- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Málaga to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$137
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
11 h 4 m
Average duration
12 h 51 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
739 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Bilbao will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Málaga to Bilbao without transferring at least once.
06021+
0426711:24 AM11h04Málaga María Zambrano10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$1371One-way1 transfer- 06089+042677:50 AM14h38Málaga María Zambrano10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$1521One-way1 transfer
- 06021+0426711:24 AM11h04Málaga María Zambrano10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$1371One-way1 transfer
- 06089+042677:50 AM14h38Málaga María Zambrano10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$1521One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Málaga to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 29m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 459 miles (739 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $173 Average price | $181 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Málaga to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $74 (€61).
This is compared to other travel options from Málaga to Bilbao:
A bus is $99 (€81) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Bilbao costing on average $173 (€141).
The fastest way to travel from Málaga to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 29m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 24m.
Bus takes on average 11h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Málaga and Bilbao including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Málaga to Bilbao among Omio's users.
Live departures
Málaga to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Málaga 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06089+04267 | On time 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 14h38 | 10:28 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 06021+04267 | 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 11h04 | 10:28 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Málaga to Bilbao by bus or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Málaga to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Take a train from Málaga to Bilbao and enjoy the approximately 459 miles (739 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 21:25.
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
Flight from $18 (€15)
Distance 459 miles (739 km) |
Average train duration 10h 24m |
First train 6:04 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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
Flight from $18 (€15)
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Málaga to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Málaga and Bilbao from $18 (€15). 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
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
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 Málaga to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga 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.
The distance by train from Málaga to Bilbao is 459 miles (739 km).
The first train from Málaga to Bilbao leaves at 6:04 AM.
The last train from Málaga to Bilbao leaves at 9:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Málaga to Bilbao.
There is no direct train service currently available from Málaga to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Málaga to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Málaga to Bilbao is by flight, with a cost of around $18 (€15).
The train journey from Málaga to Bilbao offers diverse scenery, including views of the Andalusian countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns as you travel north through Spain.
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 Málaga to Bilbao.
Since both Málaga 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 Málaga 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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
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 Málaga to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Málaga
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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