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✈️How to get to Azkena Rock Festival
Planning your trip to Azkena Rock Festival? Here's how to get there by plane, train or car, and plan your route to the festival site.
- Nearest airport: Vitoria Airport (VIT), about 6 km from the venue.
- Major international airport nearby: Bilbao Airport (BIO), about 55 km away (more routes).
- Allow about 8 min by car from the airport to the site.
- By train, head for Alava or the nearest major station, then finish by bus, shuttle or taxi to the site.
- By car, plan for on-site parking and expect heavy traffic around the venue on festival days.
🛏️Where to stay near Azkena Rock Festival
Accommodation near the Azkena Rock Festival site fills up fast. Compare hotels, apartments and rentals nearby and book early to stay as close to the stage as possible.
Also consider staying around Alava, the nearest large city, if the closest options to the site are sold out.
Estimated travel time to the site
| Distance | 🚗 Car / taxi | 🚴 Bike | 🚶 On foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~1 km | ~3 min | ~4 min | ~12 min |
| ~3 km | ~7 min | ~12 min | ~36 min |
| ~5 km | ~11 min | ~20 min | ~1 h |
| ~10 km | ~22 min | ~40 min | ~2 h |
Public transport: depends on the network around Alava.
Each accommodation's distance to the site is shown on the map above. Rough estimates; allow extra time during festival peak hours.
🗺️Things to do near Azkena Rock Festival
Many shows happen in the evening, so use your days to explore the area around Azkena Rock Festival. Guided tours, museums, outdoor experiences and local activities can be booked in a few clicks before you go.
Nearby, Alava and its surroundings offer museums, walks and local gems to discover between sets.
Bookings via our travel partners. Prices stay the same for you; festt may earn a commission.
📋About
Azkena Rock Festival, Bilbao's rock gathering
The Azkena Rock Festival celebrates rock in all its expressions at the heart of the Basque Country. Held in Mendizabala, this festival draws its roots from the 60s and 70s while embracing contemporary evolutions of rock. With nearly 50 artists scheduled, Azkena offers an authentic festival experience for enthusiasts of saturated guitars and timeless melodies.
The 2026 lineup honors the masters of roots and alternative rock. American singer-songwriter Jason Isbell shares the bill with formations like DeWolff and Bloodsucking Zombies From Outerspace. Basque artists Evaristo Páramos, Evaristo and Cavegirl embody the local scene's vitality.
Azkena Rock explores the best of organic and authentic rock. From alternative rock to alternative country, including blues rock and americana, the festival celebrates rock's roots. The stages also host blues, bluegrass and art punk sounds.
With its relaxed atmosphere, attachment to authentic rock values and ability to unearth gems from the alternative circuit, Azkena Rock Festival has forged a unique identity. A festival that celebrates rock's rebellious spirit in a typically Basque friendly atmosphere.
❓FAQ
When is Azkena Rock Festival 2026?
ARF 2026 takes place on 18, 19 and 20 June 2026 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) — three days, at Mendizabala in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
How do I pay on site?
Cashless is the festival's only payment method: you swap your ticket for an RFID wristband, completely free, which works as both entry pass and wallet. You top it up online, via Apple Pay / Google Pay or at recharge points (cash or card), up to 300 € per transaction. Unspent balance is refunded with no minimum, from 24 June to 8 July.
What themed stage is on site?
Beyond the main line-up, the festival hosts Trashville, the "festival within the festival", a space dedicated to garage, surf, rockabilly and fast-paced riffs.
Can minors attend?
Under-14s enter free, accompanied by an adult and with a signed authorisation. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult with authorisation; 16-18s may enter on their own with authorisation. A family space, Txiki ARF, is also provided.
How do I get to the festival?
Direct buses serve the festival entrance from many towns near Vitoria-Gasteiz, including Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Burgos, Irun, Barakaldo, Miranda de Ebro and Zarauz.
How long has the festival existed?
Azkena Rock Festival has run since 2002 ("Burning since 2002") and celebrates its 24th edition in 2026. More on the official site.
