The cheapest and fastest trains from Barcelona to Bilbao
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
7 h 3 m
Average duration
8 h 6 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
467 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Bilbao will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 4 trains that leave Barcelona for Bilbao on Thu, Jan 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 08 the direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 8 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 3 m .
On Thu, Jan 08 the slowest trains will take 10 h 8 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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00438Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Barcelona to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €57, and a flight costs an average of €46.
Distance: 290 miles (467 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €187 Average price | €86 Average price Cheapest |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 6m Average total duration 9h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Barcelona to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Bilbao trains for today, Wednesday, January 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06080+ 00438 | On time 6:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 8h03 | 2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
06090+ 00438 | On time 7:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 7h08 | 2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
00438 | On time 7:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 7h03 | 2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, January 8 | |||||
06060+ 00438 | 4:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 10h08 | 2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barcelona to Bilbao by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Barcelona to Bilbao trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as iryo and Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Barcelona to Bilbao. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Barcelona to Bilbao.
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 iryo and Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Barcelona 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 Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barcelona to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Renfe ALVIA tickets can be bought on Renfe ALVIA's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of iryo and Renfe Viajeros to help you choose the right option for your journey from Barcelona to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Barcelona to Bilbao.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Barcelona to Bilbao?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Barcelona to Bilbao

Journey information
Overview: Train from Barcelona to Bilbao
Trains from Barcelona to Bilbao run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€53) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (467 km) distance in 6h 54m.
Distance 290 miles (467 km) |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€53) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 54m |
First train 05:45 |
Last train 21:07 |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, iryo, Renfe Viajeros from Barcelona to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, iryo, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Barcelona and Bilbao from $57 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
iryo
Renfe Viajeros
Traveling by train from Barcelona to Bilbao
The train connection between Barcelona and Bilbao is a convenient way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Spain. The journey is primarily serviced by Renfe Alvia, Renfe, and Renfe ALVIA trains, offering comfortable seating and scenic views along the route. With multiple departures throughout the day, travelers can easily plan their trip while enjoying efficient service from these reputable providers.
Train Connection: Barcelona to Bilbao
The train journey from Barcelona to Bilbao takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a total of 2 connections available per day. The route is not direct, requiring one transfer during the trip. Passengers will depart from Barcelona Sants and arrive at Bilbao-Abando station.
Barcelona to Bilbao Train Connection
The first daily train journey from Barcelona to Bilbao departs at 06:45 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful landscapes of Spain. The last departure is scheduled for 07:45 AM, allowing passengers a convenient option for late morning travel.
Train Tickets Price for Barcelona to Bilbao
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Barcelona and Bilbao is €49. The average ticket price tends to be around €74, providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences.
Exploring Bilbao: A Cultural and Architectural Journey
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, inaugurated in 1997, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry that transformed the city into a cultural hub. Its significance lies not only in its stunning titanium-clad exterior but also in how it revitalized the local economy and tourism industry through world-class exhibitions and events. Unique features include its innovative design with flowing forms and an impressive collection of modern art, making it a must-visit for any art enthusiast.
Casco Viejo, or Old Town, dates back to the 14th century and serves as the historical heart of Bilbao filled with narrow streets brimming with charm. This area holds great significance as it showcases traditional Basque culture through vibrant markets like Mercado de la Ribera and quaint shops offering artisanal goods. What sets Casco Viejo apart are its seven original streets known as "Las Siete Calles," where you can experience authentic tapas bars alongside centuries-old architecture.
The Puente Colgante (Hanging Bridge), completed in 1893, is an engineering marvel recognized as one of the world's first transporter bridges connecting Getxo to Portugalete across the Nervión River. Its importance stems from being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to both its architectural innovation and role in facilitating transportation during industrial growth. The bridge's unique feature includes a gondola system that allows vehicles and pedestrians to cross while enjoying breathtaking views from above—an unforgettable experience for visitors!
FAQs: Trains from Barcelona to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Barcelona to Bilbao
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00
- Hotspots in and near restaurants.
- Staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00.
- McDonald’s
- Caffe di Fiore
- Ars Café
- Café de l'Estació
- Café de l’Estació Deli
- Lavazza
- Como
- Peter's
- Tutti Frutti
- Enrique Tomás
- & many more
- All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
- Apartments Eixample
- Apartment Guell
- Sweet Inn Callao
- Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00
- Located in various locations inside the station.
- Metro lines: L3, L5
- Bus lines: A1, A2
- Train lines: AVE, Alvia, Euromed, Talgo, Trenhotel, TGV, Avant, Intercity, R1, R2, R2 Nord, R2 Sud, R3, R4, RG1, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17
Most popular train connections from Barcelona
More options for your journey from Barcelona to Bilbao
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