Bilbao to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri, 13 Nov
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
3,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
3,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov
Cheapest price on 13 Nov
€39
Average ticket price on 13 Nov
€50
Fastest journey on 13 Nov
4 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 13 Nov
5 h 52 m
Trains on 13 Nov
14
Distance
323 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around €50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only €39.

Fast trains

On Fri, 13 Nov, we found 14 trains from Bilbao to Madrid, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 18 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.

  • Renfe ALVIA04186
    0 changes
  • Renfe ALVIA04366
    0 changes
  • Renfe ALVIA00437+Renfe INTERCITY04786
    1 change
  • Renfe INTERCITY00283 · 04786
    1 change
  • Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA04192
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 323 km distance in 4h 1m.

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
323 km
Average train duration
5h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 1m
First train
12:30 AM
Last train
5:37 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
35 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

Live departures

Bilbao to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Thursday, 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA04186
On time
6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
4h35
11:28 AM Madrid Chamartín		0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA04186 · 04086
On time
6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
6h58
1:51 PM Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041428:45 AM Bilbao-Concordia
9h13
5:58 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041928:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
14h27
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041428:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
9h05
5:58 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283 · 0478611:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
8h25
8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA0417611:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
10h22
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA0436611:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
10h22
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA041921:32 PM Bilbao-Concordia
9h48
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA041921:40 PM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
9h40
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437+Renfe INTERCITY047863:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
5h21
8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 041763:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h18
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 043663:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h18
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA043665:12 PM Bilbao-Abando
5h08
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bilbao to Madrid trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe offer trains services from Bilbao to Madrid.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe to find the best option for your trip from Bilbao to Madrid.
  • 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 Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bilbao to Madrid.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid?

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Madrid is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Madrid per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bilbao to Madrid.

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from €5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
€5
Renfe ALVIA frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe INTERCITY

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe INTERCITY Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
€6
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
4h 8m
Cheapest Renfe Price
€8
Renfe frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
一件手提行李和最多三件行李免费。
Luggage storage
车顶行李架、车厢末端的行李区，以及座位之间的空间
Cancellation Policy
根据票务条件可取消
Refund
因取消列车而提供全额退款
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
大多数长途列车上设有餐车（自助餐厅），提供热餐和冷餐、小吃及饮料。头等舱乘客享有座位服务。
Seat reservation
可选座位预订。某些票种包含在内，其他票种需额外收费。建议在高峰旅行时段使用。
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
轮椅空间、无障碍厕所和为行动不便的乘客提供的协助服务。
Pets
小型宠物在笼子里可以免费旅行。狗必须系上牵引绳并戴上嘴套，需要购买票。导盲犬可以免费旅行。
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bilbao and Madrid

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Bilbao to Madrid, you can count on Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bilbao and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Bilbao to Madrid train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bilbao to Madrid is €15; 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 train from Bilbao to Madrid is 4h 1m to travel the 323 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 12:30 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 5:37 pm.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Bilbao to Madrid with Renfe ALVIA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Madrid. Take the fast train with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe from Bilbao to Madrid.
A trip to Madrid from Bilbao is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 1m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Madrid including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Madrid

Most Bilbao to Madrid trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Madrid Chamartín station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bilbao
Arrival train stations in Madrid

Which Bilbao station do trains to Madrid leave from?

Trains from Bilbao to Madrid leave from Bilbao-Abando. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre

Bus03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · €2 · every ~51 min
A3631, A3632 · 8m · €2 · every ~7 min
TramTr · 1m · €2 · every ~16 min

Bilbao-Abando train station facilities and services

Bilbao-Abando has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bilbao-Abando. Information desks are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve48013 Bilbao, Biscay, SpainAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve from Bilbao city centre

Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve is 4 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC1, C2 · 10m · €1 · every ~10 min
Bus85 · 21m · €2 · every ~5 min
SubwayLínea De Metro Bilbao · 9m · €2 · every ~33 min

Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve train station facilities and services

Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve.

Bilbao-Concordia48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Bilbao-Concordia from Bilbao city centre

BusA3631, A3632 · 5m · €2 · every ~7 min
03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · €2 · every ~51 min
TramTr · 1m · €2 · every ~16 min

Bilbao-Concordia train station facilities and services

Bilbao-Concordia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bilbao-Concordia: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bilbao-Concordia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

More options for your journey from Bilbao to Madrid

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return trains from Madrid to Bilbao
Bilbao to Madrid coach
Bilbao to Madrid flights
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainBilbao to Madrid train

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