- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$46
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$53
Fastest journey on Oct 10
4 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
4 h 15 m
Buses on Oct 10
14
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 14 buses from Bilbao to Madrid, including 13 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 4 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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NormalBuses from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 27 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€13) but you can travel from only $5 (€5) by train.
There are 23 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 200 miles (323 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€13) |
Buses per day 27 |
Direct buses 23 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 14h45 | 8:10 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 10:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h35 | 2:35 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 2:45 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 5h00 | 4:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 3:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 12:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h30 | 12:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h40 | 2:40 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 3:15 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 4:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol
Buses provide an excellent option for those who need to travel from Bilbao to Madrid. There are 21-23 direct buses from Bilbao to Madrid during the week, and as many as 24 services on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect the journey time to be between 4 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes.
Alsa is the sole operator of buses to Madrid from Bilbao. The company offers a daily schedule to both central Madrid and the airport, with air conditioned coaches and plenty of space to relax.
Bus journeys from Bilbao to Madrid will last between 4 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes when no changes are needed. The fastest services run to Barajas Airport, with buses to central Madrid taking 15-20 minutes longer.
There should always be plenty of buses to choose from when traveling from Bilbao to Madrid. Expect 21-23 direct buses from Monday to Friday, and 24 buses on Saturdays and Sundays.
Departure Bus Station: Buses to Madrid could leave from Bilbao's Termibus bus station, or Genxo - Las Mercedes. Termibus is located in the center of the city, right next to San Mames Stadium. The best way for most people to get there is via the Bilbao Metro to San Mames, on foot, or by local buses, which stop right outside the bus station doors. However, Getxo - Las Mercedes could be more convenient for those transferring from ferries or staying near the port. The stop can be found next to the Bay of Biscay, a short 5 minute walk from Areeta Metro Station.
Arrival Bus Station: Buses from Bilbao to Madrid could arrive at Barajas Airport or Madrid Intercity Av. America. Barajas is the city's main international airport, so alighting there is a great idea for anyone catching flights. Coaches from Bilbao will stop at Terminal 4, so leave time for transfers to other terminals if required. Most people headed for the center of Madrid will prefer to take buses to Av. America. Situated near the heart of Madrid, the bus station has direct connections to subway lines 4, 6, 7, and 9, so getting to any part of the capital should be simple.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bilbao to Madrid buses use the Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses to Madrid, Avenida de América station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several nearby cafes and restaurants.
Wi-Fi is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea. ATMs are available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea.
Available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Ramps and designated areas for accessibility.
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
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