Car Hire in Bilbao Airport (BIO)

You can find Avis at Bilbao Airport (BIO) in the main multi-storey car park located directly opposite the terminal building. This is approximately a 2-minute walk with no shuttle bus required.

Our Bilbao Airport office offers a quality range of vehicles, perfect for exploring the Basque Country. A compact car suits Bilbao's city streets and the coastal fishing villages. For mountain roads and longer journeys, an SUV or comfortable saloon is a good choice. While people carriers are perfect for families looking for extra room. 

You can add any extras, such as GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover when you book.

Our team is always on hand to help you choose the right car for your plans. 

What are the age requirements for hiring a car at Bilbao Airport? 

At Bilbao Airport, Avis requires drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held a full, valid driving licence for at least one year. Some vehicle categories may have a higher minimum age. Drivers under 25 will also need to pay a young driver surcharge. Check the Avis rental terms for full details before booking. 

Can I pick up my hire car at Bilbao Airport and return it to another location? 

Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at Bilbao Airport and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible. 

Is it worth hiring a car at Bilbao Airport? 

Yes. Bilbao has plenty to see in town, but the Basque coast, mountains and wine country are best explored by car. You can visit coastal villages and the Rioja wine region at your own pace. 

What is parking like in Bilbao? 

Central Bilbao has paid street parking and underground car parks. Spaces fill up quickly during busy times, so check your hotel's parking options before you arrive. Look out for signs and payment instructions, as rules can vary from one area to the next. 

What type of car should I hire for Bilbao? 

A compact car is ideal for city streets and tight parking. For longer trips or mountain roads with family and luggage, choose a larger car or SUV.  

Spain drives on the right. Bilbao has fast ring roads and tunnels, so stay alert for exits and give yourself time to change lanes. Some motorways in the Basque Country are toll roads, so keep a payment card handy. Parts of central Bilbao have traffic restrictions, so check the rules before driving into the middle of the city. Mountain roads can be narrow and twisting, so take your time and watch for cyclists. For the full rules, see our Spain road rules page. 

Bilbao’s centre is a mere 15-minute drive from Bilbao Loiu Airport, via the N-637.

Art lovers will be greatly pleased with the city’s abundance of culture, but this vibrant town in the beautiful Basque country has even more to offer. Once an industrial city, Bilbao has come a long way. This is mostly thanks to the arrival of the Guggenheim museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Every visitor should spend some time here and be sure to see the Puppy – a 12m tall dog made of begonias, making it a stunningly aromatic attraction.

If you’re seeking something a little more under-the-radar, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a must. The historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood (the city’s Old Town) is filled with churches, restaurants and boutiques. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The Teatro Arriaga opera house is also here, with a grand interior to match its exterior. For more fine architecture, stop by the Zubizuri bridge, featuring a glass walkway in one section that allows you to ‘walk on air’.

The Mercado de la Ribera is a busy marketplace filled with fresh goods. Take a moment to admire its art nouveau design too. Spend time in the Ensanche – a district on the other side of the river. Filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, it’s the most cosmopolitan part of the city.

With your Avis hire car you’ll get to the heart of Bilbao and all it has to offer.

After exploring Bilbao, travel beyond the city borders to discover more of Spain’s fascinating cities and towns. All you have to do is drive.

San Sebastián
Drive for just over an hour and you’ll reach San Sebastián. The most beautiful part of this coastal city is its Old Quarter. Be sure to visit the Parroquia Santa Maria to admire its 18th century baroque architecture. Walk up Monte Urgull to be rewarded with a charming castle at the top. The city also has a number of museums, including the San Telmo Museum, but it’s the beaches that really make San Sebastián. The central Playa de la Concha is the most popular stretch of sand. Nearby iPlaya de Gros is equally beautiful.

Biarritz
Biarritz, once the holiday destination favoured by royalty, is just under two hours up the road from Bilbao. Visit the ‘Beach of Kings’ and stroll up to the lighthouse, which boasts spectacular views of the surrounds. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church and the old promenade along Grande Plage. Be sure to see Fishermen’s Port, which was built during Napoleon’s reign.

Elorrio
Elorrio lies in the centre of the Basque country, just a 40-minute drive from Bilbao. This small town is surrounded by stunning mountains and filled with architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The Necrópolis de Argiñeta Tombs are nearby, as is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, where spectacular views await.

It’s time to explore Bilbao and beyond. Just pick up your Avis hire car and drive.

Avis helps you start your Basque Country trip with less fuss. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip. 

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.

• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
   
• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.