Touching down in the Basque Country is an exciting prospect, but the transition from the runway to the city requires a bit of practical planning. A well-structured Bilbao arrival day itinerary from the airport ensures that you do not spend your first few hours dragging suitcases over cobbled streets or rushing to fit in heavy sightseeing before you have had a chance to rest.
This guide is designed for British travellers looking for a relaxed first day in Bilbao. Assuming you want to rely on public transport and explore on foot, this itinerary prioritises settling in, storing your bags, taking a gentle orientation walk, and enjoying your first taste of local food. Rather than trying to cram in major museums straight away, the goal is to familiarise yourself with the city at a comfortable pace.
Bilbao Arrival Day Itinerary from Airport: At a Glance
The following timeline assumes an 11:30 AM exit from the airport terminal, allowing a buffer for landing, disembarking, and baggage claim. It is a flexible framework rather than a strict schedule, allowing plenty of time for transport delays and hotel queues.
- 11:30 AM – Airport Exit & Transfer: Walk out of arrivals and take the direct airport bus to the city centre.
- 12:15 PM – Luggage Drop: Leave your bags at your hotel or a secure luggage storage facility.
- 1:00 PM – Light Lunch: Grab a quick coffee and a couple of traditional snacks to hold you over.
- 2:30 PM – Riverside Orientation Walk: Take a flat, easy stroll along the Ría de Bilbao to view the architecture from the outside.
- 4:30 PM – Hotel Check-In & Rest: Return to your accommodation to unpack and recharge.
- 7:30 PM – Casual Pintxos Dinner: Head to the Old Town for an informal dinner at your own pace.
Getting from Bilbao Airport to Your Hotel
The first step in your Bilbao arrival day itinerary from the airport is getting to the city centre. Bilbao Airport is located a short distance from the city, and the public transport options are highly efficient.
The Airport Bus (Bizkaibus A3247) For most travellers, the Bizkaibus line A3247 is the most logical choice. According to Aena’s airport transport guide, the service departs every 15 minutes, meaning you rarely have to wait long after clearing baggage claim. A standard single ticket currently costs €5.00 per person. The journey to the centre takes roughly 25 minutes, though this is an estimate that can vary depending on traffic and your specific drop-off point.
The bus stops at key locations including Gran Vía, Plaza Moyúa, and the main bus station at Termibus (San Mamés). When planning your transfer, check which stop is closest to your hotel. If you are staying in the Casco Viejo (Old Town), you may need to alight at Plaza Moyúa and either walk or take a short Metro ride the rest of the way.
Taking a Taxi If you are travelling with heavy luggage, as a family, or simply prefer door-to-door service after a tiring flight, a taxi is a solid alternative. The official taxis from the airport rank operate on a meter. The final fare will depend on your exact destination within the city, the time of day, and the applicable tariff, so there is no single fixed price. However, it offers immediate comfort if you want to avoid navigating bus stops with your bags.
What to Do with Your Luggage Before Check-in
Since most hotels in Bilbao enforce an afternoon check-in time (usually between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM), an early or midday arrival leaves you with a gap. Navigating Bilbao with luggage is not recommended, especially if your accommodation is in the pedestrianised zones of the Casco Viejo.
Always contact your hotel or guest house in advance to ask if they offer complimentary luggage storage. Most traditional hotels are happy to hold your bags securely while you wait for your room.
If you are staying in an apartment rental without a reception desk, you will need an independent luggage storage solution. Networks like Nannybag partner with local shops and cafes to hold bags, with starting rates around €4.90 per day for a medium-sized bag (bear in mind the final cost may be slightly higher after booking fees). Double-check the opening hours of the specific shop you choose, as some smaller businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, which could delay you when your room is finally ready.
A Relaxed First Afternoon in Bilbao
Once you are unburdened, it is time for your first day in Bilbao to begin properly. Resist the urge to buy a ticket for a major attraction right away. Flight delays are common, and strict entry times can add unnecessary stress to your arrival.
Instead, prioritise a flat, scenic walk. A stroll along the Ría de Bilbao (the estuary) is highly recommended. The paths are generally wide, flat, and accessible. You can start near the Arenal bridge and walk along the waterfront towards the Abandoibarra area. This route takes you past the iconic Guggenheim Museum. While you should save the interior exhibitions for another day, viewing the museum’s striking titanium exterior and the famous “Puppy” floral sculpture is entirely free and makes for an excellent first impression.
If you have plenty of energy and the weather is clear, you might consider taking the Artxanda Funicular. The lower station is easily reached near the Matiko metro stop. A standard return ticket costs €6.00 and rewards you with sweeping panoramic views over the city and the surrounding green hills. Treat this as an optional extra; if you feel fatigued, simply grab a coffee at a waterfront cafe instead.
