Cheap Flights from Dublin to Bilbao

Demand here runs on two calendars: Spain fills its northern coast from late spring into early autumn, while Irish school breaks, Christmas and Easter push up outbound fares. August is the cheapest month in the fare data, which cuts against beach-season instinct, so lean on the price calendar before fixing your dates. Midweek departures tend to price below Friday-to-Sunday travel, and the last weeks of the summer holidays are busier than the first. Booking a few weeks ahead usually beats last-minute fares on a connecting route like this.

What you feel first is what the fare includes. Vueling, Norwegian, Transavia France and Norwegian International run the low-cost model: the ticket buys your seat, while a checked bag, a full-size cabin bag or a chosen seat is an add-on. TAP Portugal, Iberia, Swiss and Edelweiss Air sit on the full-service side, with baggage usually included and a change at their own hub, while Emerald Airlines adds a regional option out of Ireland. With no nonstop service on the route, compare totals: a low-cost fare with a bag added can reach a full-service price.

Before you land, decide how you will cover the last stretch: Bilbao Airport is the city's only airport, a short drive from the centre, and airport buses plus taxis carry most arrivals into town, with thinner schedules late in the evening. The centre is compact, so the bus stop is usually within walking distance of your hotel, but check your first-night timing before you book a late connection. And pack for changeable Atlantic weather: the Basque sky is not reliably beach blue, even in the cheapest month.

Currency

EUR (€)

Power sockets

Type C, F · 230 V

Language

Spanish

Emergency number

112, 061, 091

Driving side

right

Calling code

+34

Internet domain

.es

EU / Schengen

EU member, Schengen area

Population of Bilbao

351 k (2025)

Time zone

UTC+02 (Europe/Madrid)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Check whether a checked bag or a full-size cabin bag is included, because low-cost add-ons can erase the fare saving.
• If the two legs are on separate tickets, leave a generous buffer at the connection, since no airline rebooks you for a missed self-transfer.
• Dublin Airport is the city's only one, so the choice that matters is your stopover city — make sure both legs suit you before you pay.
• Confirm your passport and papers meet Spain's entry requirements for your whole stay.
• August prices lowest on this route, but school-holiday weeks are in demand, so compare dated fares before you commit.