
$41 Cheap Flights from Madrid to Bilbao
One-way
Departing from
Madrid
Going to
Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao (BIO)
Spain • July, 2026
77% AI deal score
$185 $44
Bilbao (BIO)
Spain • August, 2026
76% AI deal score
$185 $41
Bilbao (BIO)
Spain • April, 2026
64% AI deal score
$60 $41
Bilbao (BIO)
Spain • April, 2026
56% AI deal score
$176
Top Cheap Flight Deals from Madrid to Bilbao
Recent round-trip flight deals to Bilbao
Fri, Apr 10 - Sat, Apr 11
Cheapest
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$60
$66
+$6
10%
Sun, Jul 5 - Wed, Jul 8
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$185
$66
-$119
64%
Sat, Apr 25 - Tue, Apr 28
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$60
$66
+$6
10%
Sat, Aug 8 - Tue, Aug 11
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$185
$66
-$119
64%
Sat, May 2 - Tue, May 5
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$60
$66
+$6
10%
Fri, May 15 - Mon, May 18
Madrid (MAD) - Bilbao (BIO)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
Bilbao (BIO) - Madrid (MAD)
Air Europa airlines • Direct
$60
$66
+$6
10%
The cheapest time to fly to Bilbao
Ready to jet to Bilbao on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from Madrid to Bilbao
Need to get to Bilbao ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals!
We found last minute flight deals to Spain starting from $66, departing over the next two weeks.
⌛ Last-Minute
Madrid - BIO
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 week ago
$66
round-trip
Facts About Flights from Madrid to Bilbao
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Bilbao flight facts and tips.
Bilbao city airports
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the primary airport serving Bilbao and the surrounding Basque Country. It's the largest airport in the region, handling both domestic and international flights. You'll find a range of airlines operating here, connecting Bilbao to major European cities and other destinations. The airport is modern and well-equipped, offering various services to make your travel experience comfortable, including shops, restaurants, and car rental options. It's located about 9 km from Bilbao city center, making it easily accessible by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
Pro tip: search “Bilbao (Any)” to see fares to all Bilbao airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Bilbao
Cheapest airport
Santander (SDR)
For travelers seeking a thrifty adventure to Bilbao, look no further than Santander Airport (SDR)! Located a little further afield, this airport offers a gateway to the beautiful coast of Cantabria and is approximately 1 hour away from Bilbao. Prepare for a scenic journey as you land in this charming corner of Spain!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
While Bilbao Airport isn't a major international hub, it serves as a convenient secondary airport connecting to over 20 cities, with popular routes including connections to major Spanish cities and select European destinations.
Number of airlines
30+ airlines
Bilbao Airport is served by over 30 airlines, offering a wide range of destinations; among the most popular are Vueling, Iberia, easyJet, and Lufthansa.
Typical price range (round-trip)
BIO Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
BIO airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Tue
The best days to find a deal flying from Bilbao airport are Thursdays and Saturdays, with 42 deals respectively. You're less likely to find a deal on Mondays, with 129 of the cheapest deals being found on that day.
Avg. deal survival time
10.7 hours
Deals for flights departing from Bilbao typically last around 10.7 hours. Savvy travelers should act fast to secure these time-sensitive offers.
Rare deal frequency
6 deals
We found 6 rare deals for flights from Bilbao in the past month, which had an AI Deal Score of 90+. These rare deals are usually mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-75%
The average price drop for flights to Bilbao is 75.0%, representing a significant opportunity for savings. Travelers can potentially save a substantial amount on their airfare by monitoring prices and taking advantage of this average drop.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Bilbao Flights Forecast - Next Month
Based on current data, flight prices to Bilbao from April 10th, 2026 show a slight increase compared to the previous month, particularly in the second half of April. Travelers should book in advance to secure better deals as prices are expected to rise further closer to the travel dates.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on March 10
Monastir - BIO
$1,500 → $98
93%
Found on March 6
Reykjavik - BIO
$715 → $76
89%
Found on March 6
Indianapolis - BIO
$1,525 → $241
84%
Found on March 5
Kristiansand - BIO
$625 → $108
83%
Found on March 8
Los Angeles - BIO
$1,265 → $243
81%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near BIO sometimes drop rare deals too:
Bilbao (BIO)
~6 rare deals/month
San Sebastián (EAS)
~3 rare deals/month
Valencia (VLC)
~12 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially BIO and EAS for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from Madrid to Bilbao
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Bilbao:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
The cheapest month to fly to Bilbao is November. During this time, you can enjoy mild weather with fewer tourists, making it an ideal period to explore the city's attractions without the peak season crowds. Plus, you'll likely find better deals on flights and accommodations, allowing you to save money while experiencing all that Bilbao has to offer.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
The best day to book a flight to Bilbao is typically on a Tuesday. Airlines often release new deals and discounts at the start of the week, making Tuesdays prime for snagging lower prices. Keep an eye on these mid-week opportunities to save on your next trip!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
To find the cheapest days to fly to Bilbao, consider traveling on a Wednesday. Mid-week flights tend to be less expensive than those on weekends or Mondays. You'll also avoid the busiest travel days, potentially leading to a more relaxed airport experience.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The advance booking sweet spot for flights to Bilbao is about two months before your travel date. Booking around this time often lands you the best balance between price and availability. So, plan ahead and set those travel reminders to secure a great deal!
