Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao Airport (IATA: BIO, ICAO: LEBB) is a minor international airport located 9 km (5.6 mi) north of Bilbao, in the municipality of Loiu, in Biscay.
- Distance to downtown
- 4.4 km
- Typical drive time
- Approx. 3 min
- Terminals
- 1
Flights to Bilbao, Basque Country
Explore Bilbao, Spain, where local culture meets regional scenery.
Basque CountryCentral European Standard TimeBIO
- Best round-trip fare
- $26.00
- Nonstop from
- 69
- Best time to visit
- Jun, Aug, Sep
- Updated
- 2026-10-28
Bilbao travel overview
Bilbao is located in Spain (region code: ES-PV) and is served by candidate airport code(s) BIO. Visitors can explore Bilbao's town center, local markets, cultural sites, and surrounding regional landscapes.
- State
- Basque Country
- Population
- 345,000 (2022)
- Time zone
- Central European Standard Time
- Average stay
- 2–3 days
- Nearest airport
- Bilbao Airport (BIO)
- Straight-line distance
- 4.4 km
Popular flights to Bilbao
Find the most popular routes to Bilbao, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.
| From | Flight time | Airlines(main) | Weekly flights | From price | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid (MAD) | 60 min | Iberia|Air Europa | 56 | $38.00 | View route |
| Barcelona (BCN) | 75 min | Vueling | 45 | $48.00 | View route |
| Seville (SVQ) | 85 min | Volotea|Vueling | 23 | $78.00 | View route |
Airports serving Bilbao
Candidate airport code(s) associated with Bilbao include BIO; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Bilbao.
Best time to visit Bilbao
No data
Average temperature and rainfall
High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
Recommended months
JuneAugust – September
No data
Seasons
WinterNo data
No data
SpringNo data
No data
SummerNo data
No data
AutumnNo data
No data
Top things to do in Bilbao
Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Bilbao itinerary.
Bilbao Central Historic Quarter and Civic Plaza
Explore the central civic plaza, local heritage buildings, and community museums of Bilbao in Spain (ES-PV).
Bilbao city transport
Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.
| Transport | Best for | Time to downtown | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO Airport to Central Bilbao Ground Transfer | Travelers arriving or departing Bilbao via BIO | 15–50 min | EUR 2–30 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between BIO and central Bilbao; from EUR 2.0 per person by public transit up to EUR 30.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way BIO to central Bilbao: public bus per person vs taxi per car in EUR. |
Where to stay in Bilbao
When staying in Bilbao, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and BIO airport connections.
Central Bilbao and Transport Hub Area
Centered around Bilbao's main commercial streets and transport links, offering convenient access to dining, services, and transfers to BIO.
Bilbao trip planning
Spend your first day exploring central Bilbao, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.
- Daily budget
- EUR 90–210 · estimated per person/day in EUR; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about EUR 90–210 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Bilbao (in local currency EUR, excluding flights).
- Local time
- No data
- Tipping
- In Spain, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% for good restaurant service is a common courtesy; check bills for included service charges.
- Power outlets
- Carry a universal travel adapter and check voltage compatibility (typically 220–240 V or local standard) when visiting Bilbao, Spain.
- Accessibility
- Main terminal facilities at BIO and modern buildings in Bilbao generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
Explore more destinations
Pair your visit to Bilbao with regional destination Alava. Alava: Alava shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Bilbao in Spain, making a natural multi-city pairing. Hondarribia: Hondarribia shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Bilbao in Spain, making a natural multi-city pairing.
Popular routes from Bilbao
Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to BIO airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Bilbao.
Frequently asked questions about Bilbao
Which airport codes and payment preparations should I note when visiting Bilbao, Spain?
Bilbao is associated with candidate airport code(s) BIO; local transactions use EUR, so carry both a major payment card and some EUR cash for local transit and markets.