- Must visit
Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco - Casa Lis
Art nouveau and Art Deco museum inside Casa Lis. Its stained glass, decorative arts, and dolls collection make it a standout cultural visit.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Salamanca
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$38
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$50
Fastest journey on Sep 17
5 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
7 h 57 m
Trains on Sep 17
4
Distance
340 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Salamanca is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Salamanca will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Bilbao to Salamanca without transferring at least once.
04366+
006325:12 PM5h52Bilbao-Abando11:04 PMSalamanca station$381One-way1 transfer- 04366+
374325:12 PM5h52Bilbao-Abando11:04 PMSalamanca station$431One-way1 transfer - 04186+183166:53 AM11h16Bilbao-Abando6:09 PMSalamanca station$591One-way1 transfer
- 04186+183086:53 AM8h49Bilbao-Abando3:42 PMSalamanca station$591One-way1 transfer
- 04366+006325:12 PM5h52Bilbao-Abando11:04 PMSalamanca station$381One-way1 transfer
- 04366+374325:12 PM5h52Bilbao-Abando11:04 PMSalamanca station$431One-way1 transfer
- 04186+183086:53 AM8h49Bilbao-Abando3:42 PMSalamanca station$591One-way1 transfer
- 04186+183166:53 AM11h16Bilbao-Abando6:09 PMSalamanca station$591One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bilbao to Salamanca
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Salamanca among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 18m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, while a bus costs an average of $41.
Distance: 211 miles (340 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Salamanca is a train with an average price of $17 (€14).
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Salamanca:
A train is $25 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Salamanca costing on average $41 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Salamanca is by train with an average journey time of 4h 48m.
Other travel options to Salamanca take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bilbao and Salamanca including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Salamanca among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $17 (€14) compared to roughly $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $65 (€53). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 4h 6m 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.
Live departures
Bilbao to Salamanca train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Salamanca trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04186+18316 | Delayed 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 11h16 | 4:09 PM 4:09 PMSalamanca station | 1 transfer | |
| 04186+18308 | Delayed 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 8h49 | 1:42 PM 1:42 PMSalamanca station | 1 transfer | |
| 04366+37432 | 5:12 PM Bilbao-Abando | 5h52 | 11:04 PM Salamanca station | 1 transfer | |
| 04366+00632 | 5:12 PM Bilbao-Abando | 5h52 | 11:04 PM Salamanca station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Salamanca by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Sun
Sep 27
Sep 27
Mon
Sep 28
Sep 28
Tue
Sep 29
Sep 29
Wed
Sep 30
Sep 30
Thu
Oct 01
Oct 01
Fri
Oct 02
Oct 02
Sat
Oct 03
Oct 03
Sun
Oct 04
Oct 04
Mon
Oct 05
Oct 05
Tue
Oct 06
Oct 06
Wed
Oct 07
Oct 07
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Salamanca
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Salamanca run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 211 miles (340 km) distance in 4h 26m.
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 211 miles (340 km) |
Average train duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 26m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 5:35 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 from Bilbao to Salamanca trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Bilbao and Salamanca from $30 (€25). 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 26m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
$11 (€9)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
4 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
Complete guide to Salamanca
Things to do in Salamanca
Discover the best of Salamanca — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salamanca trip today.
- Must visit
Ieronimus
Cathedral museum route exploring chapels, cloisters, towers, and terraces. It combines art, architecture, and some of the city's best views.
- Recommended
Museo de Salamanca
Salamanca's main fine arts museum, displaying Spanish painting from the 15th to 20th centuries in a historic former palace.
- Must visit
Plaza Mayor
Salamanca's grand Baroque main square, lined with arcades and historic buildings. It is the city's social heart by day and night.
- Must visit
Patio de Escuelas
Historic university courtyard framed by iconic façades and academic buildings. Essential for appreciating Salamanca's scholarly atmosphere.
- Must visit
Huerto de Calixto y Melibea
Pleasant riverside park below the old city walls. Popular for walking, open views, and a calmer perspective on Salamanca's monuments.
- Gluten-free
Cochinillo Asado
Slow-roasted suckling pig with crisp skin and tender meat. A Castilian celebratory classic often featured in traditional restaurants around Salamanca.
- Gluten-free
Lechazo Asado
Roast suckling lamb, prized in Castile and León for its delicate flavor and simple wood-oven preparation. A hallmark of regional Sunday meals.
- Gluten-free
Jamón Ibérico De Guijuelo
Air-cured Iberian ham from nearby Guijuelo, famed for rich marbling and nutty flavor. One of Salamanca's most famous protected food products.
En La Parra
Refined Michelin-starred dining near Plaza Mayor, known for creative tasting menus rooted in Castilian products and elegant contemporary service.
Casa Paca
Historic restaurant famed for Iberian ham, roast meats, and classic Salamanca dishes in a traditional setting close to the old city.
Bambú Tapas Y Brasas
Long-established tavern celebrated for generous tapas, local cured meats, and informal Castilian dining in the historic center.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: rooms, meals, and local buses usually cost less than Madrid or Barcelona, but prices rise in peak student and holiday periods.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Cafes and taxis usually get small change, not a fixed percentage.
FAQs: Trains from Bilbao to Salamanca
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Salamanca 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 Salamanca, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bilbao to Salamanca can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $11 (€9), while the average price is around $17 (€14).
The train from Bilbao to Salamanca takes 4h 26m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Bilbao to Salamanca is 211 miles (340 km).
The first train from Bilbao to Salamanca leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Bilbao to Salamanca leaves at 5:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bilbao to Salamanca.
There is no direct train service currently available from Bilbao to Salamanca.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bilbao to Salamanca.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Salamanca is by bus, with a cost of around $30 (€25).
The train journey from Bilbao to Salamanca offers scenic views of the Spanish countryside, including rolling hills, charming villages, and lush landscapes, providing a picturesque experience for travelers.
A day trip from Bilbao to Salamanca is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 26m, covering a distance of 211 miles (340 km). There are 2 train trips per day.
In Salamanca, you can explore the Roman Bridge for picturesque views of the Tormes River, visit vibrant local markets for traditional Spanish goods, and experience the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. Enjoy a stroll along the Tormes River, attend a performance at the Liceo Theatre, and admire the Plaza Mayor's Baroque architecture. Discover the University of Salamanca's historic buildings, the Gothic and Baroque styles of Salamanca Cathedral, the shell-adorned Casa de las Conchas, and the intricate Plateresque façade of the Convento de San Esteban.
To explore Salamanca's historic sites, including its cathedrals, Plaza Mayor, and the University, a stay of 2 to 3 days is typically recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Salamanca.
Since both Bilbao and Salamanca 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 Salamanca include Valladolid, Segovia, Ávila, Medina del Campo, Penaranda de Bracamonte.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Salamanca 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 Salamanca, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Plaza Mayor and around popular landmarks. Common scams include overcharging taxi drivers and unofficial ticket sellers offering fake or inflated prices for transportation and tours. It's advisable to use authorized services and remain vigilant in busy spots.
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 Salamanca
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Salamanca and Bilbao
Most popular train connections to Salamanca
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