Bilbao Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Bilbao airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Bilbao’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Welcome to Bilbao Airport, your gateway to the vibrant Basque Country! Nestled just 9 km (5.6 mi) from Bilbao, this modern airport, designed by Santiago Calatrava, offers a smooth travel experience. Enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a variety of shops, and delightful dining options featuring local cuisine. Getting to the city center is a breeze with frequent bus services like BizkaiBus line A3247, taking you straight to Bilbao in about 20 minutes. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available for a comfortable journey to downtown or the surrounding areas.
Tip: Arrive early to admire the stunning architecture of the terminal!
Other airports
While Bilbao Airport (BIO) is super convenient, consider airports in nearby cities for potentially better deals! Santander Airport (SDR) is about an hour away, offering a scenic bus ride to Bilbao, but remember to factor in that extra travel time. Alternatively, Biarritz Airport (BIQ) in France is another option, roughly a 2-hour bus journey, which might be worthwhile if you fancy a little cross-border adventure!
Airport transfers
Getting around from Bilbao Airport is a breeze! The Bizkaibus A3247 is a cheap and cheerful option that'll drop you in the city center. Alternatively, taxis and private airport transfers offer door-to-door service for a more comfortable arrival.
What to Do in Bilbao
Bilbao isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Bilbao, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Bilbao is a city that beautifully blends the old and the new. Be sure to visit iconic spots like the Guggenheim Museum, a modern architectural marvel, and wander through the historic Casco Viejo, the city's old town, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.
Arts & culture
Dive into Bilbao's thriving arts scene by exploring the Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Basque, Spanish, and European art. For a taste of local culture, catch a performance at the Arriaga Theatre, a stunning neo-baroque building that hosts a variety of shows.
Food & nightlife
Get ready for a culinary adventure in Bilbao! Indulge in pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, at the bars in Casco Viejo, and savor fresh seafood at the riverside restaurants. As night falls, experience the city's lively nightlife with its numerous bars and clubs.
Shopping & fashion
Bilbao offers a diverse shopping experience, from high-end boutiques to local markets. Explore the Gran Vía for designer stores and the Plaza Nueva market for unique finds. Don't forget to check out the local Basque fashion for a stylish souvenir!
Nearby getaways
Escape the city for a day and explore the stunning Basque coastline. Visit the charming coastal town of Getxo with its beautiful beaches and cliffs, or venture to San Sebastian, a city renowned for its gastronomy and picturesque bay.
Events in Bilbao This Month
los rebeldes
Get your tickets to see Carlos Segarra (Los Rebeldes) in concert in Bilbao on March 7, 2026, at 10:00 PM. Tickets are available through Enterticket.
objetivo amarte
Find tickets for Objetivo Amarte at the Teatro Campos Elíseos Antzokia - Sala Teatro in Bilbao, on March 15, 2026. This is your chance to see a great show!
drugos
Find tickets to see Drugos performing live at Azkena Bilbao on March 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
2 minutos
Get ready to rock! Tickets are now available for 2 minutos at Sala Santana 27 in Bilbao on March 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
workinn
WORKinn will be held from March 2nd to March 6th, 2026, at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Spain. This event features a full agenda, floor plan, and visitor information. If you need a booth, ESBAU can assist you – call +48 616 791 105.
Bilbao Weather
Weather in Bilbao
Tue, Mar 10
20%
14° 8°
20%
Wed, Mar 11
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Bilbao
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Bilbao
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Bilbao flights:
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Sometimes shifting your departure or return by a day or two can dramatically lower the price. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend flights, so consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Consider Alternative Airports: Bilbao Airport (BIO) is the main airport, but flying into a nearby airport and taking ground transportation could be cheaper. Check airports like Santander (SDR) and Biarritz (BIQ) and compare total costs.