Similar to our advice in a Rome arrival day itinerary, keeping your first afternoon strictly focused on outdoor orientation sets a calm tone for the rest of your trip.
An Easy Pintxos Dinner
Dining in the Basque Country is a cultural event, and pintxos in Bilbao are an unmissable experience. Pintxos (pronounced peen-chos) are small, individual-sized portions of food, traditionally served on a slice of bread and secured with a small spike or toothpick.
For your first evening, a casual pintxos crawl (known locally as a Txikiteo) is much easier than committing to a long, formal sit-down dinner. This approach allows you to eat as much or as little as you like. Head to the Casco Viejo (the Old Town) or the Ensanche district. Plaza Nueva in the Old Town is packed with traditional bars and is highly recommended for first-timers. The etiquette is simple: step up to the bar, see what catches your eye, and order one or two pieces along with a drink.
A standard pintxo usually costs a few euros. Pair your food with a small regional wine (txikito) or a small beer (zurito). If you prefer not to drink alcohol, ask for sparkling water or mosto (a local grape juice).
The traditional way to enjoy pintxos is to stand, have one or two items, and move on to the next bar. However, if your travel day has left you exhausted, do not feel pressured to bar-hop. Finding a table at one bar and ordering a few pintxos or a larger ración (shared portion) is a perfectly acceptable and relaxing alternative. Always check the opening hours of the bars you want to visit, as some places close in the late afternoon before the evening rush begins.
If You Arrive Late or Feel Too Tired
Not all flights land at midday. If your flight arrives later, you will need to trim the itinerary to match your energy levels and the remaining daylight.
Afternoon Arrivals (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Skip the riverside walk and the funicular. Head directly from the airport to your accommodation. Once you check in, use the remaining early evening to wander the immediate streets around your hotel to locate the nearest pharmacy, convenience store, and transport stops.
Evening Arrivals (Post 7:00 PM): Your only priorities should be settling into your room and having a quick meal. Do not attempt to cross the city for a specific restaurant. If your hotel is in the modern centre (Abando district), simply step out onto Calle Ledesma or Calle Diputación for a quick, high-quality bite before bed.
If you are planning multi-city travel, you will know that late arrivals require drastic simplification—much like navigating a Porto winter weekend without a car, where resting on night one pays off on day two.
Rainy-Weather and Winter Adjustments
Bilbao sits in the green, often rainy Basque Country, and it earns that greenery through frequent rainfall. If you arrive in Bilbao on a rainy day, it is worth building some flexibility into your plans rather than expecting clear skies.
If the weather turns foul, abandon the riverside walk. Instead, familiarise yourself with the covered arcades of Plaza Nueva, which provide shelter while you explore the bars. Alternatively, head to Azkuna Zentroa (formerly the Alhóndiga). This former wine warehouse has been redesigned into a striking indoor cultural and leisure centre. It is an excellent place to stay dry, stretch your legs, and admire the unique architecture without paying an entry fee for the main atrium.
Additionally, remember that winter days are much shorter. Prioritise finding your hotel and getting your bearings while the sun is still up, and leave the aesthetic sightseeing for the following morning.
Estimated Arrival-Day Budget
To help you gauge your initial expenses, here is a realistic breakdown of what you might spend per person during your first few hours.
Baseline Costs (Per Person):
- Airport Bus (Bizkaibus A3247 – One Way): €5.00
- Light Lunch / Coffee (Estimate): €10.00
- Casual Pintxos Dinner (Estimate): €20.00 – €30.00
- Baseline Total: €35.00 to €45.00
Optional Add-ons:
- Luggage Storage: ~€5.00 (estimated final cost depending on the provider’s fees)
- Artxanda Funicular (Return ticket): €6.00
If you include both luggage storage and the funicular, expect to spend around €46.00 to €56.00 for your first day’s activities and meals.
Note: This budget excludes flights, accommodation, and any additional local transport or shopping. If you opt for a taxi from the airport instead of the bus, this replaces the bus fare. The taxi cost applies per vehicle and can be split among passengers.
Booking and Preparation Tips
A smooth arrival requires a little foresight. Before you board your flight in the UK, download an offline map of Bilbao to your smartphone. Pin the location of your hotel, the nearest Bizkaibus drop-off point, and the address of your luggage storage facility if you are using one.
Furthermore, while card payments are widely accepted across the Basque Country, it is highly advisable to carry a small amount of cash. Having some Euro coins on hand is useful for small, immediate purchases like a bottle of water at the airport or a quick coffee.
Final Thoughts
A successful Bilbao arrival day itinerary from the airport is not about ticking off five major tourist sites before sunset. It is about logistics and comfort. By managing your luggage efficiently, choosing the right transfer option, and easing into the local culture with a low-pressure walk and a casual pintxos dinner, you protect your energy. Taking the first day slowly allows you time to rest, ensuring you wake up on your second day ready to explore the city in depth.
