# Bilbao Airport Transfer Guide (BIO) 本文件提供中文说明与当前英文指南原文。详细机场内容为英文，并非经过核实的完整中文翻译；请以实时预订流程确认价格、可用性及服务条款。 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:** 2026-07-28 Prices and transport schedules in this editorial guide are indicative. Confirm current public transport fares with the operator. Current transfer prices, availability and terms are shown in the live booking flow. ## 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** (**EUR 5** for a single ticket without a Barik card, roughly 25 minutes to Plaza Moyua) or a **taxi** (**EUR 27** on workdays and **EUR 30** on public holidays to Bilbao (fares published by Aena, the airport operator), 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. ### 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 5** (EUR 1.19 with a Barik card) | 25-35 min | Every 15 min | Budget travelers, solo | | Taxi | **EUR 27** workdays / **EUR 30** holidays | 15-20 min | On demand | Small groups, convenience | | Private transfer | Fixed, quoted at booking | 15-20 min | Pre-booked | Families, business, peace of mind | | Rental car | Varies by company and season | Self-drive | At airport desks | Road trips, flexible plans | The **Bizkaibus A3247** is reliable. Per Aena, it runs from the airport into Bilbao between **06:10 and 23:40**, every 15 minutes, stopping at Gran Via 79, Plaza Moyua and Alameda Recalde 11 before Termibus. A single ticket is **EUR 5** if you do not have a Barik card; with a Barik card the Creditrans fare for the zone is **EUR 1.19**. You can pay by card at the Bizkaibus cabin at the airport. **Taxis** are metered and regulated, so there is no negotiation involved. The rank is right outside arrivals. Aena publishes the fare to Bilbao as **EUR 27 on workdays and EUR 30 on public holidays**. Fares are revised, so check the current tariff posted at the rank before you travel. 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 5** — **EUR 1.19** with a Barik card — and hard to beat for solo travelers. Aena's fare guidance for the airport rank covers the ride into Bilbao itself: | Destination | Taxi | Transfer estimate | |-------------|--------------|-------------------| | Bilbao (Plaza Moyua, Casco Viejo, Guggenheim) | **EUR 27** workdays / **EUR 30** holidays (Aena rank guidance) | Fixed, quoted at booking | | San Sebastian (~100 km) | Metered — no fixed Aena rate for this route; agree the fare or ask for an estimate before you leave | Fixed, quoted at booking | | Pamplona (~160 km) | Metered — no fixed Aena rate for this route; agree the fare or ask for an estimate before you leave | — | | Burgos (~160 km) | Metered — no fixed Aena rate for this route; agree the fare or ask for an estimate before you leave | — | The EUR 27/30 figure above is Aena's guidance for the Bilbao city run only — it does not extend to destinations outside the metro area. For San Sebastian, Pamplona, Burgos or anywhere else further out, taxis run purely on the meter with no published fixed rate, so a pre-booked transfer is the more predictable option. Within central Bilbao, taxis and transfers are comparable. ### Late night arrivals Per Aena, the last A3247 into Bilbao leaves the airport at **23:40**. If your flight lands close to that, clearing baggage in time is a gamble, and later arrivals will need a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The taxi rank outside arrivals operates around the clock, so you will not be stranded. Aena's published fare list distinguishes workdays from public holidays (**EUR 27** and **EUR 30** to Bilbao); any other supplement is set by the regulated tariff and shown on the meter, so check the tariff posted at the rank. 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. ## 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?** Aena publishes the fare to Bilbao as EUR 27 on workdays and EUR 30 on public holidays. Anywhere else is metered on the regulated tariff, which is displayed at the rank. **Q: Does the airport bus run at night?** Per Aena, the last departure from the airport into Bilbao is at 23:40. 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?** A single ticket is EUR 5 without a Barik card; with a Barik card the Creditrans fare for the zone is EUR 1.19. You can also pay by bank card at the Bizkaibus cabin at the airport. **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. ## 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 Per Aena, the A3247's last departure from the airport into Bilbao is at **23:40**, with buses every 15 minutes through the day. Check Bizkaibus for the current timetable before you rely on a late departure. If your flight lands at 23:00 and clears baggage claim quickly, 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. Taxi fares here are regulated and shown on the meter — nothing is improvised late at night. Aena publishes the fare to Bilbao as **EUR 27** on workdays and **EUR 30** on public holidays. Any night supplement is set by the regulated tariff posted at the rank, so check it there rather than budgeting a guess. ## 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. 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 27** workday / **EUR 30** holiday (Aena published) | Fixed, quoted at booking | | 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 Aena publishes the fare to Bilbao as **EUR 27** on workdays and **EUR 30** on public holidays. 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 late, the fixed price is agreed in advance whatever the regulated tariff does. 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 modest, 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 | Cheapest option, but the 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. - **A Barik card cuts the bus fare** from EUR 5 to EUR 1.19 per journey, which is a genuine saving for budget-conscious families. Check Bizkaibus for current child concessions. ## Pricing for families | Service | Price | |---------|-------| | Bus (adult) | **EUR 5** (EUR 1.19 with a Barik card) | | Taxi to center | **EUR 27** workday / **EUR 30** holiday (Aena published) | | Transfer sedan + 1 child seat | Fixed, quoted at booking | | Transfer minivan + child seats | Fixed, quoted at booking | ## 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 5** (EUR 1.19 with Barik) | Cash, Barik card, or bank card at the airport cabin | | Taxi (workday) | **EUR 27** | Aena published fare to Bilbao | | Taxi (public holiday) | **EUR 30** | Aena published fare to Bilbao | | Private transfer (sedan) | Fixed, quoted at booking | Fixed price, door to door | | Private transfer (minivan) | Fixed, quoted at booking | Groups or heavy luggage | | Rental car | Varies by company and season | Plus fuel and parking | ## Cost by destination | Destination | Taxi | Transfer | |-------------|------|----------| | Bilbao (Plaza Moyua, Casco Viejo, Guggenheim) | **EUR 27** workday / **EUR 30** holiday | Fixed, quoted at booking | | Getxo | Metered — check at the rank | Fixed, quoted at booking | | San Sebastian (~100 km) | Metered — no fixed Aena rate for this route | Fixed, quoted at booking | | Vitoria-Gasteiz | Metered — check at the rank | Fixed, quoted at booking | The Bilbao city figure is Aena's fare guidance for the airport rank. Destinations further out, like San Sebastian, have no published fixed rate and run on the regulated meter — ask at the rank before you set off, or book a fixed-price transfer. ## 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. The airport bus does not require exact change, and you can pay by bank card at the Bizkaibus cabin — but a Barik card cuts the fare from EUR 5 to EUR 1.19, which is a large saving rather than a small one. ## Bottom line The bus at **EUR 5** — or **EUR 1.19** with a Barik card — is hard to argue with for budget travelers. For two people sharing, the **EUR 27** workday taxi fare works out to about EUR 13.50 each — still very affordable. Private transfers cost more but remove all uncertainty, especially for onward journeys to San Sebastian or the wine country. ## Published Guide Pages - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/late-night - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/taxi-vs-transfer - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/family-and-kids - https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bio/cost-to-city ## Booking and Support Search: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/search?airport=BIO Airport Transfer Portal is a marketplace; local operators fulfil the transfer. Availability depends on the route, travel date and eligible operator. Phone: +44 20 4538 9927 — UK office hours (London local time). WhatsApp: +44 7828 732663 — 24/7 (https://wa.me/447828732663). Terms: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/terms Complaints: https://www.airporttransferportal.com/complaints Published by Airport Transfer Portal (airporttransferportal.com), operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.