Manchester United and Tottenham fans are facing significant financial burdens as they prepare to attend the Europa League final in Bilbao. The cost of flights to northern Spain has skyrocketed, with some fans potentially having to pay thousands of pounds for travel. The final, set to take place on May 21 at the Estadio San Mames, will see the Red Devils and Spurs battle it out for European glory.
![[Coach] Pouch 53385 [Parallel Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81AeO3J6MIL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Manchester United secured their spot in the final after a convincing victory over Athletic Bilbao, while Tottenham overcame Bodo/Glimt to reach the championship match. This clash marks an all-English affair, with both teams vying for their chance to lift the Europa League trophy. For Spurs, this final represents an opportunity to claim their first European title since their UEFA Cup triumph in 1984.
Despite the excitement surrounding the final, the logistical challenges for fans are mounting. Ticket scarcity has driven prices up, with each finalist allocated only 15,000 tickets out of the 49,600 available. Moreover, the cost of flights from the UK to Bilbao has surged, particularly for those traveling from London and Manchester.
As of the latest reports, the cheapest flights from London to Bilbao on the day of the final were priced at £355 for a one-way ticket. Return flights to the UK the following day ranged from £175 to over £500, depending on the timing and route. Manchester United fans faced even steeper costs, with the cheapest return flights from Manchester to Bilbao exceeding £900.
For fans seeking more budget-friendly options, coach travel could be an alternative, albeit time-consuming. A coach journey from London to Bilbao would take approximately 26 hours and cost around £108 one way. However, direct coach services from Manchester to Bilbao were unavailable, requiring United fans to travel to London first.
Those considering driving to Bilbao would also encounter substantial expenses, including Channel Tunnel fees, petrol costs, and potentially overnight stays. Alternatively, a 34-hour ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao provided another travel option, albeit at a significant price tag and requiring fans to extend their stay in Spain.
Accommodation costs in Bilbao further added to the financial considerations for fans, with hotel prices in the city center ranging from £850 to £13,345. Opting to stay in nearby towns offered more economical alternatives, albeit requiring additional travel to the final venue.
While the prospect of an all-English Europa League final has generated immense interest among football fans, the financial implications of attending the match in Bilbao have underscored the sacrifices and expenses supporters are willing to endure for their teams.