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Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri, Apr 25
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Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Apr 25

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.

AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
06:15AM9h21
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
03:36PMBilbao-Abando
$501One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687 · 00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$531One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
12:30AM15h06
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
03:36PMBilbao-Abando
$561One-way
2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA04261+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
06:49AM8h47
Madrid Chamartín
03:36PMBilbao-Abando
$581One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)18061+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$581One-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 €28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg.

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€57

Average price

€48

Average price

Cheapest

€139

Average price

5h 13m

Average duration

Fastest

4h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 26m

Average duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 57m

Average duration

4h 57m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

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, Thursday, April 24
Last updated at 4:33 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04187 · 0043810:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h06
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04087 · 0043810:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h06
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA0043810:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h06
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Friday, April 25
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
9h21
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 002804:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04087 · 004384:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04187 · 004384:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004384:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04187 · 004384:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h47
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004384:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h47
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04087 · 004384:49 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h47
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04187
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h40
10:00 AM Bilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04087+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h16
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h16
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h55
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h51
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002805:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004385:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h45
1:36 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002806:00 AM Madrid
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA042676:00 AM Madrid
14h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002806:00 AM Madrid
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
13h41
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002807:15 AM Madrid
9h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:25 AM 7:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h50
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:56 AM 7:56 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h19
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
7:56 AM 7:56 AMMadrid Chamartín
12h25
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:56 AM 7:56 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h19
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA042678:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA042678:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:15 AM Madrid
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002808:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002808:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsa_supraSupra Economy+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA042679:15 AM Madrid
11h06
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h52
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
9:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h58
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsa_supraSupra Economy+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426710:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY0028010:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h10
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426710:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h16
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h21
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT34101+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:03 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h18
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT34101+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA0426711:03 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h18
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:15 AM Madrid
9h06
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:30 AM Madrid
8h51
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA0426711:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h41
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h41
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08139+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426711:48 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h33
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08139+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA0426711:48 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h33
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426712:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h06
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426712:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h58
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04257+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426712:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h35
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVE05721+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA0426712:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h22
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeREGIONALEXP18009+RenfeALVIA042671:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h41
8:21 PM Bilbao-Abando2 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.

Fastest train times from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Apr 25

Fastest Journey

4 h 40 m

Average

9 h 28 m

Trains per day

58

Distance

323 km

Of the 58 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.

Renfe ALVIA04187
07:20AM4h40
Madrid Chamartín
12:00PMBilbao-Abando
$641One-way
0 transfers
Renfe ALVIA04267
05:37PM4h44
Madrid Chamartín
10:21PMBilbao-Abando
$951One-way
0 transfers
Renfe (6)08129+Renfe ALVIA00631+Renfe Intercity00280
12:05PM6h10
Madrid Chamartín
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$831One-way
2 transfers
Renfe (6)08359+Renfe Regional Exprés18009+Renfe ALVIA04267
03:40PM6h41
Madrid Chamartín
10:21PMBilbao-Abando
$871One-way
2 transfers
Renfe AVLO04121+Renfe ALVIA00631+Renfe Intercity00280
11:23AM6h52
Madrid Chamartín
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
$1061One-way
2 transfers

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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 4h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) 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
4h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Train providers
6
Fastest train
4h 40m
First train
06:15
Last train
16:37
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

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 $15 (€12) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Bilbao is $55 (€46); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Bilbao from Madrid is on average 4 h 32 min   for the 200 mile (322 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Madrid and Bilbao by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 12: 30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 5: 45 PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Bilbao without having to change trains with Renfe ALVIA. There are 2 direct trains from Madrid to Bilbao each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Madrid to Bilbao train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Renfe ALVIA. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services between Madrid and Bilbao to compare what amenities they may 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 32 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Madrid to Bilbao by train 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 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
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

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