- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, renowned for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A top priority for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$103
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
14 h 15 m
Average duration
14 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
320 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $103.
It's difficult to get from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $31.
Distance: 198 miles (320 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $137 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 3m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport:
A bus is $59 (€48) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport costing on average $137 (€112).
Other travel options to Madrid Barajas Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 33m.
Train takes on average 4h 51m.
Tickets start at around $78 (€64) compared to roughly $95 (€78) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 4h 33m versus 4h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar, Alsa.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 PM Bilbao, Bo. Gaztañaga (Bilboko Aireportua) | 14h15 | 8:10 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by flight.
There are 19 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 198 miles (320 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 198 miles (320 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 19 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 12:00 AM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Madrid Barajas Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid Barajas Airport trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, renowned for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A top priority for first-time visitors.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí and Miró.
A major museum completing Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, with works spanning medieval painting to modern masters.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walking, boating, and relaxing among monuments, gardens, and broad tree-lined paths.
The city’s best-known avenue, lined with landmark architecture, shops, theaters, and lively urban energy.
Madrid’s symbolic central square, home to major landmarks and a constant flow of locals and visitors.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, famously associated with the city center and a staple snack for locals and visitors.
Madrid’s emblematic chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, traditionally served in courses and especially popular in cooler months.
A rich, slow-cooked tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, one of the city’s most traditional hearty dishes.
A casual airport dining option focused on Madrid-style sandwiches and familiar Spanish flavors, suitable for a quick local bite before departure.
A well-known coffee stop at the airport for espresso, pastries, and light snacks, convenient for travelers wanting a quick break.
An established Spanish chain known for Iberian ham, tapas, and sandwiches in a modern casual setting, fitting for a light meal at the airport.
Airport prices are higher than central Madrid, but Spain is moderate overall for meals and coffee.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. No tip needed for coffee; round up for taxis.
Official public transport app
Madrid Barajas Airport -> Puerta Del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport 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 Barajas Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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