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Bilbao Airport BIO

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Bilbao Airport (BIO) Guide

Discover Bilbao Airport, your entry to the Basque Country's unique culture and landscapes. Our concise guide covers everything from flight details to amenities, ensuring a smooth journey. Notably, BIO stands out with its stunning architecture, designed by Santiago Calatrava, making it a memorable part of your travel experience. For seamless navigation through BIO and insights into other airports, explore our Comprehensive Airport Guide.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Loiu/Vizcaya, Basque Region Airport (BIO) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

  • Upon passing through security, go to the map of BIO's airport to navigate through the terminals, and view the restaurant, bars and shopping options as you head to your gate.
  • Check here for info on lounges or clubs where you might be able to access via a day pass if you're not a member or flying in first class.
  • At times, Loiu/Vizcaya, Basque Region airport has changes to its airlines. Review the airlines that have scheduled flights from Bilbao Airport BIO here.
  • Waiting to pick up an arriving passenger? To see where the plane is, when its slated to land, and which terminal it will deplane, use the live flight tracker.
  • Want to find the cheapest flight fare from BIO airport? Compare multiple providers, check directly with airlines, and look into alternative airports.

The airport has one terminal, which is divided into two levels. The ground floor is used for arrivals and the upper floor is used for departures. The terminal has a total of 16 gates, with gates 1-6 located on the ground floor and gates 7-16 located on the upper floor.

Major airlines such as Air Europa, Iberia, and Lufthansa operate out of Bilbao Airport's terminal. The airport offers a variety of services and amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and ATMs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

When navigating the terminal, passengers should follow the signage to their airline's check-in counters and departure gates. The airport also offers information desks and interactive kiosks to assist passengers with any questions or concerns.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Bilbao Airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the upper level. The terminal is compact and easy to navigate, with all facilities and services located within a short walking distance. There is no need for any transportation to get between the terminals as there is only one terminal building.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Bilbao Airport, picking up and dropping off passengers is a breeze. There are designated curbside areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off, but parking is not allowed in these areas. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to leave their cars unattended. If you need to park your car, there are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking.

If you are picking up passengers and need to wait for them to arrive, there are cell-phone waiting areas available at Bilbao Airport. These areas are free to use and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait for their passengers. Once your passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up, you can proceed to the designated curbside area to pick them up.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of BIO, you'll have several parking options available to you. There are both on-site and off-site parking facilities, as well as designated areas for handicapped parking and cell phone waiting.

On-site parking options include both covered and uncovered parking garages, as well as several surface lots. The parking garages are located within walking distance of the terminal, making them a convenient option for travelers with lots of luggage or those who want to avoid the elements. The surface lots are a bit further away, but still within walking distance of the terminal.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-site parking facilities are available near the airport. These facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can often be reserved in advance to ensure availability. Off-site parking can be a great option for longer trips, as it can be significantly less expensive than on-site parking.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there is a designated cell phone waiting area located just outside the airport. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.

If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all on-site parking facilities.

Get details about BIO Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Visitors can choose from car rental, taxi services, shared ride services, airport shuttles, and public transportation.

For those who prefer to rent a car, Bilbao Airport has several car rental providers available, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. The car rental facilities are located in the arrivals area of the airport.

Taxi services are also available at Bilbao Airport. The taxi drop-off area is located outside the arrivals area. The fare for a taxi ride to the city center is approximately €25.

Travelers can also opt for shared ride services, such as Uber or Cabify. The pickup area for these services is located outside the arrivals area. It is important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.

Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers. The shuttle service operates between the airport and various destinations in the city. The pickup area for the shuttle is located outside the arrivals area. The fare for the shuttle service varies depending on the destination.

Finally, public transportation is available for those who prefer to use it. The airport is connected to the city center by bus and metro. The bus stop and metro station are located outside the arrivals area. The fare for the bus or metro ride is approximately €1.50.

Airport Hotels

When it comes to air travel, convenience and comfort are paramount. That's why we've curated a selection of top-notch hotels near the airport, each offering unique features and amenities to enhance your stay. From accommodations providing complimentary shuttle services to those located near major city attractions, you'll find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs. Discover the convenience of staying near the airport and explore our list of recommended hotels here.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at BIO, you won't be disappointed. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to suit every taste and budget.

For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, both located in the departures area. If you have more time to spare, check out the full-service restaurant La Tagliatella, which serves delicious Italian cuisine. Another great option is the Basque restaurant Sagardi, which offers traditional Basque dishes like pintxos and grilled meats.

When it comes to shopping, BIO Airport has a range of stores to choose from. For duty-free shopping, head to World Duty Free or Dufry. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Bilbao Airport Shop or the Basque Country Shop, both of which offer a variety of local products and handicrafts.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

BIO offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you happen to misplace an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated play areas to keep them entertained before your flight.

Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are ATMs and a currency exchange located in the departures area.

In case of a medical emergency, there is a first-aid station located in the arrivals area.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay informed about your flight's status. At BIO Airport in Spain, there are several ways to check your flight's status and stay up-to-date on any changes or delays.

One way to check your flight's status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.

Another way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow you to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes directly to your phone. You can also check your flight's status on the app.

In addition to mobile apps, airlines may also send alerts via text, email, or push notifications. Make sure to check with your airline to see what options are available to you.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When flying from Bilbao Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during the summer months and holiday periods, as well as early morning and late afternoon when many flights depart.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to Bilbao Airport is by taxi, which can be easily hailed from anywhere in the city. Alternatively, there are several bus routes that connect the airport to the city center and surrounding areas. If you are driving, there are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term and long-term parking.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at BIO, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented and find your way around the airport. The maps can be accessed on your mobile device or printed out before your trip. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where you can ask for assistance.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at BIO Airport, make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your scheduled departure. Additionally, check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed of any changes. Finally, pack your bags according to the airport's guidelines to avoid any delays at security checkpoints.

Airport Facts & Stats

Bilbao Airport, located in the Basque Country of Spain, is a hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport has a single terminal building, which serves over 5 million passengers annually.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at Bilbao Airport include Iberia, Vueling, and Air Europa. On average, the airport handles around 200 daily flights to destinations around the world.

On an average day, BIO sees around 15,000 passengers pass through its gates. The airport serves over 100 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

BIO Airport is a hub for both Iberia and Vueling, two of Spain's largest airlines. Other air carriers that use the airport as a hub include Air Europa and Volotea.

Airport History

The airport, located in the Basque Country of Spain, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1927 - Bilbao Airport is inaugurated as a small airfield for commercial and military use.
  • 1948 - The airport undergoes major renovations and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building.
  • 1950s - Bilbao Airport becomes an important hub for domestic flights within Spain.
  • 1980s - The airport experiences a decline in traffic due to the economic crisis in Spain.
  • 1996 - A new terminal building is constructed to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and airlines.
  • 2000s - BIO becomes a popular destination for low-cost airlines, leading to a significant increase in passenger traffic.
  • 2018 - The airport completes a major renovation project, including the expansion of the terminal and the addition of new amenities.

Today, BIO Airport serves as an important gateway to the Basque Country and northern Spain, welcoming millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Bilbao Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: BIO
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +34 913 211 000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Bilbao Airport, Carretera Aeropuerto, s/n, 48180 Loiu, Bizkaia, Spain

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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