Overview

A Bilbao Airport transfer to Poncebos connects travelers from Bilbao’s modern Loiu Airport (BIO) to the gateway of Spain’s stunning Picos de Europa National Park. The journey spans approximately 170 km (106 miles) and takes around 2 hours by road. Poncebos serves as a starting point for iconic hikes like the Cares Gorge Trail and offers access to rugged mountain landscapes—a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure or tranquility.

Getting to Know Your Destination

Poncebos is a small village nestled in Asturias’s Cabrales region, renowned for its blue cheese production and dramatic scenery. Key highlights include:

• Cares Gorge Trail: A 12 km hiking route carved into limestone cliffs.
• Fuente Dé Cable Car: A scenic ride offering panoramic views of the Picos de Europa peaks.
• Traditional Asturian cuisine: Local dishes like fabada (bean stew) or cabrales cheese pair well with cider from nearby sidrerías.

The area blends rustic charm with accessibility to nature trails, making it ideal for hikers, climbers, or travelers seeking a slower pace away from urban hubs like Bilbao or Santander.

Arriving at Bilbao Airport

Bilbao Airport is compact and easy to navigate:

1. Baggage Claim: Follow signs after disembarking; carousels are located near arrivals.
2. Transport Desks: Find taxi ranks and car rental counters in Terminal 1’s arrivals hall.
3. Currency/ATMs: Withdraw euros or exchange currency at Global Exchange kiosks before exiting.

Pro Tip: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport—download offline maps if heading straight to rural areas like Poncebos.

Main Transfer Options

Public Transport (Bus/Train)

Public transit from Bilbao Airport to Poncebos involves multiple connections:

1. Airport Bus (Bizkaibus A3247): Take this bus to Bilbao’s Termibus station (€1.70–€3).
2. ALSA Bus: Board a bus from Bilbao to Arenas de Cabrales (~3 hours; €15–€20).
3. Local Taxi: From Arenas de Cabrales to Poncebos (~15 minutes; €20–€25).

Pros: Budget-friendly (~€40 total). Cons: Time-consuming (4+ hours), limited luggage space, infrequent rural services.

Taxi & Rideshare

A direct taxi from Bilbao Airport to Poncebos costs €180–€220 (fixed fare). Pre-book via apps like Pidetaxi or approach airport taxi ranks for on-demand service:

• Travel Time: ~2 hours via AP-8 and A-8 highways.
• Tips: Confirm fixed pricing upfront; avoid unlicensed drivers offering “discounts.”

Car Rentals

Renting a car at Bilbao Airport provides flexibility:

• Agencies: Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt operate onsite (book in advance for better rates).
• Route: Take AP-8 toward Santander → A-8 → AS-114 → CA-1 (signposted for Poncebos).
• Cost: ~€50/day + fuel (~€25–€30 each way).

Note: Mountain roads near Poncebos are narrow—opt for compact vehicles unless traveling with large groups.

Private Transfer (Recommended)

For comfort and reliability, book a private transfer from Bilbao Airport to Poncebos with services like A2B Transfers:

• Fixed Pricing: No hidden fees (€160–€190 depending on vehicle size).
• Meet & Greet: Drivers track your flight and assist with luggage at arrivals.
• Free Waiting Time: Up to 60 minutes after landing for delays/customs queues.

A2B’s fleet includes SUVs for families or groups needing extra space for hiking gear—ideal for stress-free travel after long flights.

Choosing the Best Method

Recommendations:

• Budget Travelers: Combine buses but allocate extra time for connections.
• Families/Groups: Private transfers offer door-to-door comfort without parking hassles.
• Flexibility Seekers: Rent a car if planning day trips around Asturias.

Travel Tips & Local Insights

1. Book Early: Private transfers fill quickly during summer hiking seasons (June–September). Reserve at least two weeks ahead.
2. Scenic Detour: Add 30 minutes to your drive by taking AS-263 through Arenas de Cabrales—stop at Mirador del Naranjo de Bulnes for photo ops!
3. Cash Essentials: Rural areas like Poncebos have limited ATMs; carry €100+ in cash for small shops or guesthouses.

Reaching Your Final Destination

Most transfers drop guests directly at accommodations in Poncebos or nearby villages like Bulnes (accessible via funicular). If staying outside town:

• Request specific drop-off coordinates when booking private transfers.
• Use local taxi services like Radio Taxi Cabrales for short hops (~€10–€15 per ride).

Where to Get More Info

• Bilbao Airport Official Site: Real-time flight updates and terminal maps.
• Asturias Tourism Board: Trail maps and event listings.
• A2B Transfers: Reliable private transfers with multilingual support.

FAQs

How much does a taxi from Bilbao Airport to Poncebos cost? A direct taxi costs €180–€220 (fixed fare), depending on vehicle size and luggage.

Is public transport reliable for a Bilbao Airport transfer to Poncebos? Yes, but it requires multiple connections (~4 hours total). Opt for private transfers if prioritizing convenience.

Why choose a private transfer over renting a car? Private transfers include meet-and-greet service, fixed pricing, and no parking hassles—ideal after long flights.

Are there child seats available for transfers? Yes! Services like A2B Transfers provide child/booster seats upon request during booking.

What’s the fastest route from Bilbao Airport to Poncebos? Take AP-8/A-8 highways (~2 hours). Avoid coastal routes like BI-631 in summer due to tourist traffic.