Bilbao Airport (Loiu): Location and Transport Options
Bilbao Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto de Loiu (IATA code: BIO), is located approximately 12 km from the city centre in the municipality of Loiu, Bizkaia. Despite its relatively close proximity to the city, direct public transport options are more limited than many travellers expect.
The most important thing to know upfront: Bilbao's metro does not have a direct line to the airport. This surprises many first-time visitors who assume, as with many European cities, that the metro connects to the terminal. It does not. Your practical options are the Bizkaibus A3247 coach service or a taxi to Loiu Airport.
For travellers arriving with luggage, travelling as a group, catching an early morning flight or simply unwilling to leave anything to chance, the Bilbao Airport transfer by taxi is the clear choice: door-to-door, no changes, no timetable stress.
Bilbao Airport Taxi Prices by Zone
One of the standout advantages of booking a Bilbao Airport taxi through taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com is the fixed fare system. There is no meter running and no unpleasant surprise when you reach your destination — the price you see when you book is the price you pay. Below are the standard fixed fares from the main towns and neighbourhoods in the Greater Bilbao area:
| Origin / Destination | Fixed Price (approx.) | Estimated Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bilbao City Centre | From 25 € | ~18 min |
| Barakaldo | 28 € | ~20 min |
| Sestao | 29 € | ~21 min |
| Portugalete | 30 € | ~22 min |
| Santurtzi | 31 € | ~24 min |
| Getxo | 32 € | ~25 min |
Journey times are estimates based on normal traffic conditions. The fixed fare covers the full door-to-door trip with no surcharges for standard luggage. Payment is made directly to the driver on arrival — no upfront payment or card details are required when booking online.
How to Book Your Bilbao Airport Taxi in 60 Seconds
Booking your Bilbao Airport transfer has never been simpler. The entire process at taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com takes under a minute and requires no app download or account creation. Here is how it works:
- Step 1 – Enter your pick-up address: Type in your hotel, apartment or any address in the Bilbao area. The system identifies your zone and assigns the nearest available licensed driver.
- Step 2 – Choose your date and time: The service runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can book for right now or schedule well in advance — ideal for planning before you even leave home.
- Step 3 – Confirm your booking: You receive instant confirmation. No payment details needed. You settle up with the driver at the end of your journey.
That is all there is to it. For international travellers who want everything arranged before they land, this is the most stress-free way to handle the airport transfer. You can even book your return trip at the same time to have both legs of your journey covered from the start.
Taxi vs. Bizkaibus A3247: Which Should You Choose?
The Bizkaibus A3247 is the only regular bus service connecting central Bilbao with the airport. It departs from Plaza Moyua every 30 minutes, costs just 1.70 € per ticket and takes between 30 and 50 minutes depending on traffic. On paper, it looks like the obvious budget choice — but it is worth understanding the trade-offs before you decide.
| Criteria | Bilbao Airport Taxi | Bizkaibus A3247 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From 25 € (fixed) | 1.70 € |
| Journey time | ~18–25 min | 30–50 min |
| Door-to-door pick-up | ✅ Yes, from your address | ❌ No, Plaza Moyua only |
| Available 24 hours | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited schedule |
| Luggage comfort | ✅ No problem | ❌ Awkward with cases |
| Advance booking | ✅ Online in 60 seconds | ❌ Not possible |
| Early morning / late night | ✅ Always available | ❌ Not reliable |
When the bus makes sense: If you are travelling alone with hand luggage only, departing in daylight hours and staying close to Plaza Moyua, the Bizkaibus A3247 is a perfectly reasonable and very cheap option.
When the taxi is the smarter choice: If you are travelling with checked luggage, with family or companions, on an early or late flight, or you simply cannot afford to miss your connection, a Bilbao Airport taxi with a fixed price and guaranteed pick-up is worth every cent of the difference.
What Makes an Official Licensed Taxi the Safest Option
Not all transport services offer the same level of security and reliability. When you book a taxi to Loiu Airport through taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com, you benefit from a set of guarantees that matter — especially when you are visiting from abroad:
- Fully licensed drivers: Every driver is officially regulated and vetted. They know the airport terminals, access roads and the fastest routes across Greater Bilbao.
- Fixed fare, no surprises: The price agreed at booking is final. No surge pricing, no meter anxiety, no hidden extras.
- 24/7 availability: Whether your flight departs at 5 AM or you land after midnight, there is always a driver available for you.
- Pay on arrival: You hand over the fare directly to the driver at your destination. No prepayment, no card details online.
- Flight monitoring: For airport pick-ups, the driver can track your flight and adjust the collection time if there are delays — a valuable service when connections are tight.
- Spacious vehicles: Suitable for families with pushchairs, groups with multiple bags or business travellers who need comfort and space after a long journey.
Practical Tips for Your Bilbao Airport Transfer
Getting the most out of your Bilbao airport taxi price and service is straightforward with a little preparation. Here are our top tips for a smooth transfer:
- Book at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible, particularly for very early morning departures or peak travel periods. This guarantees your driver is confirmed and ready.
- Include your flight number when booking: This allows the driver to monitor delays for both outbound and inbound journeys, so you are never left waiting or rushing.
- Allow enough time at the airport: Even though the journey from Bilbao centre takes around 18 minutes, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure for check-in and security.
- Arriving at Bilbao Airport: The driver will meet you in the arrivals area. Confirm the exact meeting point when you book so there is no confusion after a long flight.
- Book both ways in one go: Arrange your outbound and return transfers together at taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com for complete peace of mind before your trip even begins.