Flight info
Your Guide to Bilbao & San Sebastián Airports
Planning a trip to the Spanish Basque Country? Then you'll most likely be flying into one of two airports: Bilbao Airport (BIO) or San Sebastián Airport (EAS). Here’s a local’s guide to choosing the right airport, booking your flight smartly, and knowing which airlines fly from the Netherlands and the UK.
Two Airports:
Which one should you choose?
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
The largest and most popular airport in the Basque Country.
Distance to city center: 20 minutes by bus or taxi
Why choose it?
Most international connections
Direct buses to San Sebastián, Vitoria & La Rioja
Great if you’re planning a road trip or retreat
San Sebastián Airport (EAS)
Small, quiet, and just across the border in the charming coastal town of Hondarribia.
Distance to San Sebastián: About 30 minutes by bus or taxi
Why choose it?
Very close to the city
Quick and easy arrivals
Downside: Mostly domestic flights (Madrid & Barcelona), so usually requires a transfer.
Who flies from the Netherlands
& the UK?
Netherlands → Bilbao
From Amsterdam and Eindhoven:
KLM – Direct daily flights from Amsterdam (Schiphol)
Vueling – Budget airline, also from Amsterdam
Transavia – Seasonal direct flights
UK → Bilbao
British Airways – From London Heathrow
easyJet – From London Gatwick (good value!)
Vueling – From London Gatwick
Ryanair – From London Stansted (cheap but limited service)
Note: There are no direct flights to San Sebastián from the UK or Netherlands. You'll need to connect via Madrid or Barcelona.
Alternative Airports worth considering
Biarritz Airport (France) is just 45 minutes from San Sebastián – great if you’re flying from London or Paris
Santander Airport is another option for reaching Bilbao (about 1.5 hours away), especially with Ryanair
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