BIO Airport Insights & Guide
Key BIO Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Bilbao Airport (BIO) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BIO-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Bilbao Airport has a single terminal, which makes navigation relatively straightforward. However, it can get crowded during peak times, so it's best to arrive early. The layout is simple, but keep an eye on the signs to quickly find your gate." — Javier M., Getxo, Spain, August 2023
"If you’re connecting through BIO, note that the security checkpoints can be busy. Head straight to the security line after check-in to avoid delays, especially during the morning rush." — Maria G., Barakaldo, Spain, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The airport bus (Bizkaibus A3247) is a reliable and cost-effective way to reach the city center. It runs every 20 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to get to Bilbao. Make sure to have some change for the ticket." — Iker L., Leioa, Spain, September 2023
"For a more comfortable ride, consider taking a taxi. It’s pricier, but if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group, it can be worth it. The taxi stand is right outside the arrivals area." — Ainhoa R., Sestao, Spain, October 2023
Parking
"If you’re driving to the airport, the P1 parking lot is the most convenient for short-term parking. It’s just a short walk to the terminal. For long-term parking, P2 offers more affordable rates and a shuttle service to the terminal." — Ander F., Santurtzi, Spain, November 2023
"I always book my parking spot online in advance. It saves time and guarantees a spot, especially during the busy summer months." — Maite A., Portugalete, Spain, July 2023
Inside the Airport
"The food options at BIO are quite good. I recommend trying the local pintxos at the airport’s eateries. It’s a great way to get a taste of Basque cuisine before you even leave the airport." — Leire S., Erandio, Spain, December 2023
"There are several shops in the terminal where you can pick up last-minute souvenirs or travel essentials. The duty-free shop has a good selection of local wines and spirits." — Jon P., Basauri, Spain, January 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the airport’s website for real-time flight updates and wait times. It can help you plan your arrival and avoid unnecessary stress." — Nerea T., Galdakao, Spain, February 2024
"If you have a morning flight, consider staying at one of the nearby hotels the night before. It can save you from the stress of early-morning travel and ensure you’re well-rested for your journey." — Asier K., Mungia, Spain, March 2024
iFly Tip: Discover what you need to know before you fly with 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.
Getting to Know BIO Airport
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.
Navigating BIO's Terminals
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.
iFly Tip: Enhance your flying experience by learning from a pilot's perspective on our flight process page.
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.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers:
- Car Rentals: Bilbao Airport has several car rental providers available, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. The car rental facilities are conveniently located in the arrivals area of the airport. It is advisable to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability.
- Taxis: Taxi services are readily available at Bilbao Airport. The taxi drop-off area is located just outside the arrivals area. A taxi ride to the city center typically costs around €25 and takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Cabify are also available for travelers. The pickup area for these services is situated outside the arrivals area. Be aware that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage allowed in shared ride vehicles.
- Airport Shuttles: Several shuttle services operate between the airport and various destinations in the city. The pickup area for the shuttle is located outside the arrivals area. Shuttle fares vary depending on the destination, and it is recommended to book your shuttle in advance to ensure a spot, especially during busy times.
- Public Transportation: For those who prefer public transportation, Bilbao Airport is well-connected to the city center by bus and metro. The bus stop and metro station are located just outside the arrivals area. The fare for a bus or metro ride is approximately €1.50. The bus service is frequent, and the metro provides a quick and efficient way to reach various parts of the city.
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.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Bilbao Airport (BIO) provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Bilbao Airport features designated children's play areas.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and other services for passengers with special needs. It’s recommended to notify your airline in advance if you require any assistance.
- ATM: ATMs are available in the departures area, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located in the arrivals area. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to a nearby hospital if needed.
- Airport Lounges: Bilbao Airport features the VIP Lounge, accessible to all passengers for a fee or through membership programs. The lounge offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and a comfortable seating area to relax before your flight. Additionally, the lounge provides a quiet space with workstations and shower facilities for those needing to freshen up before a long journey.
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.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Bilbao Airport (BIO) is located in the Basque Country of Spain.
- Terminal: The airport features a single terminal building.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Iberia, Vueling, and Air France. For a list of all airlines, check out the BIO Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Bilbao Airport handles over 5 million passengers annually, with around 15,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees approximately 200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from BIO are Madrid, Barcelona, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
- Hub Status: Bilbao Airport is a hub for Iberia and Vueling, with Air Europa and Volotea also using the airport as a hub.
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).
About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.
Bilbao Airport Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport