$31 Cheap Flights from Rome (FCO) to Bilbao (BIO)

Rome (FCO) to Bilbao (BIO) at a glance

Discover a range of airlines servicing the route from Rome (FCO) to Bilbao (BIO) for this international short-haul journey. Evaluate options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to select an itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you uncover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Bilbao. Here are the essential details for flights departing from Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) to Bilbao Airport (BIO).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $35–$290, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) to Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Rome to Bilbao, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layovers include Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Barcelona International Airport (BCN) with approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) with a layover of around 3 hours. These choices allow you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

• Volotea: This budget airline provides direct flights, with one-way ticket prices usually between $75 and $315. It operates about 37% of the departures on this route, with a total travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Iberia: A traditional airline that offers one-stop services, Iberia's one-way fares generally fall between $130 and $360. It accounts for roughly 22% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 5 hours, including layover.
• Wizz Air: This low-cost airline specializes in non-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $35 to $90. Wizz Air makes up about 15% of the departures on this route, and the total travel time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Vueling Airlines: As a budget carrier providing one-stop service, Vueling's one-way fares usually range from $75 to $250. It represents about 15% of the departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey time of about 5 hours, including layover.
• Lufthansa: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $140 and $290. Lufthansa accounts for approximately 10% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of around 5 hours, including layover.

Alternative routes from Rome (FCO) to Bilbao (BIO)

• Rome to Santander (FCO-SDR): Located about 47 miles from Bilbao Airport (BIO), Santander Airport (SDR) serves as a convenient entry point.
• Rome to San Sebastian (FCO-EAS): San Sebastian Airport (EAS) lies approximately 56 miles from Bilbao Airport (BIO), offering travelers an easy connection.
• Rome to Pamplona (FCO-PNA): Pamplona Airport (PNA) is roughly 74 miles away from Bilbao Airport (BIO), providing another viable travel option.

How to find the best prices for flights from Rome (FCO) to Bilbao (BIO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Rome to Bilbao is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm tend to be the cheapest and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday typically offers lower prices, although Monday remains the most traveled day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Bilbao Airport from Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Bilbao welcomes travelers from Rome with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive (covering about 19 miles) from central Rome. Bilbao city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from Bilbao Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Bilbao efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bilbao, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Bilbao Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Bilbao Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Bilbao Airport, several key transport options are a short drive away. Santutxu Station (a metro station) is located about 6.3 miles from the airport, while both Bilbao Seaport (a seaport) and Bilbao (YJI-Bilbao-Abando Train Station) (a train station) are each about 6.7 miles away by car, making them easily accessible for travelers.

Rome to Bilbao Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Rome to Bilbao

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Rome to Bilbao are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Rome to Bilbao with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Rome to Bilbao

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Rome to Bilbao: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Rome to Bilbao

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Rome to Bilbao in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $31 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Rome to Bilbao flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Rome to Bilbao airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.