HYROX Bilbao 2026: Race Dates, Venue & Registration

Thomas Prommer Hybrid Athlete | HYROX Pro Division Follow on Strava

Published: March 30, 2026

Updated: April 8, 2026

HYROX Bilbao 2026

Bilbao joins the HYROX calendar for 2026 with a February 7-8 race in the heart of the Basque Country. As one of Spain's most dynamic cities — home to the Guggenheim Museum, a revitalised waterfront and a strong sporting culture — Bilbao is a compelling destination for HYROX athletes from across northern Spain and southern France.

The expected venue is the BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre), a large modern facility in Barakaldo that has the floor space and logistics infrastructure for a full HYROX course setup. February is a quieter month for tourism in Bilbao, making accommodation and transport more straightforward than in peak season.

Date & Venue

The BEC is approximately 6 km from central Bilbao and directly accessible by metro (Barakaldo station, Line 2) and by car from the A-8 and A-68 motorways. The site regularly hosts large-format trade shows and sporting events with efficient logistics for athlete check-in, bag drop and spectator access.

Expected Ticket Prices

These prices are based on comparable Spanish HYROX events. Official pricing will be published on hyrox.com when registration opens. Spanish HYROX events attract strong local demand — buy Early Bird tickets immediately when they become available.

Getting There

By Air

• Bilbao Airport (BIO) -- approximately 12 km north of the city. Direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Dublin, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, and multiple Spanish domestic destinations
• Bizkaibus A3247 operates between the airport and Termibus (Bilbao bus station) every 30-40 minutes. Journey time approximately 30 minutes
• Taxis cost approximately €25-30 to the city centre and are readily available from the airport terminal
• For the BEC venue in Barakaldo, taxi from the airport is approximately 20 minutes

By Train

• Bilbao Abando (Indalecio Prieto) station is the main RENFE terminal. Direct connections from San Sebastián (1.5 hours), Vitoria-Gasteiz (1 hour), Burgos (2.5 hours)
• From Madrid, the fastest route uses the AVE high-speed service to Valladolid or Burgos, then regional onward (total 4.5-5.5 hours)
• Cercanías Renfe suburban trains connect Bilbao Abando to Barakaldo (BEC area) on Line C-1 in around 15 minutes
• From San Sebastián, Euskotren also runs a regional service to Bilbao (1.5 hours, scenic route)

By Car

• From Madrid: approximately 4 hours via A-1 and AP-68 (toll road). The A-1 free route adds around 1 hour
• From San Sebastián / Donostia: approximately 1 hour via A-8 (Autopista del Cantábrico)
• From Bordeaux (France): approximately 2.5 hours via A-63 and AP-8 across the French-Spanish border at Irun/Hendaye
• From Barcelona: approximately 6-7 hours via AP-7, A-2 and AP-68. A long drive but manageable if combined with an overnight stay
• The BEC is signposted from the A-8 and A-68 junctions approaching Barakaldo. Parking on-site is available for large events

Where to Stay

Bilbao offers good value accommodation in February, outside the busy summer and Aste Nagusia (Great Week) festival periods.

• City centre (Ensanche / Gran Vía area) -- the main hotel cluster with easy metro access to the BEC. Options include NH Collection Bilbao Abba, Hotel Meliá Bilbao and numerous mid-range and budget options
• Casco Viejo (Old Town) -- atmospheric and walkable, with smaller boutique hotels and pintxos bars on every corner. Metro accessible to Barakaldo
• Abandoibarra / Guggenheim waterfront area -- modern hotels near the river including the Gran Hotel Domine and Barceló Bilbao Nervión. Short walk from the Abando station
• Barakaldo itself has budget hotels very close to the BEC, ideal for minimising race-morning travel
• February hotel rates in Bilbao are generally good -- book once you confirm your race entry to lock in prices before any promotional events in the same period

Training in Bilbao

Bilbao's fitness community has grown substantially in recent years, driven by strong cycling, running and trail cultures in the surrounding Basque mountains.

• CrossFit Bilbao -- multiple affiliates operate in the city and wider Bilbao metropolitan area, offering functional fitness classes with coaching relevant to HYROX preparation
• McFIT and Basic-Fit -- large chain gyms with locations across Greater Bilbao. Most carry SkiErg and rowing ergometers for HYROX-specific conditioning work
• Sport Municipal facilities (Polideportivos) operate throughout the city and provide affordable training access including track time and gym equipment
• Several boutique functional fitness studios operate near the Deusto and Santutxu neighbourhoods, popular with athletic trainers and their clients

Running Routes

• Abandoibarra / Río Nervión promenade -- a flat riverside path running from the Old Town past the Guggenheim to the Euskalduna bridge. 5-8 km depending on how far you extend it
• Parque de Doña Casilda Iturrizar -- the central city park, useful for easy recovery runs and tempo work on flat paths
• Monte Artxanda directly above the city offers trail running with panoramic views. Take the funicular or run up the access roads for hill-strength work
• The Camino de Santiago (Camino del Norte) passes through Bilbao, providing long flat riverside stretches ideal for race-pace training
• Getxo and the coastal paths north of Bilbao (accessible by metro) give longer run options along the Cantabrian coast cliffs

Nearby HYROX Races

Bilbao's position in northern Spain gives access to both Spanish and French race options within a reasonable drive:

• Barcelona: May 14-17, 2026 — approximately 620 km east (6-7 hours by car or 1.5 hours by flight). A major Spanish HYROX stop worth planning around if you can only choose one Spanish race
• Bordeaux (France): September 30 - October 4, 2026 — approximately 275 km north via the AP-8/A-63 (2.5 hours). Very accessible from Bilbao for a double race programme
• Madrid: check hyrox.com — approximately 390 km south. A 4-hour drive or 2.5-hour flight if a Madrid date fits your race calendar
• San Sebastián / Donostia: not currently on the HYROX calendar but 1 hour from Bilbao; a practical base for athletes wanting to split their stay across the region

Race Day Tips

• Arrive at the BEC at least 90 minutes before your wave. The February cold can affect your warm-up — plan accordingly
• Bring your race bib, timing chip confirmation, photo ID and registration email. The BEC has multiple entrance gates; check the official race guide for the correct athlete entrance
• February in Bilbao is mild but not warm — average temperatures of 7-12°C. The exhibition centre interior will be cool at the start of the day. Bring warm layers for the wait
• Pack your own nutrition. Pintxos bars near the city centre are excellent for pre-race carbohydrate loading the evening before, but on race day bring what you need
• Spectators: HYROX events are free for supporters. The BEC's wide halls allow spectators to move between workout stations and follow their athlete across the course
• After the race, Bilbao's Casco Viejo and the Siete Calles offer some of Spain's best pintxos and txakoli wine — a deserved post-race reward

More Information

• All European HYROX Races 2026
• HYROX Barcelona 2026
• HYROX Tickets Guide
• Official HYROX Website