Car rental at Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main gateway to Bilbao and the Basque Country in northern Spain. Renting a car directly at the airport is the most convenient way to start your trip, especially if you plan to explore the region beyond the city, as many coastal and rural areas are not easily accessible by public transport.
With a rental car from Bilbao Airport, you can visit highlights such as San Sebastián, the coastal towns along the Bay of Biscay, and the mountains and natural parks of the Basque Country. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to discover both cultural cities and scenic landscapes at your own pace.
MarSoleil offers car rental at Bilbao Airport without a credit card, with full insurance included and zero excess. This means no hidden costs, no large deposit, and a fast, hassle-free pickup on arrival, so you can start your journey through Bilbao and northern Spain immediately.
Picking up your rental car at Bilbao Airport
About Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao Airport (IATA: BIO) is located approximately 9 km northeast of Bilbao city centre, near the town of Loiu. It is the main airport of the Basque Country and handles year-round European routes alongside domestic Spanish connections. The terminal is a striking building designed by Santiago Calatrava and is well-organised inside. Car rental desks are in the arrivals area with vehicle collection in the car park adjacent to the terminal. Bilbao Airport is the most practical entry point for the Basque coast, the Rioja wine region, and the wider Cantabrian coast stretching east toward San Sebastian and west toward Santander.
Getting on the road from Bilbao Airport
The airport connects to the BI-637 road, which feeds into the AP-8 motorway running along the Basque coast. Bilbao city centre is approximately 9 km southwest, around 15 minutes. San Sebastian is about 100 km east on the AP-8, reachable in around 60 minutes. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Basque capital, is approximately 65 km south via the AP-68. The Rioja wine region around Logrono is about 110 km south on the AP-68, around 80 minutes. Santander and the Cantabrian coast to the west are approximately 100 km on the A-8, around 75 minutes. The dramatic cliffs and fishing villages of the Basque coast, such as Getaria and Zumaia, are between 50 and 70 km east.
Why pick up at the airport rather than in the city
Bilbao city centre is compact and walkable, and the Guggenheim Museum and old town are easily explored on foot. A rental car is most useful for venturing beyond the city: the Basque coast, the Rioja vineyards, and the mountain passes of the Pyrenean foothills are all within an hour or two but poorly served by public transport. Picking up at the airport and driving directly to your first destination outside the city is the most efficient approach for a regional itinerary. For more about driving in the area, see car rental in Bilbao and car rental in Spain.
Car rental price at Bilbao Airport
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car at Bilbao Airport, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €208 |
| Mid-size car | from €252 |
| Large car / SUV | from €274 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
