- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 10
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$39
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$50
Fastest journey on Oct 10
4 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
4 h 35 m
Trains on Oct 10
2
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 $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast trains
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 2 trains from Bilbao to Madrid, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 4 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest trains will take 4 h 35 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.
5:53 AM4h35Bilbao10:28 AMMadrid$391One-way0 transfers- 4:53 AM4h35Bilbao9:28 AMMadrid$601One-way0 transfers
- 5:53 AM4h35Bilbao10:28 AMMadrid$391One-way0 transfers
- 4:53 AM4h35Bilbao9:28 AMMadrid$601One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. 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 200 miles (323 km) distance in 3h 52m.
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 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
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, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:28 PM Bilbao | 4h45 | 8:13 PM Madrid | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:28 PM Bilbao | 4h45 | 9:13 PM Madrid | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains
from $9Buses
from $45Flights
from $37Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY 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 2m
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
3h 52m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
$5
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
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
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
DSTAgE
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Malacatín
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Madrid buses allow contactless bank card payment onboard, but Metro tickets are usually bought from station machines with card or cash.
- A 10-trip ticket can cost less per ride than single tickets if you plan several Metro or bus journeys.
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 $5, while the average price is around $18.
The train from Bilbao to Madrid takes 3h 52m and runs 8 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.
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 Bilbao to Madrid train offers a diverse landscape, featuring lush green hills, charming villages, and expansive plains, providing a pleasant and varied scenic experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Madrid.
Popular day trips by train from Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bilbao to 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, Spain
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, Spain
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, Spain
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.
Which Madrid station do trains from Bilbao arrive at?
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid Chamartín. Some services arrive at Madrid Príncipe Pío, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.
Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · $1 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · $1 · every ~2 min
BusN24 · 24m · $4 · every ~11 min
Subway1 · 19m · $2 · every ~24 min
Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services
Madrid Chamartín 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 Madrid Chamartín.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Madrid Príncipe PíoPaseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain+34 902 320 320
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid Príncipe Pío from Madrid city centre
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · $1 · every ~34 min
N18, N20, N19 · 7m · $1 · every ~34 min
Madrid Príncipe Pío train station facilities and services
Madrid Príncipe Pío has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
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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