How to Get to La Rioja. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

While La Rioja has its own small airport, international travelers often use larger hubs nearby.

Closest Hubs

Logroño-Agoncillo Airport (RJL): Small regional airport, mainly domestic flights connecting to Madrid and Barcelona.
Bilbao Airport (BIO): A major international gateway, offers a wider range of international and domestic flights.
Pamplona Airport (PNA) and Vitoria Airport (VIT): Smaller airports, providing domestic connections or limited passenger flights.

Airlines & Routes

Understand your flight options to La Rioja.

Connecting Flights

To Logroño (RJL): Iberia (through Air Nostrum) operates flights from Madrid and Barcelona.
To Bilbao (BIO): Major airlines like Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair connect Bilbao to various European hubs.
Direct transatlantic flights do not serve Logroño. Travelers from outside Europe typically connect through major Spanish or European hubs.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Flight prices generally rise during the summer months (June-August) and near major holidays. The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often present better value for flights, with somewhat lower demand. Booking in advance, especially for high season, is recommended.

Airport Amenities

All mentioned airports provide fundamental services. These consist of car rental desks, taxi stands, and some dining options. Bilbao Airport, as a larger international hub, has more extensive facilities, including a wider selection of shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Airport Transfers

Logroño-Agoncillo to Logroño city center: Taxi (~€20-€25), limited bus service (~€2.70). Bilbao (BIO) to Logroño: Most common route for international travelers. Take a direct bus from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao city center (Termibus bus station). From Termibus, take a direct bus to Logroño. The total journey time is approximately 1.5-2 hours. The total cost is around €15-€20. Car rental companies operate at Bilbao Airport, a 1 hour 15 minute drive. Taxi/private transfer is a direct, door-to-door service.

Land Transportation Overview

Train & Bus Connections

RENFE (Spanish National Railway): Logroño serves as a focal point for train connections to major Spanish cities like Madrid (3.5-4 hours) and Barcelona (4-5 hours).
ALSA: The main long-distance bus provider in Spain. Direct buses run from Logroño to Madrid (4-4.5 hours), Bilbao, Pamplona, Zaragoza, and many other Spanish cities.
Bus travel often has more often and sometimes cheaper options than train travel, especially for routes not served by major rail lines.
Bus stations are typically centrally located.

Self-Driving & Road Travel

A valid national driver'a license from your home nation is usually sufficient. An International Driving Permit (IDP) comes highly recommended.
Roads in A Wine region in spain generally receive good maintenance. Major highways, like the AP-68 and A-12, are excellent.
Driving under the influence laws are strict in Spain. Speed limits are enforced, and be aware of speed cameras.

Sea/River Travel Not Applicable

Inland Location

Direct sea or river arrivals are not relevant for La Rioja, given its inland location. One will not encounter any international land borders within the region itself.

Closest Ports

The closest major ferry ports are Santander and Bilbao, situated on the northern coast of Spain.

Ferry Connections

These ports connect to the UK (Portsmouth, Plymouth) and Ireland (Rosslare) via Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries. Travelers would then proceed by land to La Rioja.

Departure Information

Departure Logistics

Prepare for your departure to make a smooth exit from La Rioja and Spain.

Fees & Timing

Exit Fees or Taxes: No separate exit fees apply for setting off from Spanish airports. These costs typically form part of your airfare.
Departure Procedures: For international flights, arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic flights, 1-1.5 hours typically suffices.
Always check your airline's specific recommendations, as these could potentially vary.

Airport/Station Facilities

Know what to anticipate at your departure point.

Amenities Available

Logroño airport has limited facilities, mainly basic waiting areas and a small café.
Larger airports like Bilbao, Madrid, and Barcelona offer extensive facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Train and bus stations in Logroño provide basic amenities like cafes and restrooms.

Local Transport in La Rioja

Public Transportation

Logroño, the capital, offers a municipal bus service. Smaller towns generally rely on inter-town buses or walking.

Logroño Bus System

The bus system covers most of Logroño and its immediate suburbs. Routes connect the city center, station, and attractions.
A single ticket costs approximately €1.05. The "Bonobús" rechargeable card offers reduced fares, typically around €0.70-€0.72 per ride.
Buses operate from early morning (around 6:30 AM) until late evening (typically around 10:30 PM). Frequency varies.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer convenience, especially for shorter distances or when carrying luggage.

Hailing & Apps

Licensed taxis in Spain are white cars with a green light on the roof. Hail on the street or find at designated stands.
Fares are based on a meter. Surcharges may apply for airport pick-ups, luggage, or late-night travel. Cash and many cards are accepted.
Recommended ride-sharing apps include Cabify (similar to Uber) and Free Now (connects to licensed taxis).

Driving Considerations

A valid national driver's license from your home country is typically enough for short visits (up to 6 months) if it is in English.
The minimum age for renting a car is usually 21, but some car categories may require drivers to be 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.
A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.

Roads in La Rioja are generally well-maintained. Main highways are excellent. Rural roads can be narrower and winding but are typically paved.
Speed limits are enforced strictly: typically 30-50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 kilometers per hour on highways.
Driving under the influence laws are strict inside Spain. Be aware of speed cameras.

Getting Around La Rioja

Vehicle Rentals

Car rental has the most flexibility for exploring La Rioja's various attractions independently.

Car & Bike Options

International car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Enterprise operate at major airports.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common than car rentals in La Rioja.
Logroño operates a municipal bike-sharing program called "Bicilog." Various shops offer bicycle rentals.

Walking & Cycling

La Rioja's charming towns and scenic landscapes invite exploration on foot or by bicycle.

Pedestrian & Bike Friendly

Logroño city center, especially Calle Laurel, is largely pedestrianized or has limited traffic.
Many small towns throughout A Wine region in spain are very walkable, for exploring historic cores at a leisurely pace.
Dedicated cycling paths are limited within Logroño. Numerous quiet rural roads are ideal for road cycling through vineyards.

Organized Tours

Many tour operators provide organized bus tours from Logroño to various bodegas and attractions throughout the region. These bring a convenient way to visit numerous places without a rental car.

No Water Transport

Boat taxis and water transportation are not a feature of transportation in inland La Rioja. Direct sea or river arrivals are not relevant for La Rioja, given its inland location.

Wine Buses

Some local initiatives offer specific "wine buses" connecting Logroño with wine towns like Haro or Laguardia (that is technically in the Basque Country but is a popular visit from La Rioja). Verify with local tourism offices for the latest schedules.

Accessibility

Public buses in Logroño are increasingly accessible, with modern fleets designed to house wheelchairs. However, older buildings, specifically historical sites and some traditional bodegas, may have limited accessibility due to their architecture. Advisable to get in touch with specific venues or tour operators in advance regarding your accessibility needs.

How to Get to La Rioja