Taxi price: Bilbao Airport → Zumaia
The trip from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Zumaia is around 78 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 | ~78 km · 45 min – 1h 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 Zumaia or nearby and is shown before you confirm. Check and book on the Zumaia – Bilbao Airport taxi page.
How long does it take and what route?
Zumaia is the coastal town closest to the airport: about 78 km on the AP-8 towards Donostia, with a direct exit to the town centre and the Urola estuary. Being the nearest exit, it is also the shortest of the four in time, around 50 minutes.
The usual time is 45 min – 1h, 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 Zumaia.
Is there direct public transport from the airport to Zumaia?
No. There is no direct bus or train between Bilbao Airport and Zumaia. 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 Zumaia. 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) | ~50 min | ✅ Yes |
| Bus + train (with transfers) | 2h30 – 3h+ | ❌ Station |
| Rental car | ~50 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 Zumaia
Zumaia, just 78 km from the airport (the closest coastal town), is famous for the Geopark flysch and the Game of Thrones filming locations. A few highlights:
- The Geopark flysch: Zumaia’s cliffs are the jewel of the Basque Coast Geopark: over 60 million years of Earth history written in rock layers. Itzurun beach is the best place to see them up close.
- Itzurun and the San Telmo hermitage: Itzurun beach, hemmed in by flysch walls, is watched over by the San Telmo hermitage; it is one of the most photographed spots in the Basque Country.
- Dragonstone (Game of Thrones): Itzurun and its surroundings were the island of Dragonstone in Game of Thrones; many fans book the taxi specifically to stand where Daenerys landed.
- Santiago beach and the Zuloaga museum: at the mouth of the Urola, Santiago beach holds the house-museum of painter Ignacio Zuloaga, with works by Goya, El Greco and the artist himself.
- Flysch boat trip: several operators run boat trips to see the cliffs from the sea, the best view of the Geopark’s "layer route".
- The Urola estuary: the protected estuary is ideal for kayaking and canoeing and for birdwatching; it links the sea with the green interior of Gipuzkoa.
- Old town: the Gothic church of San Pedro, with its altarpiece, and the central streets keep the flavour of the medieval seafaring town.
Combining several towns? See also the taxi to Zarautz, Getaria and Orio, or the main route to San Sebastián.
When to visit Zumaia
Spring and autumn are perfect for walking the flysch in good light and without crowds; check the tides, as the best cliff area is only accessible at low tide. Summer fills Itzurun with swimmers and Game of Thrones fans. Guided Geopark visits and boat trips run mainly from spring to autumn.
Where and what to eat in Zumaia
In Zumaia you’ll find honest seafood cooking: fish of the day, marmitako in season and pintxos in the old town, with txakoli alongside. After the flysch walk, the terraces by the estuary and harbour are the best finish. It is a quiet town, with slightly friendlier prices than the big coastal destinations.
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 Zumaia
- 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.