Why getting around is so hard on these dates
On New Year's Eve and Epiphany, several transport problems combine: the metro and buses run on special or reduced timetables, there are traffic closures for celebrations and parades, and demand for street taxis soars just when most people need them. Hailing a taxi on those nights can be almost impossible.
The solution is simple: book in advance. With the time and pick-up point set beforehand, the driver will be where and when you need them, without relying on luck.
Tip: for New Year's Eve and the night of Epiphany, book your taxi days in advance. They are the highest-demand nights of the year.
Taxi to the airport on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
Many people travel just before or after the holidays. If your flight departs on 31 December, 1 January or during the Epiphany long weekend, the airport taxi with a fixed price and no holiday surcharge guarantees you arrive on time:
- Closed price from €25 from the centre to the airport, the same as any day.
- No surcharge on 31 December, 1 January or 5-6 January.
- 24/7 service, also in the early hours of New Year's Eve.
- Flight tracking in case of winter delays.
For early flights on 1 January, book in advance: it is one of the highest-demand, fewest-free-taxis moments of the year.
The Three Kings Parade (5 January)
The Three Kings Parade runs through Bilbao on the evening of 5 January, with traffic closures across much of the centre. It is a magical moment for families, but getting around by private car is complicated. The taxi takes you to the area (or to the airport if you travel that day) avoiding the closures where possible, and picks you up where we agree after the parade.
If you travel with children, remember we have baby seats and boosters so the little one travels safely even on that special night.
Getting around between towns on those nights
The taxi is not just for the airport. On New Year's Eve and Epiphany it also solves trips between towns in Greater Bilbao —from the centre to Getxo, the Left Bank or between towns— when public transport doesn't reach or has stopped running. With a closed fixed price, you know what you pay before getting in, with no surprises at late hours.
Fixed price: the big advantage at New Year
The traditional meter applies special fares on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and public holidays, which can make the trip much more expensive just when it is used most. Our fixed price does not change: the amount you see when booking is the final one, holiday or not, day or night. On the highest-demand nights of the year, that peace of mind is worth double.
From other towns and provinces at New Year
The fixed-price taxi also covers New Year transfers from outside Bilbao, when public transport between provinces is scarcer on holidays: from San Sebastián, Santander or Vitoria to Bilbao Airport, with the same closed price and no surcharge on 31 December or 1 January. Ideal if you spend New Year's Eve in one city and fly the next day from BIO.
Tips for New Year's Eve and Epiphany
- Book days in advance: they are the highest-demand nights of the year.
- Set the pick-up point clearly, bearing in mind traffic closures for celebrations.
- If you fly early on 1 January, book now: there are few free taxis that morning.
- Travelling with children: ask for a seat or booster when booking.