Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu, Jul 10
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Jul 10

Cheapest price

$60

Average price

$79

Fastest journey

4 h 44 m

Average duration

6 h 25 m

Trains per day

43

Distance

323 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.

Fast trains

Of the 43 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao on Thu, Jul 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 6 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 44 m .

On Thu, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 7 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)37631+Renfe Intercity00280
10:15AM8h00
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$601One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)37631+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$601One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)18061+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$601One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)37631+Renfe Intercity00280
10:00AM8h15
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$601One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)37631+Renfe Intercity00280
08:00AM10h15
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$631One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Bilbao

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €36.

Distance: 200 miles (322 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€60

Average price

€54

Average price

Cheapest

€214

Average price

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 33m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Air Europa

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Madrid to Bilbao train times

Showing trains for today, Wednesday, July 9
Last updated at 7:35 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04187 · 0043810:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h14
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 0028010:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
17h45
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA0043810:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h14
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Thursday, July 10
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002804:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002804:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004384:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h29
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
4:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h39
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
4:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h39
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
4:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h08
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004384:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h55
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002804:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h26
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002804:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h26
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04087+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04087 · 00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187 · 00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002805:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h59
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002805:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002806:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002806:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002806:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h04
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04091+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002807:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091 · 00631+RenfeINTERCITY002807:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002807:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002807:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
9h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002807:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
9h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:25 AM 7:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h50
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeALVIA042678:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
10:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h10
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
10:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h10
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeMD37631+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
10:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h16
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA0426711:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT34101+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA0426711:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:40 AM 11:40 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h41
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA042673:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h44
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Bilbao is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Bilbao route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Bilbao per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Bilbao.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Bilbao

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Pros
IconHygiene
Cons
Icon,
I didn't notice any negative aspects on the journey. The train was very punctual and I had fast and, above all, constant wifi. The sanitary facilities and benches were very hygienic and well cleaned. The price-performance ratio was very good and I can only recommend the train connection. There was no need to change trains. The journey took about five hours. Four stars overall.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train
Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
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
200 miles (322 km)
Average train duration
5h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$31 (€25)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 40m
First train
00:30
Last train
17:38
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 (3), Renfe ALVIA and Renfe from Madrid to Bilbao trains

Buy your official Renfe (3), Renfe ALVIA and Renfe train tickets to Bilbao from Madrid from $32 (€26) with Omio. Find train times and tickets for over 1000 travel companies to compare and book the most affordable route.

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. 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.

Train information from Madrid to Bilbao with Renfe ALVIA:

  • Average Duration: 4 h 32 min
  • Cheapest Price: $32

Train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao: when to book to save $

Time Price Savings
1 week earlier 36 €
2 weeks earlier 30 €20%
3 weeks earlier 30 €20%
1 month before 29 €24%
2 months earlier 30 €20%
3 months earlier 27 €33%


Train companies often offer promotional prices and offers—by buying in advance—you can get access the best prices for trains in the U.S., Canada, and the major European railroad operators. Search on Omio to check prices and cheap train tickets from Madrid - Bilbao. Easily find the most attractive rates and choose the your preferred route for your journey. Book and choose your mobile ticket: avoid the queues at the station and the added stress of printing your ticket.

The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:

  • Buying your train ticket from Madrid - Bilbao 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 20% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
  • If you book a ticket Madrid - Bilbao with 2 months in advance you save up to about 20% compared to the initial price.
  • By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 33%.
  • On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Bilbao

FAQs: Travel by train from Madrid to Bilbao easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Bilbao.
FAQs

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Bilbao

Madrid
Bilbao
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
The major train station for arrivals in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your journey to Bilbao from Madrid.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk

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