the city, there are a few hotels near the airport in Loiu and Derio, within a 5-minute taxi ride. Prices range from **EUR 60-100** per night. This can make sense if you have an early morning commitment the next day. ## Our recommendation If you know your flight lands after 22:00, **book a transfer in advance**. The cost difference compared to a night taxi is minimal (often the same or less once the night supplement is factored in), and you avoid any uncertainty about availability or pricing. For flights landing before 22:00, the bus is still likely an option — just check the schedule for your specific day. --- ### Taxi vs Private Transfer at Bilbao Airport — An Honest Comparison **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/taxi-vs-transfer Both taxis and private transfers will get you from Bilbao Airport to the city in about the same time — roughly 15-20 minutes. The real differences come down to price certainty, comfort, and convenience. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Taxi | Private transfer | |--------|------|------------------| | Price to center | **EUR 25-35** (metered) | **EUR 35-45** (fixed) | | Availability | Queue at rank | Pre-booked, driver waiting | | Wait time | 0-10 min usually | Zero — driver meets you | | Payment | Cash or card (ask first) | Paid online in advance | | Child seats | Not available | Available on request | | Vehicle choice | Whatever is next in line | Sedan, minivan, or luxury | | Night surcharge | Yes, EUR 3-5 extra | No — price is fixed | | Flight delay | Driver leaves | Driver tracks your flight | ## When a taxi makes more sense For a straightforward daytime trip to central Bilbao, a taxi is efficient and affordable. The rank is right outside arrivals with minimal wait. You do not need to plan ahead, and the metered fare to most central hotels is **EUR 25-30**. If you are a solo traveler or couple with standard luggage, this is the simplest option. ## When a transfer makes more sense A private transfer earns its premium in specific situations. If you are arriving **after 23:00**, the fixed price means no night surcharges. If you are traveling with **children** and need car seats, transfers are the only reliable option. If your destination is **outside Bilbao** — San Sebastian, Vitoria-Gasteiz, or the Rioja wine region — the fixed price protects you from a large metered fare. Transfers also remove the uncertainty of arrival. Your driver tracks your flight and waits for you, even if you land two hours late. With a taxi, you simply take what is available when you walk out. ## The verdict For short trips within Bilbao during normal hours, a taxi is perfectly fine and slightly cheaper. For late arrivals, families, groups of three or more, or destinations beyond the city, a private transfer offers better value and less stress. The price difference for a city center trip is only about **EUR 10-15**, which may be worth it for the peace of mind. --- ### Bilbao Airport with Kids — Getting to the City as a Family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/family-and-kids Bilbao Airport is one of the easier European airports to navigate with children. It is a single terminal, distances are short, and the transport options are straightforward. The challenge, as always, is managing luggage, strollers, and tired kids at the same time. ## Child car seat situation Spanish law requires children under **135 cm** to use an appropriate child restraint system in vehicles. This applies to taxis and private cars alike. Here is the problem: **taxis at BIO do not carry child seats**. Technically, children can ride in the back seat of a taxi without one under a legal exception for hire vehicles, but most parents prefer not to rely on that exception. If you want a proper car seat, your only reliable option is a **pre-booked transfer** where you request the seat type and size in advance. Transfer companies stock infant carriers, toddler seats, and booster seats — just specify your child's age and weight when booking. ## Best transport options for families | Option | Family-friendliness | Notes | |--------|---------------------|-------| | Private transfer | Best | Car seats, space for luggage, door to door | | Taxi | Good for older kids | No car seats, limited boot space | | Bizkaibus A3247 | Manageable | Free for under-7s, but bus can be crowded | ## Strollers and luggage The airport terminal has lifts and is fully accessible. Getting to the bus stop or taxi rank with a stroller is straightforward — everything is on the same level outside arrivals. On the **A3247 bus**, strollers need to be folded. The luggage area is limited, and during busy periods you may struggle with multiple bags plus a stroller. If you are traveling with more than one child and full holiday luggage, the bus becomes impractical. In a **taxi**, boot space fits about two large suitcases and a folded stroller. For larger families, request a van or book a minivan transfer. ## Tips for families - **Book a transfer with car seats** before you fly. Do not assume you can arrange this at the airport. - **Feed the kids before leaving the airport.** There is a cafe in arrivals, and options disappear once you are in transit. - **The drive is short.** Even in traffic, you will be at your hotel in 20-25 minutes. Children rarely have time to get restless. - **Children under 7 ride free** on the Bizkaibus, which is a genuine saving for budget-conscious families. ## Pricing for families | Service | Price | |---------|-------| | Bus (adult + child under 7) | **EUR 3** total | | Taxi to center | **EUR 25-35** | | Transfer sedan + 1 child seat | **EUR 40-50** | | Transfer minivan + child seats | **EUR 50-65** | --- ### How Much Does It Cost to Get from Bilbao Airport to the City? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/cost-to-city Bilbao Airport is about **12 km** from the city center, and transport costs are reasonable compared to many European airports. ## Cost breakdown by transport type | Transport | Price | Notes | |-----------|-------|-------| | Bizkaibus A3247 | **EUR 3** | Cash or Barik card | | Taxi (daytime) | **EUR 25-30** | Metered, to city center | | Taxi (night/weekend) | **EUR 28-35** | Supplement of EUR 3-5 applies | | Private transfer (sedan) | **EUR 35-45** | Fixed price, door to door | | Private transfer (minivan) | **EUR 45-60** | Groups or heavy luggage | | Rental car | From **EUR 30/day** | Plus fuel and parking | ## Cost by destination | Destination | Taxi | Transfer | |-------------|------|----------| | Plaza Moyua | **EUR 25-30** | **EUR 35-45** | | Casco Viejo | **EUR 25-32** | **EUR 35-45** | | Guggenheim Museum area | **EUR 22-28** | **EUR 35-45** | | Getxo | **EUR 15-20** | **EUR 30-40** | | San Sebastian | **EUR 180-220** | **EUR 150-190** | | Vitoria-Gasteiz | **EUR 100-130** | **EUR 90-120** | ## What affects the price Taxi fares increase after **21:00** and on weekends and public holidays. Luggage does not carry an extra charge in taxis. Traffic during morning rush hour (08:00-09:30) can add a few euros to a metered taxi ride. For destinations outside Bilbao, a pre-booked transfer almost always costs less than a taxi because the price is agreed in advance rather than running on a meter for a long highway drive. ## Hidden costs to watch for There are no hidden tolls on the route to central Bilbao. Parking in the city center runs about **EUR 1.50-2.50/hour** in public garages if you rent a car. The airport bus does not require exact change, but a Barik card gives a small discount on repeat rides. ## Bottom line The bus at **EUR 3** is hard to argue with for budget travelers. For two or more people sharing, a taxi at **EUR 25-30** works out to roughly EUR 12-15 per person — still very affordable. Private transfers cost more but remove all uncertainty, especially for onward journeys to San Sebastian or the wine country. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Bilbao (BIO). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.