- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famous for Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A core stop for classical European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jul 11
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
4 h 42 m
Average duration
7 h 22 m
Trains per day
4
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Bilbao for Madrid on Sat, Jul 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 7 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 42 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest trains will take 10 h 22 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.
041866:53 AM4h42Bilbao-Abando11:35 AMMadrid Chamartín$861One-way0 transfers- 04186 · 040866:53 AM7h05Bilbao-Abando1:58 PMMadrid Chamartín$981One-way1 transfer
00283+0417611:58 AM10h22Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$1011One-way1 transfer- 00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$1031One-way1 transfer
- 041866:53 AM4h42Bilbao-Abando11:35 AMMadrid Chamartín$861One-way0 transfers
- 04186 · 040866:53 AM7h05Bilbao-Abando1:58 PMMadrid Chamartín$981One-way1 transfer
- 00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$1031One-way1 transfer
- 00283+0417611:58 AM10h22Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$1011One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bilbao to Madrid
Omio 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)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $168 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to Madrid is a train with an average price of $46 (€38).
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).
The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Madrid is by train with an average journey time of 3h 44m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 33m faster (3h 44m by train vs 4h 17m by car) and roughly $34 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($46 (€38) vs $80 (€66)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bilbao to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:28 PM Bilbao | 4h45 | 9:13 PM Madrid | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 11 | |||||
| 04186 | 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 4h42 | 11:35 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 04186 · 04086 | Delayed 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 7h05 | 11:58 AM 11:58 AMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00283+04176 | On time 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 10h22 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00437 · 04176 | 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 7h18 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Madrid 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 Bilbao to Madrid trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros and more 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, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros 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 91 days 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.
Trains
from $25Buses
from $50Flights
from $93Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) 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 200 miles (323 km) distance in 4h 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 200 miles (323 km) |
Average train duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from $22 (€18). 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 Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 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
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 MD
About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, 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
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€35)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica and major 20th-century Spanish collections.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Major museum spanning Renaissance to modern art, complementing Prado and Reina Sofía with an accessible, broad collection.
- Must visit
Parque del Retiro
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for strolling, boating, monuments, and relaxed city breaks between museums.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Madrid’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, rooftops, theaters, and nonstop urban energy.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
Central square and symbolic heart of Madrid, home to key landmarks and a constant flow of local life.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Madrileño
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.
Bocadillo de Calamares
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is one of the city’s most famous quick bites.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
A hearty traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a rich paprika sauce. It is a historic tavern dish strongly linked to Madrid cuisine.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian specialties. Traditional wood-fired cooking and a classic old-Madrid atmosphere make it one of the city’s landmark dining rooms.
Casa Lucio
Legendary Madrid restaurant best known for huevos rotos. Elegant but relaxed, it is a long-established favorite for classic Spanish cooking.
La Bola
Traditional tavern celebrated for cocido madrileño cooked in individual clay pots. It offers a historic setting and one of the best-known versions of Madrid’s signature stew.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and tapas can be good value, but central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple lunch or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 at cafes, 5-10% at restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Madrid -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can pay by bank card on Metro ticket machines, but city buses do not always accept card onboard, so buy tickets in advance when possible.
- The Tourist Travel Pass covers Metro, EMT buses, and Cercanías services within the selected zones and validity period.
FAQs: Trains from Bilbao to Madrid
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.
Train ticket prices from Bilbao to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $22 (€18), while the average price is around $46 (€38).
The train from Bilbao to Madrid takes 4h 35m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Bilbao to Madrid is 200 miles (323 km).
The first train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 12:30 AM.
The last train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 5:37 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bilbao to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bilbao to Madrid. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bilbao to Madrid.
The train station in Bilbao that goes to Madrid is Bilbao-Abando, which connects to Madrid Chamartín.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Madrid is by train, with a cost of around $22 (€18).
The Bilbao to Madrid train offers a diverse landscape, featuring lush green hills, charming villages, and expansive plains, providing a pleasant and varied scenic experience.
A day trip from Bilbao to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 35m. The distance is 200 miles (323 km), and there are 2 train trips available per day.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Madrid.
Since both Bilbao and Madrid 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.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
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 Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize 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 train connections from Bilbao
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Bilbao
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