Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Nov 22

Cheapest price

$59

Average price

$89

Fastest journey

4 h 40 m

Average duration

6 h 9 m

Trains per day

35

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 $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.

Fast trains

Of the 35 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao on Sat, Nov 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 6 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .

On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 6 h 52 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 Intercity04687 · 00280
12:30AM17h45
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$591One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687 · 00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$591One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
06:15AM9h29
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
03:44PMBilbao-Abando
$601One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
12:30AM15h14
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
03:44PMBilbao-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
$691One-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 €29. 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 €29, and a flight costs an average of €42.

Distance: 200 miles (323 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€69

Average price

€51

Average price

Cheapest

€192

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

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao trains for today, Friday, November 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:48 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h29
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
5:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h08
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h39
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h39
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h40
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h11
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h11
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04087 · 00438
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h40
11:00 AM Bilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04187 · 00438
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h55
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h59
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h53
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
14h21
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h04
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
13h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
9h00
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h50
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h19
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h25
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h19
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h15
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
8h00
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
9:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
12h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaSupra Economy+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
11h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h52
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO04121+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h58
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaSupra Economy+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
11:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h21
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h21
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05101+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h18
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05101+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h18
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:15 PM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
9h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
8h51
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h41
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h41
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
1:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO05817+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h58
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04257+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
1:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h35
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05721+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
1:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h22
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08159+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
2:10 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h11
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04153+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
2:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h01
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08359+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h41
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08169+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
3:15 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h06
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE04161+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h44
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04267
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h44
9:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04187 · 00438
On time
11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h14
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
17h45
5:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h14
2:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers

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 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.

Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
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Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
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Dec 11

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.
Advantages
IconHygiene
Disadvantages
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.
Advantages
IconUnfortunately nothing
Disadvantages
IconTrain 2 hours late
IconNo refund for delay
IconStaff could not help
IconTrain overcrowded
Train number: ALVIA 04182 Departure: 08:00, Arrival: planned 13:30, actual 15:30 This train journey from Madrid to Bilbao was a disaster. The train was 2 hours late and no compensation or refund was offered. The train staff were unfriendly and not helpful at all when I asked for information. The train was also completely overcrowded which made the journey very uncomfortable. The lack of seats and the general condition of the train made the travelling experience even worse. A really disappointing journey - I won't be taking this route again any time soon.
Advantages
IconFaster than by car
IconPunctual, clean
IconSufficient legroom
Disadvantages
IconBoardbistro was closed
I was very satisfied with the journey. There is no cheaper and easier way to get to your destination. It takes about 4 hours to get here without changing trains. You definitely can't complain about the price. The seats are also very comfortable, so it's bearable. The only negative: the board bistro was closed. So it's best to bring drinks and something to eat. Otherwise really great! We travelled on the Renfe train. No need to change trains here.
Advantages
IconClean
Disadvantages
IconDelay
Unfortunately, the train journey with train number 1932 was not entirely satisfactory. The journey took 5 hours and included one change of trains. Unfortunately, the journey was a little more stressful due to the delay of the train. The changeover went well, but the waiting time due to the delay was unpleasant. The train seats were comfortable and the hygiene was acceptable for the most part, although some aspects could be optimised. The wifi was good and I had a power socket.

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 $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 4h 40m.

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 $36 (€29)
Distance
200 miles (323 km)
Average train duration
5h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 40m
First train
00:30
Last train
17:37
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 $36 (€29)

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from $36 (€29). 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 Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 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

Renfe (13)

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Intercity

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
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 First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
3 a day

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

FAQs
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.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Bilbao.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Bilbao.
The distance by train from Madrid to Bilbao is 200 miles (323 km).
Yes, there is a direct train from Madrid to Bilbao. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
The first train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 12:30 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 5:37 PM.
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 day trip from Madrid to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 40m one way. Trains run 2 times per day.
The train journey from Madrid to Bilbao offers a variety of scenic views, including picturesque landscapes of the Spanish countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of charming villages, making it a visually pleasing experience.
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€29), while the average price is around $84 (€69).
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Bilbao is by bus, with a cost of around $36 (€29).
The train from Madrid to Bilbao takes 4h 40m and runs 2 per day.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Bilbao is Madrid Chamartín, which connects to Bilbao-Abando.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Bilbao.

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

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