- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao 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 to Madrid will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 22 buses that leave Bilbao for Madrid on Sat, Jun 20, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 4 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 15 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.
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Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Supra EconomyOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $35.
Distance: 200 miles (323 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $168 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Madrid:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Madrid costing on average $55 (€45).
A train is $122 (€100) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Madrid costing on average $168 (€138).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 18m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $81 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€21). The journey takes 5h 18m versus 4h 17m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 02:35AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 12:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h30 | 12:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h50 | 1:20 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 8:45 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 6h30 | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h40 | 1:40 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 5h10 | 2:10 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 9:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h10 | 1:10 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h40 | 2:40 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 11:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h25 | 3:25 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 11:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h10 | 3:10 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 4:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 5:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 3:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h10 | 7:10 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 8:15 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 8:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 9:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 14h45 | 8:10 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 6:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 10:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 8:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h15 | 12:45 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 8:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h05 | 12:35 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 5h00 | 2:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 1:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h30 | 2:00 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 2:15 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h35 | 2:35 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h45 | 2:45 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 19h40 | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 1:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 4h40 | 5:40 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Bilbao to Madrid run on average 28 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by train.
There are 24 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 200 miles (323 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 28 |
Direct buses 24 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for modern and contemporary art lovers.
A major museum spanning European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Its broad collection complements the Prado and Reina Sofía perfectly.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walking, boating, and relaxing among monuments and formal gardens. A top city experience for nearly every visitor.
Madrid’s best-known avenue, lined with historic architecture, theaters, shops, and rooftop views. Energetic by day and night, it is one of the city’s defining walks.
The symbolic heart of Madrid and a major meeting point, home to the Kilómetro Cero marker and famous public celebrations. Constantly busy and central.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is a simple local staple and iconic snack.
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic tavern dish closely linked to Madrid cuisine.
Prestigious flamenco venue with acclaimed dining, known for refined Spanish cuisine in an intimate historic setting. It combines performance and high-end gastronomy.
Historic traditional restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian classics. It offers an old-world atmosphere and is one of Madrid’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known classic restaurant celebrated for huevos rotos and traditional Spanish cooking. It is a long-established spot with a lively, polished tavern feel.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés and 5-10% at restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Buses provide an excellent option for those who need to travel from Bilbao to Madrid. There are 21-23 direct buses from Bilbao to Madrid during the week, and as many as 24 services on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect the journey time to be between 4 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes.
Alsa is the sole operator of buses to Madrid from Bilbao. The company offers a daily schedule to both central Madrid and the airport, with air conditioned coaches and plenty of space to relax.
Bus journeys from Bilbao to Madrid will last between 4 hours 5 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes when no changes are needed. The fastest services run to Barajas Airport, with buses to central Madrid taking 15-20 minutes longer.
There should always be plenty of buses to choose from when traveling from Bilbao to Madrid. Expect 21-23 direct buses from Monday to Friday, and 24 buses on Saturdays and Sundays.
Departure Bus Station: Buses to Madrid could leave from Bilbao's Termibus bus station, or Genxo - Las Mercedes. Termibus is located in the center of the city, right next to San Mames Stadium. The best way for most people to get there is via the Bilbao Metro to San Mames, on foot, or by local buses, which stop right outside the bus station doors. However, Getxo - Las Mercedes could be more convenient for those transferring from ferries or staying near the port. The stop can be found next to the Bay of Biscay, a short 5 minute walk from Areeta Metro Station.
Arrival Bus Station: Buses from Bilbao to Madrid could arrive at Barajas Airport or Madrid Intercity Av. America. Barajas is the city's main international airport, so alighting there is a great idea for anyone catching flights. Coaches from Bilbao will stop at Terminal 4, so leave time for transfers to other terminals if required. Most people headed for the center of Madrid will prefer to take buses to Av. America. Situated near the heart of Madrid, the bus station has direct connections to subway lines 4, 6, 7, and 9, so getting to any part of the capital should be simple.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao 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.

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