- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao’s iconic contemporary art museum, famous for Frank Gehry’s titanium design and major modern and contemporary exhibitions. A defining city landmark and top cultural stop.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salamanca to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jun 04
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
6 h 59 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
340 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salamanca to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salamanca to Bilbao will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Salamanca to Bilbao without transferring at least once.
18302+
0426712:30 PM9h58Salamanca station10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$521One-way1 transfer
00631+
Normal7:20 AM5h25Salamanca station12:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$521One-way1 transfer- 00631 · 002807:20 AM11h02Salamanca station6:22 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
- 00631+004387:20 AM8h33Salamanca station3:53 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
18310+041876:00 AM6h07Salamanca station12:07 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
- 00631+Normal7:20 AM5h25Salamanca station12:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$521One-way1 transfer
- 18310+041876:00 AM6h07Salamanca station12:07 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
- 18314+042674:08 PM6h20Salamanca station10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
- 18306+042672:00 PM8h28Salamanca station10:28 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
- 00631+004387:20 AM8h33Salamanca station3:53 PMBilbao-Abando$541One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Salamanca to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Salamanca to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 42m. 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 $39, and a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 211 miles (340 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company | Most popular bus company | 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 Salamanca to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $42 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Salamanca to Bilbao:
A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salamanca to Bilbao costing on average $80 (€65).
The fastest way to travel from Salamanca to Bilbao is by train with an average journey time of 4h 42m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Salamanca and Bilbao including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Salamanca to Bilbao among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $80 (€65) compared to roughly $97 (€78) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 4h 42m versus 4h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Salamanca to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Salamanca to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18310+04187 | On time 6:00 AM Salamanca station | 6h07 | 12:07 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 00631+00438 | Delayed 7:20 AM Salamanca station | 8h33 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 00631 · 00280 | On time 7:20 AM Salamanca station | 11h02 | 6:22 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 00631+Normal | 7:20 AM Salamanca station | 5h25 | 12:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
| 18302+04267 | Delayed 12:30 PM Salamanca station | 9h58 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 18306+04267 | Delayed 2:00 PM Salamanca station | 8h28 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
| 18314+04267 | Delayed 4:08 PM Salamanca station | 6h20 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Salamanca to Bilbao by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 Salamanca to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Salamanca to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) but you can travel from only $39 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 211 miles (340 km) distance in 5h 42m.
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 $39 (€31)
Distance 211 miles (340 km) |
Average train duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 5:35 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 84 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
Bus from $39 (€31)
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros from Salamanca to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Salamanca and Bilbao from $39 (€31). 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
0
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 Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 42m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€59)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day
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 most important art museums, with collections spanning medieval to modern works, including Basque, Spanish and European masters.
- Recommended
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
Bilbao’s maritime museum by the estuary, covering the city’s shipbuilding, port and industrial heritage through outdoor docks and indoor exhibits.
- Must visit
Plaza Nueva
Grand neoclassical square in the Old Town, lined with arcades and always lively. A classic place to experience Bilbao’s urban character.
- Must visit
Abandoibarra
Waterfront redevelopment zone around the Guggenheim, ideal for contemporary architecture, riverside walks and some of Bilbao’s most shared views.
- Must visit
Artxanda Viewpoint
Classic viewpoint over Bilbao, reached by funicular, offering one of the city’s most iconic panoramas and a favorite photo spot.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A classic Basque dish strongly associated with Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod served with a rich red pepper and onion sauce in the Bizkaia style. It is one of the signature dishes of the province.
- Gluten-free
Marmitako
A traditional Basque fishermen’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is hearty, local, and widely loved in Bilbao.
Restaurante Mina
Highly regarded fine-dining restaurant by the river, known for tasting menus that highlight seasonal Basque ingredients with contemporary style.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao
Refined Michelin-starred dining inside the Guggenheim, offering modern Basque cuisine with elegant technique and a calm, minimalist room.
La Viña del Ensanche
Well-known, long-running restaurant and wine bar celebrated for quality pintxos, seasonal Basque cooking, and a lively local atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars are affordable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for pintxos or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Small change is enough in bars or taxis; tipping is not obligatory.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- null
To the city center
Bilbao-Abando, Bilbao -> Moyua, Bilbao
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Barik is the rechargeable card used on Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus, tram and other local transport, and it usually gives cheaper fares than single tickets.
- On Bilbobus, contactless card payment is available on board, but having a Barik card is usually the most practical option for regular travel.
FAQs: Trains from Salamanca to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salamanca 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.
Train ticket prices from Salamanca to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $73 (€59), while the average price is around $80 (€65).
The train from Salamanca to Bilbao takes 5h 42m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Salamanca to Bilbao is 211 miles (340 km).
The first train from Salamanca to Bilbao leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Salamanca to Bilbao leaves at 5:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Salamanca to Bilbao.
There is no direct train service currently available from Salamanca to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Salamanca to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Salamanca to Bilbao is by bus, with a cost of around $39 (€31).
The train journey from Salamanca to Bilbao offers scenic views of the Spanish countryside, with landscapes featuring rolling hills, lush greenery, and occasional glimpses of traditional Spanish villages, making it a picturesque travel experience.
A day trip from Salamanca to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 42m, and the frequency is 2 per day for trains.
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 Salamanca to Bilbao.
Since both Salamanca 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 Salamanca 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.
Most popular train connections from Salamanca
More options for your journey from Salamanca to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Salamanca
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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