- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in Bilbao, an easy visit from Portugalete and a leading cultural draw in the region.
Cheapest price on Oct 15
$53
Average ticket price on Oct 15
$83
Fastest journey on Oct 15
14 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Oct 15
16 h 58 m
Buses on Oct 15
2
Distance
328 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Portugalete is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Portugalete will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
On Thu, Oct 15, we found 2 buses from Madrid to Portugalete, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 15 the direct buses cover the 328 km distance in an average of 16 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 35 m .
On Thu, Oct 15 the slowest buses will take 19 h 20 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.




Buses from Madrid to Portugalete run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 (€49) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 14h 5m.
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€49) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 14h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:57AM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:21PM | Duration 5h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:16PM | Duration 5h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:13PM | Duration 5h13 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:16PM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:36PM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:48PM | Duration 4h48 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:36PM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 5h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:56PM | Duration 5h26 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:13AM | Duration 6h13 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator ALSA | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:22AM | Duration 10h52 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h11 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Portugalete buses for today, Wednesday, October 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 20h30 | 8:50 AM 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
Discover the best of Portugalete — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portugalete trip today.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in Bilbao, an easy visit from Portugalete and a leading cultural draw in the region.
Interpretive visitor center for the Vizcaya Bridge, explaining its engineering, history, and UNESCO status with exhibits.
Important industrial heritage museum nearby, covering the mining and steel history that shaped the estuary towns.
Historic quarter with narrow streets, heritage buildings, and classic views over the estuary and bridge.
Scenic riverfront promenade with excellent views of the estuary, bridge, and passing boats.
Elegant terrace and viewpoint beside the basilica, offering one of the best panoramas over the lower Nervión estuary.
Salt cod cooked Basque style with garlic, olive oil and peppers. A classic Biscay dish tied to coastal trade and home cooking.
Fresh hake in green parsley and garlic sauce, often with clams or asparagus. A celebratory Basque seafood staple along the estuary.
Small bar snacks on bread topped with seafood, tortilla or local produce. Pintxos define everyday social eating in Bizkaia taverns.
Well-regarded dining room serving updated Basque cuisine with careful presentation. Suitable for a more refined meal near Portugalete.
Historic riverside restaurant known for classic Basque seafood and grilled fish. Traditional setting with a long-standing local reputation.
Popular pintxos and casual dining spot in the old town area. Good for sampling Basque small plates in a lively atmosphere.
Moderate for northern Spain: lodging and dining are below Madrid or San Sebastián, while metro and local rail keep daily transport costs low.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Portugalete 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 Portugalete, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Portugalete buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Portugalete bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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