- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad museum is Bilbao’s global icon, celebrated for major contemporary art shows and bold architecture.
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
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Bilbao
United Kingdom
Spain
Take a train from Edinburgh to Bilbao and enjoy the approximately 876 miles (1411 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 10:25.
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 €50
Distance 876 miles (1411 km) |
First train 5:45 AM |
Last train 10:25 AM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 €50
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Fine arts museum with outstanding Basque, Spanish, and European works spanning from the Middle Ages to today.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum devoted to Basque archaeology, ethnography, and local history inside a restored Jesuit college in the Old Town.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s medieval old quarter, packed with historic streets, shops, churches, and lively plazas ideal for walking.
- Must visit
Paseo de Abandoibarra
Riverside promenade around the Guggenheim, excellent for architecture views, public art, and easy city-center walks.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Panoramic hilltop viewpoint reached by funicular, popular for sweeping views over Bilbao and access to green walking areas.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod cooked slowly in olive oil, garlic and chilli until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic closely linked to Bilbao's traditional seafood cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod baked with a sauce of peppers, tomato, onion and garlic. A hallmark Biscayan dish that reflects Bilbao's historic cod trade.
Txakoli-Braised Carrilleras
Veal shanks braised in red wine and vegetables until tender. This rich stew is a beloved specialty from the Basque Country and northern Spain.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Martín Berasategui with creative tasting menus and refined service inside the Guggenheim Museum.
Zarate
Elegant Michelin-starred venue serving modern Basque cuisine with strong seasonal products. Ideal for a high-end local dining experience.
Restaurante Víctor Montes
Traditional restaurant known for Basque seafood and meat dishes in a polished setting near the river. Well regarded for classic local cooking.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining cost more than smaller cities, but pintxos, public transit, and coffee remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. In cafes and taxis, small change or rounding up is enough.
Barik Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- .
To the city center
Bilbao-Abando -> Plaza Moyúa
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Contactless bank card payment is not generally accepted directly on Metro Bilbao or Bilbobus; use a Barik card or official mobile ticketing where available.
- Bilbao uses the Barik fare system across metro, tram, and many buses, so check zones before travel to avoid paying more than needed.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Bilbao is 876 miles (1411 km).
The first train from Edinburgh to Bilbao leaves at 5:45 AM.
The last train from Edinburgh to Bilbao leaves at 10:25 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Bilbao.
The journey from Edinburgh to Bilbao by train offers varied scenery, including the rolling landscapes and historic architecture of the UK, the stunning countryside of France, and the picturesque Basque region in Spain, providing a diverse and scenic travel experience.
No, you cannot take the train from Edinburgh to Bilbao.
Popular day trips by train from Bilbao include Miranda de Ebro, Espinosa de los Monteros, Haro, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Laudio-Llodio.
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.
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 Bilbao, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, the old town, and near major attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum. Common scams include distraction techniques and overcharging taxi drivers; it’s advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travelers should also be aware of counterfeit tickets for events or transportation and always verify prices before purchasing. Staying vigilant in busy spots and keeping belongings secure helps reduce 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 Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Edinburgh
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.
