How to get to the Basque Country

The Basque Country is in northern Spain, alongside the French border. There are various options available to get to this area.

By air

If you decide to get to the Basque Country by air, there are two international airports to choose from: Bilbao airport and Vitoria airport. The first is situated just 12 kilometres from Bilbao and has flights operated by the following companies: Aer Lingus, Air Berlin, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, Easyjet, Hapag Lloyd Express, Iberia, Lufthansa, Portugalia, SN Brussels Airlines, Spanair and Vueling. At Vitoria airport, 8 kilometres from the city of Vitoria, there are flights by Iberia, Ryanair and Spanair.

By sea

Bilbao is the main port of entry by sea. There is a service between Bilbao and the English town of Portsmouth every three days.

By train

There are daily rail services between the Spanish capital, Madrid, and the most important Basque cities: Bilbao, Vitoria and Donostia-San Sebastián. The journey takes roughly 4.5-6 hours, depending on your destination. Rail connections to the rest of Europe run through the border town of Irún-Hendaya.

By road

From Madrid, the A-1 motorway runs to Vitoria (350 kilometres) and San Sebastián (462 kilometres), while for access to Bilbao (394 kilometres) you have to join the AP-68 motorway. The AP-68 should also be used from Barcelona, then taking the A-15 if your destination is San Sebastián (565 kilometres). From France, access is on the A-63 and A-64 motorways.