Bilbao Airport
Also known as: Loiu Airport, Bilbao International Airport.
Private transfer from BIOSee pricesSee pricesAbout 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.
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Book a transfer from BIOBizkaibus 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.
Terminals
Terminal
One terminal for all flights, opened in 2000 and designed by Santiago Calatrava, nicknamed "La Paloma".
Airlines and destinations
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.