Forget "Bizkaia Airport" — Here’s How to Catch the Bus from REAL Bilbao Airport
I once scrambled for a bus at Bilbao Airport (BIO) at 2 a.m., only to realize the sign said "Bizkaia" — a common mix-up. The real airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO), 12 km from the city. Buses run regularly, but if you miss the last one, a taxi costs €25. Don’t make my mistake: know your airport first.
Which Bus Actually Runs from Bilbao Airport?
Two buses connect BIO to Bilbao city center: Euskotren T1 (train, not bus) and Bus 11 (the reliable bus). Euskotren runs every 15 minutes 6 a.m.–11 p.m., but it’s a train station 20 minutes from the airport. Stick to Bus 11 — it drops you at Plaza Nueva, right near the city’s core.
Bus 11 runs 6 a.m.–11 p.m., every 15 minutes. Cost: €2.30 (cash or card at driver). Trip time: 25 minutes. Buy tickets at the kiosk inside the airport (€2.20) or use the BusApp — no need to queue.
| Bus/Train | Cost (€) | Frequency | End Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 11 | 2.30 | Every 15 min | Plaza Nueva |
| Euskotren T1 | 2.10 | Every 15 min | Atxuri Station |
Best Hotels Near the Bus Stop (All Under 10 Minutes Walk)
Stay where the bus drops you off — Plaza Nueva is perfect. These hotels are within 5–10 minutes of the stop:
- Pensión Ama Bilbao (4.7★, 64 reviews): Budget pick. €65/night. 7-minute walk. Small but clean, breakfast included.
- Hotel Carlton (4.5★, 2300 reviews): Classic city-center spot. €120/night. 5-minute walk. Historic building, great for first-timers.
- Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia (4.4★, 2100 reviews): Modern and quiet. €100/night. 8-minute walk. Free airport transfer (book ahead).
- Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (4.6★, 1700 reviews): Luxury near the river. €180/night. 15-minute walk. Best for views — but skip the bus, take a €5 taxi.
- Lo Bilbao (4.5★, 74 reviews): Chic and central. €95/night. 10-minute walk. Rooftop bar, perfect after a long flight.
Pro Tip: Avoid the 11 p.m. Cutoff
Euskotren and Bus 11 stop running at 11 p.m. If you land late, book a taxi via Cabify (€25–30) or use the Bus 11 night service (only on weekends, €3.50). Never rely on "just one more bus" — it’s not there.
FAQ: Real Answers, No Fluff
How much does a taxi from BIO to city center cost?
€25–30 flat rate (no meter), 20 minutes. Book via Cabify app before landing to avoid scams at the airport.
Which hotel is closest to the bus stop?
Hotel Carlton (5 minutes) and Pensión Ama (7 minutes) are the nearest. Skip the Mercure if you want to walk — it’s 8 minutes, but worth the extra €25 for the pool.
Can I use a bus pass for the airport transfer?
No — the BusApp pass (€5 for 24 hours) covers city buses but not the airport route. Buy single tickets at the BIO kiosk instead.
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Free Hotel Audits
- Pensión Ama Bilbao — Free Audit
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🌍 More Travel Tools
🚗 Local Car Rentals in Bizkaia — Owner-operated fleets, sometimes cheapest
🚙 AutoEurope — Established EU/UK brand with airport pickup
🚐 Economy Bookings — Budget-tier rental aggregator
🚕 Airport Transfer — Pre-booked, fixed price, English-speaking drivers
🚖 intui.travel Transfers — Alternative pricing on the same routes
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets — Top attractions, mobile-ready
🎟️ Concerts & Events — Sports, theater, music in Bizkaia
📱 Get an eSIM — Stay connected, no roaming (code FALLY20 for discount)
🌐 Airalo eSIM — Alternative provider with broader country coverage
✈️ Flight Delayed? — Claim up to €600 compensation with AirHelp
💸 Compensair — Alternative compensation service for delayed flights
🛵 Rent a Scooter or Bike — Two-wheel rentals in Bizkaia
🏨 Browse Hotels — Search the Bizkaia hotel directory
Published by 360 Business Tour — Your travel planning companion.