Coach Rental Across Spain

From Loiu to the Guggenheim and the Basque Coast

Bilbao's airport sits in Loiu, about 12 km out of the city, with one terminal and no train or metro. For a family or a small group, a minibus waiting at arrivals is the simplest way down to the river.

Setting the meeting place

Aena sets out no collection area for coaches or minibuses at Bilbao, so where you meet the driver is settled with the operator when you book. Cars with driver currently collect passengers at a temporary spot, so go by the pick-up point given with your booking rather than any older instructions you may find. There are short-stay car parks at both Departures and Arrivals for quick pick-ups.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class, rear view
Mercedes-Benz V-Class, rear view

Down into Bilbao

Plaza Moyúa, at the heart of the new town, is about 13 km by road, around 20 minutes in light traffic. The Guggenheim is a short walk from there along the river. The city centre is a low-emission zone too; its official page was not readable when we checked, so the operator confirms what applies to your vehicle.

The Casco Viejo, with its seven old streets and the Ribera market, is a place for walking; your driver sets you down near its edge.

The terminals in brief

  • One passenger terminal (Arrivals and Departures levels)

Worth knowing at Bilbao Airport

  • San Sebastián (the Boulevard) is about 101 km by road, about 1 h 35 min by coach in light traffic.
  • There is no railway or metro station at the airport.
  • Lurraldebus line DO04 links the airport with Donostia / San Sebastián (some services via Zarautz), from the Arrivals level.
  • Bizkaibus line A3247 links the airport with the Termibus bus station, stopping at Gran Vía 79, Plaza Moyúa and Alameda Recalde; it leaves from the Arrivals level and arrives at the Departures level.
  • The airport is in Loiu, about 12 km from Bilbao.

Going straight on to Donostia

Plenty of groups land in Bilbao and sleep in Donostia / San Sebastián, about 101 km away, close to 1 h 35 min. One thing matters there: every vehicle registered outside Spain must be authorised before entering Donostia's low-emission zone. A partner minibus based in the Basque Country is the easy answer. In the city, the Parte Vieja is largely pedestrian, so your group walks from the set-down to its pintxo bars.

What travellers ask us

Is there a public bus instead?

Bizkaibus line A3247 runs to the Termibus station via Plaza Moyúa, and a Lurraldebus line goes to Donostia. Both suit light luggage; with children and cases, a private vehicle saves the changes.

Which day trips suit a small group?

From the city, Gernika is about 37 km and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe about 33 km, reached by a long path with steps. Haro, in the Rioja wine country, is about 95 km. A minibus handles the narrow coast roads well.

We are six with skis or bikes. What do we book?

Six passengers fit in a large car, but not with bulky kit. A minibus has room behind the seats; say what you are bringing so the right vehicle comes.

Other places for your group

Other vehicles with a driver