Madrid to Bilbao train

Sat, Sep 14
+ Add return
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Sep 16

Cheapest

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.

Cheapest
Renfe ALVIA
07:15AM4h44
Madrid Chamartín
11:59AMBilbao-Abando
$511One-way
0 transfers
2nd Cheapest
Alsa
10:00AM8h15
Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 83
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$561One-way
2 transfers
2nd Cheapest
Alsa
08:00AM10h15
Madrid
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$561One-way
2 transfers
2nd Cheapest
Alsa
09:15AM9h00
Madrid
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$561One-way
2 transfers
2nd Cheapest
Alsa
10:15AM8h00
Madrid
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$561One-way
2 transfers

Madrid to Bilbao train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Monday, September 16
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfersTickets
Alsa12:30AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8315h06 03:36PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa12:30AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8315h06 03:36PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa12:30AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8317h45 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa06:15AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8312h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa06:15AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8312h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa06:15AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8312h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT06:36AM Madrid Chamartín11h39 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT06:36AM Madrid Chamartín9h00 03:36PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT06:36AM Madrid Chamartín11h39 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA06:49AM Madrid Chamartín11h26 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA06:49AM Madrid Chamartín8h47 03:36PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA06:49AM Madrid Chamartín11h26 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA07:15AM Madrid Chamartín11h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA07:15AM Madrid Chamartín11h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA07:15AM Madrid Chamartín4h44 11:59AM Bilbao-Abando0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA07:15AM Madrid Chamartín11h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa07:45AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8310h30 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa07:45AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8310h30 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa07:45AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8310h30 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa08:00AM Madrid10h15 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa08:00AM Madrid10h15 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa08:00AM Madrid10h15 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa09:15AM Madrid9h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa09:15AM Madrid9h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE09:25AM Madrid Chamartín8h50 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE09:56AM Madrid Chamartín8h19 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE09:56AM Madrid Chamartín8h19 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE09:56AM Madrid Chamartín8h19 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa10:00AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 838h15 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa10:00AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 838h15 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa10:00AM Madrid, Estación Sur/Gare routière Méndez Alvaro - 8312h21 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa10:15AM Madrid8h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT10:15AM Madrid Chamartín8h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa10:15AM Madrid8h00 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Alsa Supra11:15AM Madrid11h06 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVLO11:45AM Madrid Chamartín6h30 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVLO11:45AM Madrid Chamartín10h36 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVLO11:45AM Madrid Chamartín6h30 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT12:05PM Madrid Chamartín6h10 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT12:05PM Madrid Chamartín6h10 06:15PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVANT12:05PM Madrid Chamartín10h16 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE01:03PM Madrid Chamartín9h18 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVE01:03PM Madrid Chamartín9h18 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA01:40PM Madrid Chamartín8h41 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA01:40PM Madrid Chamartín8h41 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe AVLO02:22PM Madrid Chamartín7h59 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA05:38PM Madrid Chamartín4h43 10:21PM Bilbao-Abando0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bilbao by bus, train, or flight

Mon
Sep 16
Tue
Sep 17
Wed
Sep 18
Thu
Sep 19
Fri
Sep 20
Sat
Sep 21
Sun
Sep 22
Mon
Sep 23
Tue
Sep 24
Wed
Sep 25
Thu
Sep 26
Fri
Sep 27
Sat
Sep 28
Sun
Sep 29
Mon
Sep 30
Tue
Oct 01
Wed
Oct 02
Thu
Oct 03
Fri
Oct 04
Sat
Oct 05
Sun
Oct 06

Fastest train times from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Sep 16

Fastest Journey

4 h 43 m

Average

9 h 45 m

Trains per day

47

Distance

323 km

Of the 47 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Fastest
Renfe ALVIA
05:38PM4h43
Madrid Chamartín
10:21PMBilbao-Abando
$581One-way
0 transfers
2nd Fastest
Renfe ALVIA
07:15AM4h44
Madrid Chamartín
11:59AMBilbao-Abando
$511One-way
0 transfers
Renfe AVANT
12:05PM6h10
Madrid Chamartín
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$721One-way
2 transfers
Renfe AVANT
12:05PM6h10
Madrid Chamartín
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$711One-way
2 transfers
Renfe AVLO
11:45AM6h30
Madrid Chamartín
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$921One-way
2 transfers

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Deutsche Bahn
Renfe
Italo
Frecciarossa

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.

Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao

distanceDistance200 miles (322 km)
durationAverage train duration4 h 43 min
priceAverage train ticket price$80 (€67)
changesDirect trainYes
carriersTrain providersRenfe ALVIA

Trains from Madrid to Bilbao cover the 200 miles (322 km) long trip taking on average 4 h 43 min with our travel partners like Renfe ALVIA. There are direct train services available. While the average ticket price for this journey costs around $80 (€67), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low as $36 (€31). Travelers depart most frequently from Madrid Chamartín and arrive in Bilbao-Abando.

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 $31 (€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. 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.

Train information from Madrid to Bilbao with Renfe ALVIA:

  • Average Duration: 4 h 32 min
  • Cheapest Price: $31

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
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can start from as little as $36 (€31) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Bilbao is $80 (€67); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Madrid to Bilbao train travel time is 4 h 43 min   for the 200 mile (322 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 5: 15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 3: 38 PM.
Take the Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA. However, it's always good to check out all possible train companies for the trip from Madrid to Bilbao as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid Chamartín, which is located around 4.8 miles (7.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Bilbao-Abando, located 0.4 miles (726 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Bilbao from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 43 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Bilbao is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Bilbao from Madrid including taking a bus, train or flight.

Popular train stations from Madrid to Bilbao

Madrid
Bilbao
The major railway station for departures from Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Read all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your journey from Madrid to Bilbao.
Amenities at station
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
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 station
ParkingParking
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone
More routes, destinations and providers
Currency
Language

Useful links