Bilbao Airport (BIO) sits about 12 km north of the city, and there’s no train or metro line running between the two — so the moment you land, you’re choosing between a bus, a taxi, or a private transfer. Each one gets you downtown, but not in the same time, price, or comfort.
Here’s exactly what to expect from each option, so you can pick the right one before you’ve even collected your luggage.
Bus, Taxi or Private Transfer — Comparing Your Options
Bizkaibus A3247 (the budget option)
The A3247 line runs from the airport straight to Bilbao’s Termibús station, with stops along Gran Vía and Plaza Moyúa. It leaves every 15 minutes from around 6:15 am to midnight, and the ride takes roughly 25–30 minutes for a ticket around €3.
It’s the cheapest way into town, but it also means standing in line, holding your own luggage, and hoping there’s room left on board during peak summer weeks.
Street taxi (the flexible option)
Official taxis wait right outside the arrivals hall, no booking needed. The ride into the city center takes about 15–20 minutes, with metered fares typically landing between €25 and €35 depending on traffic, time of day, and your exact drop-off point.
Convenient, but the final number is never fixed until the meter stops — and finding one during a busy arrivals rush isn’t always instant.
Private transfer with Transfer2Bilbao (the door-to-door option)
Book ahead and your driver is waiting at arrivals with your name on a sign — no queue, no haggling, no surprises on the fare. It’s the same 15–20 minute drive as a taxi, but the price is agreed before you land, and it covers you from the terminal straight to your hotel door, luggage included.
For families, groups, or anyone landing after a long flight, it’s the version of “get me to the hotel” that actually requires zero effort.
See our Bilbao Airport transfer service →
Why Most Travelers Choose a Private Transfer
- Fixed price, agreed in advance — no taximeter creeping up in traffic.
- No waiting in line — your driver is already there when you land.
- Door-to-door — from the terminal to your exact hotel or apartment, not just a bus stop.
- Room for luggage — no fighting for space like on the bus.
- Available around the clock — early landings and late arrivals included.
The Fastest Way Downtown
If your priority is price, the bus works fine. If it’s speed and zero friction the moment you land, a taxi or a private transfer will get you there in under 20 minutes — and only one of those gives you a fixed price and a driver already waiting with your name on it.
Book your Bilbao Airport transfer with Transfer2Bilbao →
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bilbao Airport from the city center? Bilbao Airport is about 12 km from the city center, roughly 15–20 minutes by road under normal traffic.
Is there a train or metro from Bilbao Airport to the city? No. There’s currently no train or metro connection — your only options are the Bizkaibus A3247, a taxi, or a private transfer.
How much does a taxi from Bilbao Airport to the city center cost? A metered street taxi typically costs between €25 and €35, depending on traffic and the exact destination. A pre-booked private transfer offers a fixed price agreed before the trip.
What’s the cheapest way from Bilbao Airport to the city center? The Bizkaibus A3247 is the cheapest option, at around €3 per ticket, taking about 25–30 minutes.
Can I book a private transfer from Bilbao Airport in advance? Yes. A pre-booked transfer means a driver is waiting for you at arrivals, with a fixed fare and no queue — ideal if you’re traveling with luggage, kids, or after a long flight.
