- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao’s iconic contemporary art museum, famous for Frank Gehry’s titanium architecture and major international exhibitions. A defining city landmark and top cultural stop.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
14 h 45 m
Average duration
14 h 45 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
630 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Saint-Étienne for Bilbao on Wed, Jul 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 630 km distance in an average of 14 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 45 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 14 h 45 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.
10:20 PM14h45Saint-Étienne1:05 PMBilbao$461One-way0 transfers- 11:20 PM14h45Saint-Étienne2:05 PMBilbao$741One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 PM14h45Saint-Étienne2:05 PMBilbao$741One-way0 transfers
- 10:20 PM14h45Saint-Étienne1:05 PMBilbao$461One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Saint-Étienne to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $58.
Distance: 391 miles (630 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $235 Average price | $276 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 32m Average total duration 13h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 29m Average total duration Fastest 11h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $76 (€62).
This is compared to other travel options from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao:
A bus is $159 (€131) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao costing on average $235 (€193).
The fastest way to travel from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 11h 29m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Saint-Étienne and Bilbao including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $76 (€62) compared to roughly $276 (€227) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $200 (€165). The journey takes 13h 2m versus 8h 45m 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 FlixBus.
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.
Saint-Étienne to Bilbao Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Live departures
Saint-Étienne to Bilbao bus times
The table below shows live departures for Saint-Étienne to Bilbao buses for today, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11:45 AM Saint-Étienne | 14h35 | 2:20 AM Bilbao | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:45 PM Saint-Étienne | 16h20 | 8:05 AM Bilbao | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Saint-Étienne to Bilbao by bus or flight
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.
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Why should you book Saint-Étienne to Bilbao buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Alsa or BlaBlaCar Bus offer buses services from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa or BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa or BlaBlaCar Bus to find the best option for your trip from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao
France
Spain
Buses from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 391 miles (630 km) distance in 14h 35m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 391 miles (630 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 14h 35m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus from Saint-Étienne to BilbaoYou can travel by bus between Saint-Étienne to Bilbao with FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $46 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 45m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€38)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 15m
Cheapest Price
$77 (€63)
Alsa frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
BlaBlaCar Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 35m
Cheapest Price
$63 (€52)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning Old Masters, Basque art, and modern works. Highly regarded by locals and visitors.
- Recommended
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
The city’s maritime museum, covering Bilbao’s port, shipbuilding, and river history through indoor exhibits and dockside displays.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s atmospheric old town, known for its medieval street pattern, historic buildings, shops, and lively urban character.
- Must visit
Paseo de Abandoibarra
A scenic riverside promenade linking major modern landmarks, ideal for walking and appreciating Bilbao’s urban regeneration.
- Must visit
Artxanda Viewpoint
A classic viewpoint above the city, popular for sweeping skyline views and especially attractive for photos at dusk.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked with garlic, olive oil, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A classic Basque dish strongly associated with Bilbao and nearby Bizkaia.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod served with a rich red pepper and onion sauce in the Bizkaian style. It is one of the signature traditional dishes of the province.
- Gluten-free
Marmitako
A traditional Basque fishermen’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is hearty, local, and closely tied to the Cantabrian coast.
Restaurante Mina
Established Michelin-starred restaurant by the river, known for creative tasting menus built around Basque ingredients in an intimate setting.
Asador Etxebarri
World-famous destination restaurant in Axpe-Atxondo, often visited from Bilbao, celebrated for masterful wood-fire cooking and exceptional Basque produce.
El Globo Tavern
Popular and established pintxos bar known for polished small bites and a lively central atmosphere. A reliable stop for classic and modern pintxos.
Euro
Moderate for Spain. Pintxos and casual meals are affordable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple lunch or pintxos.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafés; taxis usually rounded up.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 5.00 EUR
To the city center
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses -> Bilbao-Abando
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can use the Barik card across Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus, and other local operators to save money and transfer more easily. Single paper tickets are available, but fares are usually cheaper with Barik
- On Bilbobus, card payment is not generally available onboard for bank cards, so buy your ticket in advance or use a Barik card. Check service updates in the official app before traveling
FAQs: Bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint-Étienne 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao can start from as little as $46 (€38) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is $76 (€62) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is 14h 35m to travel the 391 miles (630 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao leaves at 11:20 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao, you can count on FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Saint-Étienne and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bilbao from Saint-Étienne is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Saint-Étienne and Bilbao including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao for bus company FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bilbao are:
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a modern and contemporary art museum known for its innovative architecture by Frank Gehry
- Casco Viejo, the old town of Bilbao featuring narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant local markets
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, a museum housing a diverse collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces
- Santiago Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral with a rich history dating back to the 14th century
- Zubizuri Bridge, a striking white arch bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava offering scenic views of the city.
The best things to do in Bilbao include:
- Mount Artxanda, a scenic viewpoint accessible by funicular offering panoramic views of the city
- La Ribera Market, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a lively atmosphere
- A walk along the Nervión River, providing a relaxing experience with beautiful views of the cityscape
- Enjoying pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, in one of the many local bars
- Exploring the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine warehouse.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao depends on the bus companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao with the following bus company: FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao with the following bus company: FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao with the following bus company: FlixBus, Alsa, BlaBlaCar Bus.
Since both Saint-Étienne and Bilbao are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Bilbao, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, the old town, and near major attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum. Common scams include distraction techniques and overcharging taxi drivers; it’s advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travelers should also be aware of counterfeit tickets for events or transportation and always verify prices before purchasing. Staying vigilant in busy spots and keeping belongings secure helps reduce risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Saint-Étienne
More options for your journey from Saint-Étienne to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bilbao and Saint-Étienne
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