Overview

Traveling from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Dax, a charming spa town in southwestern France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region? The journey spans approximately 220 km (137 miles) and takes around 2 hours by road. This route connects northern Spain’s Basque Country with France’s historic thermal resorts, offering scenic views of the Pyrenees foothills and Basque countryside along the way.

Getting to Know Dax

Dax is famed for its thermal springs, which have attracted visitors since Roman times. Key attractions include:

• Thermes de Dax: Renowned spa facilities offering wellness treatments.
• La Fontaine Chaude: A 64°C natural hot spring in the town center.
• Musée de l’ALAT: Aviation history museum showcasing helicopters. The town also hosts vibrant festivals like Fêtes de Dax in August. Its proximity to Bordeaux (150 km) makes it a strategic stop for travelers exploring southwestern France.

Arriving at Bilbao Airport

Bilbao Airport is compact and easy to navigate:

1. Follow signage for arrivals after disembarking.
2. Currency exchange desks and ATMs are available post-security.
3. Taxi ranks and car rental desks are located outside Terminal 1.
4. Free Wi-Fi covers most public areas for instant booking confirmations.

Main Transfer Options

Public Transport (Bus & Train)

• Bus: ALSA buses run from Bilbao’s Termibus station to San Sebastián (1h 30m), where you can transfer to SNCF trains to Dax (2h 10m). Total cost: ~€35–€50 per person.
• Train: No direct rail links exist; transfers via Hendaye (France) or Irún add complexity (3h+ total travel time).

Taxi & Rideshare

• Taxi Cost from Bilbao Airport to Dax: €250–€350 one-way. Pre-booking ensures fixed rates with bilingual drivers familiar with cross-border routes.
• Rideshare: BlaBlaCar offers occasional shared rides (~€20–€40 per seat), but availability varies.

Car Rentals

Major providers like Hertz and Europcar operate at Bilbao Airport. Expect daily rates from €45 for economy models + fuel/toll costs (~€50). Note: Cross-border drop-offs may incur extra fees.

Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Dax

For seamless travel:

• A2B offers pre-booked private transfers starting at €220, including:
• Door-to-door service with flight tracking for delays.
• Free waiting time (60 minutes at airports).
• Choice of vehicles (sedans to minibuses).
• Fixed pricing with no hidden fees.

Choosing the Best Method

Recommendations:

• Families/Groups: Private transfers via A2B simplify luggage handling and offer child seats on request.
• Solo Travelers: Rideshares or buses balance cost-efficiency if schedules align.

Travel Tips & Local Insights

• Book Early: Secure private transfers or car rentals 1–2 months ahead during peak seasons (June–September).
• Tolls: The AP-8 (Spain) and A63/A64 (France) highways save time but cost ~€25 total.
• Scenic Detour: Take N-634 coastal road via San Sebastián for views of Biscay Bay (+1h drive time).

Reaching Your Final Destination in Dax

Most transfers drop off directly at hotels or central addresses like Les Thermes de Dax or Gare de Dax station. If staying outside town:

• Local taxis cover short trips (~€10–€15 within city limits).
• Buses connect key suburbs; timetables available at Dax Tourisme.

Where to Get More Info

• Bilbao Airport Official Site – Flight updates & terminal maps.
• SNCF Connect – French train schedules & tickets.

FAQ

What’s the fastest way from Bilbao Airport to Dax? A private transfer or taxi takes ~2 hours directly via AP-8/A63 highways.

How much does a taxi from Bilbao Airport to Dax cost? Expect €250–€350 depending on vehicle size/time of day.

Are there direct trains between Bilbao and Dax? No—transfer in Hendaye/Irún or use buses for combined routes.

Why choose a pre-booked private transfer? Services like A2B guarantee fixed pricing, bilingual drivers, and no hidden fees—ideal for stress-free cross-border travel.

Can I rent a car at Bilbao Airport for one-way trips to France? Yes, but confirm cross-border permissions/fees with providers like Europcar beforehand.