- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao’s iconic contemporary art museum, famous for Frank Gehry’s titanium architecture and major international exhibitions. A clear city highlight and one of Spain’s best-known cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
315 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 11 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Bilbao on Sun, May 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 315 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 4 h 50 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.
Normal
Normal
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Normal · Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
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Normal
NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao 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 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $45.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price | $63 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 43m Average total duration 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao costing on average $63 (€51).
A bus is $93 (€75) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao costing on average $145 (€116).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 13m.
Train takes on average 5h 26m.
Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $94 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $43 (€35). The journey takes 4h 13m versus 3h 40m 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 Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar.
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 Alsa | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:28PM | Duration 8h58 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supra Economy | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h10 | 1:25 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h50 | 4:05 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 21h30 | 9:50 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 2:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h30 | 7:15 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h15 | 7:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h30 | 11:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 8:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 3h55 | 12:40 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 18h15 | 3:05 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 19h11 | 7:10 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by flight.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:15, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 195 miles (315 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 195 miles (315 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 9:15 AM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
Bilbao’s iconic contemporary art museum, famous for Frank Gehry’s titanium architecture and major international exhibitions. A clear city highlight and one of Spain’s best-known cultural attractions.
A leading art museum with strong collections of Basque, Spanish, and European painting from old masters to modern works. Widely valued by locals and a rewarding stop beyond the Guggenheim.
Bilbao’s maritime museum, focused on the port, shipbuilding, estuary life, and the city’s industrial history. A strong choice for understanding how Bilbao developed around the river.
Bilbao’s old town, known for medieval streets, lively squares, shops, and historic atmosphere. It is one of the essential areas for walking, people-watching, and discovering the city’s roots.
Well-known hilltop viewpoint with broad views over Bilbao, especially popular for sunset photos. It is one of the city’s best scenic spots and easy to pair with the funicular.
Redeveloped waterfront district around the Guggenheim, showcasing Bilbao’s modern transformation. Excellent for architecture walks, river views, and contemporary city photography.
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. It is a classic Basque specialty strongly associated with Bilbao and the wider region.
Salt cod served with a rich red pepper and onion sauce from Bizkaia. It is one of the most traditional dishes of Bilbao province.
A hearty Basque tuna and potato stew once cooked by fishermen on boats. It is a beloved regional comfort dish, especially along the Biscay coast.
Prestigious fine dining restaurant inside the Guggenheim, known for minimalist high-end Basque cuisine and an elegant contemporary atmosphere.
Well-known riverside fine dining restaurant offering a creative tasting-menu experience rooted in seasonal Basque ingredients and polished service.
Popular and established pintxos bar celebrated for excellent bar snacks, including award-winning creations, in a casual central setting.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 at casual spots, and about 5-10% only for notably good table service.
Official public transport app
Bilbao Intermodal, Estación de Autobuses, Bilbao -> Moyua Plaza, Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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