- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$158
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
14 h 15 m
Average duration
14 h 38 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
328 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao Airport 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 Airport to Madrid will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
Of the 2 buses that leave Bilbao Airport for Madrid on Sat, Jul 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct buses cover the 328 km distance in an average of 14 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest buses will take 15 h 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.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bilbao Airport to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. 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 $47, and a flight costs an average of $33.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price Cheapest | $122 Average price | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 24m 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:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao Airport to Madrid costing on average $122 (€100).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 17m.
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (4h 17m by bus vs 4h 24m by car). Tickets start at around $97 (€80) compared to roughly $97 (€79) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, Alsa.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $39 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao Airport to Madrid buses for today, Friday, July 17. 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) | 15h00 | 8:55 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
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 run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by flight.
There are 17 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 12:00, the last at 17:00. The fastest bus covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 17 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 12:00 PM |
Last bus 5:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao Airport 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 Airport 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 Airport and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need