Flying to Bilbao this summer? Here's everything you need to know
In 2026, more European cities than ever have a direct connection to the Basque Country. We break down where you can fly from, which airlines operate the routes, and what's waiting for you when you land.
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| Bilbao, the Arenal Bridge and the estuary · Photo: Rodrigo Curi |
Bilbao has spent years shaking off its reputation as "that industrial city in northern Spain" — and it's working. Today it's one of Europe's most compelling destinations, and Loiu airport reflects that: this summer it launches its biggest-ever route network, with direct connections from more than 20 countries.
If you're thinking about visiting the Basque Country and wondering whether there's a direct flight from your city, chances are the answer is yes. Or closer than you think.✦
Bilbao airport: more connected than ever
Loiu airport — named after the small town where it sits, about 12 km from the city centre — is operating 67 direct destinations in 2026, one more than last year. A record.
The big story this summer is Wizz Air: the Hungarian low-cost carrier is ramping up to seven routes, using larger aircraft than usual (the Airbus A321, which seats 239 passengers) and adding four new destinations compared to 2025. More seats, more competition — generally good news for travellers looking for a deal.
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| Bilbao Airport (Loiu) · Photo: BasoTxerri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Where can you fly from?
Here are the main European connections available this summer:
Fuel costs have been climbing for weeks due to the geopolitical situation, which puts some pressure on airlines. No routes to Bilbao have been cancelled so far, but if you've got your dates roughly sorted, booking sooner rather than later is still the smartest move.
Low-cost carriers — Wizz Air, Volotea, easyJet — offer the most competitive fares if you book early. Network airlines — Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, TAP — tend to compensate with more frequencies and greater flexibility if you need to combine flights or might need to change your plans.✦
From the airport to the city centre: easier than you'd expect
Loiu is about 12 km from central Bilbao. The easiest and cheapest option is the A3247 bus, which runs between the airport and the city centre for €1.45, operating from 6:15 to 23:15 with departures every 30 minutes. A taxi will run you roughly €25–30.
Once you're in the city, Bilbao is very walkable. The metro — designed by Norman Foster, with entrances that look more like contemporary art installations than subway stations — will get you anywhere in the metropolitan area in minutes.
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| Guggenheim Bilbao from the estuary · Photo: Daniel Vives |
๐ Already booked your flight? [Arrange your airport transfer here] and arrive at your hotel without any hassle.
We'll save the full guide for upcoming posts. But here's the preview: the Guggenheim, the estuary, the old town, the pintxos (not "pinchos", please — locals will notice), the Ribera market, beaches half an hour away, architecture that mixes industrial heritage with radical contemporary design... and a city that has been reinventing itself for decades without ever losing its character.
If you have questions about getting here from your city, drop them in the comments. We try to get back to everyone. ๐
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