- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Major fine-arts museum with collections from the 13th century to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.










Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
10h 5m
Average duration
11h 16m
Buses per day
10
Distance
276 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 281 miles (453 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$219 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $224 Average price | $131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 57m Average total duration 14h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration Fastest 9h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 39m Average total duration 9h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Nantes:
A bus is $170 (€140) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bilbao to Nantes costing on average $219 (€180).
A bus is $175 (€144) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Nantes costing on average $224 (€185).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Flight takes on average 9h 39m.
Train takes on average 14h 27m.
Tickets start at around $219 (€180) compared to roughly $131 (€108) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-87.84 (€-72.34). The journey takes 14h 27m versus 6h 55m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Nantes trains for today, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:58 AM Bilbao | 12h31 | 6:29 PM Nantes | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 10:58 AM Bilbao | 11h18 | 10:16 PM Nantes | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 7:58 PM Bilbao | 16h08 | 12:06 PM Nantes | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Bilbao to Nantes run on average 3 times per day, taking around 14h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $216 (€178) but you can travel from only $21 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:08, the last at 14:40. The fastest train covers the 281 miles (453 km) distance in 11h 18m.
Distance 281 miles (453 km) |
Average train duration 14h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 (€178) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 18m |
First train 5:08 AM |
Last train 2:40 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major fine-arts museum with collections from the 13th century to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.
Exhibition gallery linked to Les Machines de l'Île, showcasing mechanical creatures, prototypes, and inventive scenography.
Well-regarded natural history museum known for zoology, earth sciences, and family-friendly displays near Place de la Monnaie.
Creative riverside district mixing industrial heritage, contemporary architecture, and headline attractions like Les Machines de l'Île.
Historic center quarter with medieval streets, lively squares, and many of the city's classic walking routes and landmarks.
Large botanical garden near the station, popular for landscaped paths, seasonal plantings, greenhouses, and whimsical installations.
A classic sauce from the Nantes area made with butter, shallots, and Muscadet wine. It is traditionally served with river or Atlantic fish and is one of the region’s best-known culinary specialties.
Pike-perch, often from the Loire basin, served with beurre blanc. This is a signature regional fish dish strongly associated with Nantes and the lower Loire.
Tender lamb’s lettuce widely grown around Nantes, often served as a simple salad with walnuts, beetroot, or local cheese. It is a staple local ingredient rather than a single fixed recipe.
Refined fine-dining restaurant with a strong reputation for creative French cuisine. Ideal for a special meal showcasing high-level regional ingredients and polished service.
Established gastronomic restaurant known for modern French cooking, tasting menus, and an intimate atmosphere. A strong option for contemporary cuisine in Nantes.
Well-known traditional restaurant serving hearty French fare in a warm, classic setting. A good choice for experiencing established local dining culture in central Nantes.
Moderate by French standards: casual dining is reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak periods.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Small tips for taxis are appreciated but not required.
Official public transport app
Gare de Nantes -> Commerce, Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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