English Getxo / Cruise Port
The opposite side of the Bizkaia Bridge and the estuary's cruise terminal.
≈ 20 min View transfer →
Bilbao Airport BIO → Portugalete
Private Bilbao Airport transfer to Portugalete, home of the Bizkaia Bridge
from €49 indicative per vehicle, 1–4 passengers
from €65 indicative per vehicle, 5–8 passengers
≈ 22 km via the A-8
≈ 18 min private service, fixed price
Travelling from Bilbao Airport to Portugalete takes approximately 18 minutes by private transfer. The route covers around 22 km via the A-8, with indicative fares starting at €49 for 1–4 passengers and €65 for 5–8 passengers. Your journey is provided with a driver and the fixed price is known when you book.
Arriving in Portugalete for the Bizkaia Bridge
The main landmark that brings visitors to Portugalete is the Bizkaia Bridge, the world's first metal transporter bridge, built in 1893 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. Its suspended gondola carries people and vehicles across the estuary between Portugalete and Getxo, while the upper walkway provides a pedestrian crossing more than 40 metres above the water.
If the bridge is the main reason for your visit, mention this when booking. The driver can drop you at the access to the tower rather than at a general point in the town centre.
More to see around Portugalete
Portugalete is more than the bridge. Its compact historic centre includes cobbled streets, the Basilica of Santa Maria and several Indian-style mansions near the waterfront. The town is distinct from neighbouring Barakaldo, whose metropolitan area has a different commercial and leisure focus.
For a short visit focused on the Bizkaia Bridge, the most practical drop-off point is by the tower entrance. If you want to visit both the bridge and the historic centre, tell us your preferred destination when making the booking.
Private transfers for groups and day trips
Portugalete is also visited by school groups, associations and other organised day-trip groups. For larger parties, the minibus and bus hire with driver in Bilbao provides a suitable option. If your itinerary includes Portugalete together with several stops around the estuary on the same day, car hire with driver in Bilbao allows the vehicle to remain available by the hour.
Bilbao Airport to Portugalete: practical questions
Can I be dropped off directly at the Bizkaia Bridge?
Yes. Tell us when booking that the bridge is your destination and the driver can drop you at the tower access rather than at a general point in Portugalete.
Are Portugalete and Getxo the same place?
No. Portugalete and Getxo are separate municipalities on opposite sides of the estuary, connected by the Bizkaia Bridge. Make sure you specify the correct destination when booking because the airport transfer route differs between them.
Is this a taxi or a private airport transfer?
It is a private transfer with a chauffeur-driven vehicle (VTC), rather than a metered taxi. The fare is fixed per vehicle and journey, is known when you book and does not have additional charges on arrival. The vehicle category can be selected according to the number of passengers and luggage.
How far is Portugalete from Bilbao Airport?
Portugalete is approximately 22 km from Bilbao Airport (BIO), with the route taking around 18 minutes by private transfer via the A-8.
How much does a Bilbao Airport to Portugalete transfer cost?
Indicative prices start at €49 per vehicle for 1–4 passengers and from €65 per vehicle for 5–8 passengers. The price is per vehicle and journey and is confirmed when you book.
Other destinations from Bilbao Airport
Portugalete is one of several destinations that can be reached by private transfer from BIO. Other routes around the Bilbao estuary, Bizkaia and neighbouring Cantabria include:
Santurtzi
A traditional fishing town and gateway from the estuary towards the Cantabrian coast.
≈ 20 min View transfer →
Barakaldo
Bizkaia's second-largest city, close to the estuary's shopping and leisure area.
≈ 20 min View transfer →
Bakio
Uribe Kosta's longest beach, set between green coastal cliffs.
≈ 35 min View transfer →
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The islet and hilltop hermitage reached by its famous staircase, also known for film locations.
≈ 40 min View transfer →
Castro Urdiales
A coastal town with a Gothic church overlooking the Cantabrian Sea.
≈ 40 min View transfer →
Laredo
Playa de Salvé and its historic quarter, at the entrance to Cantabria.
≈ 50 min View transfer →
Leioa
Home to the UPV/EHU university campus in the Bilbao metropolitan area.
≈ 20 min View transfer →
Mungia
Known for its Friday market and its role as a commercial gateway to Uribe Kosta.
≈ 30 min View transfer →
Miranda de Ebro
A major railway junction between the Basque Country, La Rioja and Castile and León.
≈ 1 h 15 View transfer →
Other private transport services in Bilbao
Book your transfer to the Bizkaia Bridge
Tell us whether you are visiting the bridge, the historic centre or both, together with your flight number and passenger details. We can then confirm the exact drop-off point and the fixed transfer price before you book.