- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier fine art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and Bosch. A top priority for first-time visitors and art lovers.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao Airport to Madrid
Showing times and prices for Jul 02
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
328 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao Airport 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 Airport to Madrid will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Bilbao Airport to Madrid without transferring at least once.
00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$411One-way1 transfer
00283+0417611:58 AM10h22Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$431One-way1 transfer- 00437 · 043663:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$491One-way1 transfer
- 00437+047863:02 PM5h20Bilbao-Abando8:22 PMMadrid Chamartín$491One-way1 transfer
- 00283+0436611:58 AM10h22Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$501One-way1 transfer
- 00437+047863:02 PM5h20Bilbao-Abando8:22 PMMadrid Chamartín$491One-way1 transfer
- 04186 · 040866:53 AM7h05Bilbao-Abando1:58 PMMadrid Chamartín$911One-way1 transfer
- 00437 · 043663:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$491One-way1 transfer
- 00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín$411One-way1 transfer
- 00283 · 0478611:58 AM8h24Bilbao-Abando8:22 PMMadrid Chamartín$501One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Bilbao Airport to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bilbao Airport to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $33.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$121 Average price | $97 Average price Cheapest | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bilbao Airport to Madrid is a bus with an average price of $97 (€80).
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao Airport to Madrid:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao Airport to Madrid costing on average $121 (€100).
The fastest way to travel from Bilbao Airport to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 17m.
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bilbao Airport and Madrid including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao Airport to Madrid among Omio's users.
Live departures
Bilbao Airport to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao Airport to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04186 · 04086 | On time 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 7h05 | 1:58 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
 71870+04142 | 8:45 AM Bilbao-Concordia | 9h36 | 6:21 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 71870+04142 | 8:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve | 9h28 | 6:21 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 71870+04192 | 8:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve | 14h38 | 11:31 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00283+04366 | 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 10h22 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00283+04176 | 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 10h22 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00283 · 04786 | 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 8h24 | 8:22 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 71872+04192 | 1:32 PM Bilbao-Concordia | 9h59 | 11:31 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 71872+04192 | 1:40 PM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve | 9h51 | 11:31 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00437 · 04366 | 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 7h18 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00437+04786 | 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 5h20 | 8:22 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| 00437 · 04176 | 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 7h18 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao Airport to Madrid by bus or flight
Compare 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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Jul 02
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao Airport to Madrid
SpainSpain
Take a train from Bilbao Airport to Madrid and enjoy the approximately 203 miles (328 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 2 trains per day.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $33 (€27)
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average train duration 4h 36m |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $33 (€27)
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY from Bilbao Airport to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Bilbao Airport and Madrid from $33 (€27). 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 28m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
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
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 alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for 20th-century art.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
A major collection spanning medieval to modern art, completing Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Strong for European painting and accessible curation.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s historic main square, surrounded by arcaded buildings and linked to the city’s Habsburg past. A classic stop for architecture and atmosphere.
- Must visit
Puerta del Sol
Madrid’s central square and symbolic heart, home to the Kilometer Zero marker and the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
Madrid’s iconic boulevard lined with historic architecture, shops, and theaters. It is one of the city’s busiest and most recognizable streets.
- 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 iconic quick bites.
- Gluten-free
Callos A La Madrileña
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic Madrid tavern specialty.
Casa Revuelta
Classic casual bar famed for fried cod and old-school tapas, popular for a quick authentic stop in central Madrid.
Casa Lucio
Celebrated traditional restaurant known for huevos rotos and classic Spanish cooking in a refined but lively setting.
Taberna La Bola
Historic tavern especially known for cocido madrileño cooked in individual clay pots, with a classic old-Madrid feel.
Euro
Moderate for Western Europe: museums and transit are fair, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; small change in cafes, bars, and taxis is appreciated, not required.
Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 8.40 EUR
To the city center
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Metro and buses in Madrid generally allow contactless card payment only for some onboard purchases; for easiest travel, use a transport card or buy tickets in stations.
- If you plan multiple trips in one day, the Tourist Travel Pass can be better value than single tickets and covers Metro, buses, and Cercanías within its validity zone.
FAQs: Trains from Bilbao Airport to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao Airport 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.
The distance by train from Bilbao Airport to Madrid is 203 miles (328 km).
There is no high speed train available from Bilbao Airport to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bilbao Airport to Madrid. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bilbao Airport to Madrid.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao Airport to Madrid is by flight, with a cost of around $33 (€27).
The train journey from Bilbao Airport to Madrid offers varied scenery, including views of the Basque countryside, rolling hills, and occasional glimpses of charming villages, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
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 Airport to Madrid.
Since both Bilbao Airport 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao Airport 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bilbao Airport to Madrid
Most Bilbao Airport to Madrid trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao Airport 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
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.
Most popular train connections from Bilbao Airport
More options for your journey from Bilbao Airport to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Bilbao Airport
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