Taxi price: Bilbao Airport → Zarautz
The trip from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Zarautz is around 85 km on the AP-8 and the price is fixed per vehicle, not per person: from €140 (up to 4 passengers). Especially good value if 2, 3 or 4 of you travel.
It is a fixed price: you see it before booking and it does not change with traffic, time of day or route. Unlike a metered taxi, there are no surprises even if there is a jam on the motorway. To give you an idea, a €140 trip split between 4 people works out at about €35 per head, less than many public-transport combinations with transfers.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price from | €140 per vehicle (up to 4 passengers) |
| Distance / time | ~85 km · 50 min – 1h 05min on the AP-8 |
| AP-8 tolls and VAT | Included |
| Luggage | Included, no charge for bags |
| Night / holiday surcharge | None |
| Payment | To the driver (cash or card), no online payment |
The exact price depends on your specific point in Zarautz or nearby and is shown before you confirm. Check and book on the Zarautz – Bilbao Airport taxi page.
How long does it take and what route?
The taxi leaves Loiu airport, quickly joins the A-8/AP-8 towards San Sebastián-Donostia and follows the coast past the Eibar and Deba area before taking the Zarautz exit. It is around 85 km of fast, well-signed motorway; the final stretch drops down towards the town centre and the beach promenade.
The usual time is 50 min – 1h 05min, a little more at peak times (Bilbao and San Sebastián rush hours on weekdays) and on busy summer weekends. With flight tracking included, if your plane is early or delayed the driver adjusts the pick-up automatically.
Airport pick-up, step by step
Bilbao Airport (BIO) has a single terminal, so meeting up is simple. Here is what happens when you land:
- We track your flight: we check the real arrival time; it is fine if you are early or late.
- Courtesy wait: we include some minutes after landing to clear passport control and collect your luggage without rushing.
- Meeting in arrivals: the driver waits for you with a sign showing your name.
- Straight off: within a few minutes we join the AP-8 heading to Zarautz.
Is there direct public transport from the airport to Zarautz?
No. There is no direct bus or train between Bilbao Airport and Zarautz. The public-transport route takes at least three steps: (1) take the Bizkaibus A3247 bus from the airport to central Bilbao (about 20-30 min); (2) from the Termibus station, connect to an intercity bus or a Euskotren / Lurraldebus train towards the Gipuzkoa coast; and (3) often, a final transfer or local taxi to Zarautz. In total, 2h30 or more, with waits, limited timetables and dragging your luggage. The taxi is the only direct door-to-door option.
| Option | Approx. time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (fixed price) | ~55 min | ✅ Yes |
| Bus + train (with transfers) | 2h30 – 3h+ | ❌ Station |
| Rental car | ~55 min + parking | ⚠️ You drive |
For groups of 5 to 7, the fixed-price van works out even cheaper per person: van taxi to the airport.
What to see and do in Zarautz
Zarautz is the most popular coastal town in Gipuzkoa: beach, surf and txakoli just 85 km from the airport. A few highlights:
- The longest beach in the Basque Country: at about 2.5 km of sand it is the longest in the Basque Country. Its wide promenade links the centre with the Mollarri area and is perfect for a sunset walk.
- Basque surf capital: a leading surf spot on the Cantabrian coast, with international contests. Several schools on the beach rent boards and wetsuits or teach all levels.
- The Photomuseum: the Zarautz Museum of Photography traces the history of the image with vintage cameras and temporary exhibitions. A good rainy-day option.
- Narros Palace: facing the beach, this 16th-century palace was Queen Isabella II’s summer residence, which made Zarautz fashionable among 19th-century aristocracy.
- Mollarri and Santa Bárbara: the Mollarri islet and the Santa Bárbara hermitage offer the best bay views; the climb is short and the lookout reaches as far as Getaria.
- Txakoli with sea views: Zarautz is part of the Getariako Txakolina D.O.; several wineries in the hills around town offer tours and tastings of this crisp white.
- Fine dining: from pintxos in the old town to Karlos Arguiñano’s well-known restaurant on the seafront, with Cantabrian fish taking centre stage.
- Historic golf: the Royal Golf Club of Zarauz, founded in 1916 beside the beach, is one of the oldest courses in Spain and a rare British-style links.
Combining several towns? See also the taxi to Getaria, Zumaia and Orio, or the main route to San Sebastián.
When to visit Zarautz
Zarautz peaks in summer (July and August), when the beach and promenade fill up and the water is warm enough to swim. Surf works year-round, but autumn brings the best waves. In early September the Euskal Jaiak festival brings rowing, rural sports and food. In spring and autumn the town is quieter and lodging cheaper.
Where and what to eat in Zarautz
The specialty is Cantabrian fish and seafood, often char-grilled. The old town has a lively pintxo trail and Karlos Arguiñano’s restaurant sits on the seafront. To drink, a cold local txakoli. In high season book ahead: it is a very popular food destination.
When is the taxi most worth it?
- 2 or more of you: the per-vehicle price is shared and drops a lot per head.
- With bags, boards or gear: no extra charge for luggage.
- Night or early flight: no night surcharge and no reliance on timetables.
- With children: door to door and with a child seat if you ask.
Tips for your transfer to Zarautz
- Groups: from 5 passengers we book a van (up to 7) at a fixed price; even better value per person.
- Bikes, boards or bulky luggage: we carry them no problem; if it is a lot, we assign a van. More on the bike taxi.
- Children: free child seat or booster if you ask when booking.
- Early-morning flights: no night surcharge; we operate 24/7.
- Book in advance: in summer and on long weekends it secures your vehicle and time.
What the price includes
- Whole vehicle up to 4 passengers (van up to 7).
- AP-8 tolls and VAT included.
- Flight tracking free: the driver adjusts the pick-up to your real arrival.
- Free cancellation up to 1 hour before.