Car Hire at Bilbao Airport
Land in Bilbao with your car waiting: no queues, no surprises, ready to head for the Basque coast.
Landing at Bilbao Airport (Loiu) with your car ready the moment you step out is the most convenient way to start exploring the Basque Country. The airport, with IATA code BIO, is about 12 km from Bilbao and is the main airport in northern Spain, with car hire counters available in the terminal itself, depending on the company.
At Gavendo we've managed hires with negotiated rates and support in several languages since 1982, so collection at Bilbao Airport is as simple as showing your booking at the counter. Whether you're getting around the city, heading to the Basque coast or driving to San Sebastián or La Rioja, having a car from the start makes all the difference compared with relying on the Bizkaibus.
Search carsCollection at the Bilbao Airport terminal
On landing at Bilbao Airport (BIO), in Loiu, you'll find the rental company counters in the designated area, either inside the terminal itself or very close to arrivals, depending on the company. Gavendo always tells you the exact collection point along with your booking confirmation, so you won't waste time looking for anything the moment you step off the plane.
How the process works on landing
After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to your rental company's counter, show your ID and booking, and you'll have the keys within minutes. With Gavendo the process is just as simple, because we work with rates already negotiated and confirmed in advance, so at the counter it's just a matter of finalising the handover.
Why book before arriving in Bilbao
Booking your car before the flight has two clear advantages: a better price, since last-minute rates at the airport itself tend to be higher, and guaranteed availability, especially important in Bilbao given it's the main airport in the Basque Country and northern Spain, with high demand on weekends and long weekends.
From Bilbao Airport to nearby destinations
The airport is about 12 km from Bilbao, in Loiu, so with your own car you'll reach the centre in just over fifteen minutes. But its real value lies in what opens up around it: the Basque coast, the Guggenheim, Getxo, and even San Sebastián or Rioja Alavesa are a comfortable drive away, something that's much harder by city bus.
Car drop-off and one-way option
You can return the vehicle at Bilbao Airport itself following the drop-off signage, usually within minutes and with no complicated paperwork. If your route ends in another city, ask about the one-way option (collect in one place, return in another): it's available depending on the company and worth confirming when booking.
What's included with your car from Gavendo
When you book with us, the price always includes the essentials: insurance, mileage and taxes, with no last-minute surprises at the counter. As brokers with negotiated rates since 1982, we compare the best options for Bilbao Airport and support you in several languages before, during and after your trip.
Alternative to the Bizkaibus
Bilbao has the Bizkaibus for reaching the centre, a valid option if you don't need a car from the first moment. But if your plan includes exploring the Basque coast or leaving the city, a hire car collected at the airport itself saves you transfers and waiting times.
- Book before you fly — Confirming your car in advance guarantees a fixed price and availability, key at an airport as busy as Bilbao.
- Keep your documents handy — Bring your ID or passport, the card used for booking and your booking confirmation to speed up the process at the counter.
- Check the counter's opening hours — If your flight lands very early or very late, check the assigned company's opening hours in advance to avoid waiting.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I collect the car at Bilbao Airport?
At the rental counters in the Loiu terminal, in the designated area depending on the company. With Gavendo you'll receive the exact location along with your booking confirmation.
Can I return the car in a city other than Bilbao?
Yes, this is possible with the one-way option, though its availability and any extra cost depend on the company. We recommend confirming this when booking.
Is the rental counter open 24 hours?
Hours vary by company and usually follow Bilbao Airport's flight schedule. If your flight lands at an unusual time, check with us in advance to confirm availability.
How long does it take from Bilbao Airport to the centre by car?
The airport is about 12 km from Bilbao, in Loiu, so it takes between 15 and 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Is it better to book the car before flying to Bilbao?
Yes, booking in advance ensures a better price and availability, especially since Bilbao is the main airport in northern Spain and options run out quickly in peak season or long weekends.
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