- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
.png){kind=small}
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 Lyon to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$399
Average price
$399
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
14 h 11 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
675 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Bilbao will cost around $399 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $399.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Lyon to Bilbao without transferring at least 3 times.
.png)
11:51 AM10h30Lyon10:21 PMBilbao$3991One-way3 transfers- 4:30 PM17h51Lyon10:21 AMBilbao$3991One-way3 transfers
- 11:51 AM10h30Lyon10:21 PMBilbao$3991One-way3 transfers
- 4:30 PM17h51Lyon10:21 AMBilbao$3991One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Lyon to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $399.
Distance: 419 miles (675 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$399 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price | $288 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 54m Average total duration 13h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 39m Average total duration 13h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Lyon to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $67 (€55).
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Bilbao:
A bus is $181 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Bilbao costing on average $249 (€204).
A bus is $332 (€272) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Bilbao costing on average $399 (€327).
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 7m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 9m.
Train takes on average 13h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Bilbao including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Bilbao 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 $399 (€327) compared to roughly $288 (€236) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-110.87 (€-90.86). The journey takes 13h 24m versus 8h 53m 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
Lyon to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:51 AM Lyon | 10h30 | 10:21 PM Bilbao | 3 transfers | |
| 4:30 PM Lyon | 17h51 | 10:21 AM Bilbao | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lyon to Bilbao by train, bus, or flight
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.
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01
Jul 01
Thu
Jul 02
Jul 02
Fri
Jul 03
Jul 03
Sat
Jul 04
Jul 04
Sun
Jul 05
Jul 05
Mon
Jul 06
Jul 06
Tue
Jul 07
Jul 07
Wed
Jul 08
Jul 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lyon to Bilbao
France
Spain
Trains from Lyon to Bilbao run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $399 (€327) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 17:00. The fastest train covers the 419 miles (675 km) distance in 10h 30m.
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
Bus from $38 (€31)
Distance 419 miles (675 km) |
Average train duration 13h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $399 (€327) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 10h 30m |
First train 5:46 AM |
Last train 5:00 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $38 (€31)
Train companies: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lyon to Bilbao trainsSociété Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lyon and Bilbao from $38 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 30m
Cheapest Price
$399 (€327)
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
1 a day
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
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning medieval works to modern Basque and Spanish art.
- Recommended
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
Maritime museum by the estuary covering Bilbao’s shipbuilding, port history, and relationship with the sea.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s historic Old Town, known for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, lively squares, and local atmosphere.
- Must visit
Abandoibarra
Revitalized riverside district around the Guggenheim, ideal for walking, architecture, and skyline views.
- Must visit
Artxanda Viewpoint
Popular panoramic viewpoint above Bilbao with wide city views, especially attractive at sunset.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic strongly associated with Bilbao and nearby coastal cuisine.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod served with a rich Bizkaian red pepper and onion sauce. It is one of the signature dishes of the province of Bizkaia.
- Gluten-free
Marmitako
A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is especially emblematic of the Cantabrian coast.
Restaurante Mina
Well-known fine dining restaurant overlooking the river, offering a seasonal tasting-menu approach rooted in high-level Basque cooking.
Gure Toki
Popular pintxos bar on Plaza Nueva, celebrated for creative Basque bites and a busy, classic old-town setting.
La Viña del Ensanche
Established Bilbao dining room and deli known for quality Basque produce, seafood, ham, and a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars can be good value, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple lunch or pintxos.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.00 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in bars, 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not expected.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 5.00 EUR
To the city center
Bilbao-Abando, Bilbao -> Moyua, Bilbao
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Barik card offers cheaper fares than buying single paper tickets and works across Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus and other operators.
- On Bilbobus, contactless card payment is generally available onboard, but carrying a Barik card is usually the most convenient option.
FAQs: Trains from Lyon to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon 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.
Train ticket prices from Lyon to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $399 (€327), while the average price is around $399 (€327).
The train from Lyon to Bilbao runs once a day and takes approximately 10h 30m.
The distance by train from Lyon to Bilbao is 419 miles (675 km).
The first train from Lyon to Bilbao leaves at 5:46 AM.
The last train from Lyon to Bilbao leaves at 5:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lyon to Bilbao.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lyon to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lyon to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Lyon to Bilbao is by bus, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
The train journey from Lyon to Bilbao offers scenic views, especially as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the French and Spanish countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and lush greenery.
A day trip from Lyon to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 10h 30m. The distance is 419 miles (675 km) and there is 1 trip per day by train.
In Bilbao, you can enjoy panoramic views from Mount Artxanda, accessible by funicular, and explore the vibrant La Ribera Market with its fresh produce and local delicacies. A walk along the Nervión River offers beautiful cityscape views, while enjoying pintxos in local bars provides a taste of Basque culture. Discover the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural center in a former wine warehouse. Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with its innovative architecture, the historic Casco Viejo, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, and the striking Zubizuri Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.
A visit to Bilbao is typically well-suited for a 2 to 3-day itinerary, allowing time to explore the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Lyon to Bilbao.
Since both Lyon and Bilbao 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 Bilbao include Miranda de Ebro, Espinosa de los Monteros, Haro, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Laudio-Llodio.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Bilbao 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.
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.
More options for your journey from Lyon to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Lyon
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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.
