- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
7 h 3 m
Average duration
7 h 25 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
467 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Bilbao will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 3 trains that leave Barcelona for Bilbao on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 3 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 3 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.
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00438
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06012+
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06012+
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00438Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $37.
Distance: 290 miles (467 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price Cheapest | $200 Average price | $82 Average price | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration Fastest 4h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration 7h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Bilbao:
A train is $0.84 (€0.69) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Barcelona to Bilbao costing on average $82 (€67).
A train is $119 (€97) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Barcelona to Bilbao costing on average $200 (€164).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 6m.
Bus takes on average 7h 34m.
The journey is about 1h 1m faster (5h 6m by train vs 6h 7m by car) and roughly $36 (€30) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($81 (€66) vs $117 (€96)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Bilbao trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06080+ 00438 | Delayed 7:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 8h03 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
06012+ 00438 | Delayed 8:45 AM Barcelona Sants | 7h08 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
00438 | Delayed 8:50 AM Barcelona Sants | 7h03 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Trains from Barcelona to Bilbao run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 290 miles (467 km) distance in 7h 3m.
Distance 290 miles (467 km) |
Average train duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 3m |
First train 5:45 AM |
Last train 9:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning medieval works to modern Basque and Spanish art.
Maritime museum by the estuary covering Bilbao’s shipbuilding, port history, and relationship with the sea.
Bilbao’s historic Old Town, known for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, lively squares, and local atmosphere.
Revitalized riverside district around the Guggenheim, ideal for walking, architecture, and skyline views.
Popular panoramic viewpoint above Bilbao with wide city views, especially attractive at sunset.
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.
Salt cod served with a rich Bizkaian red pepper and onion sauce. It is one of the signature dishes of the province of Bizkaia.
A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is especially emblematic of the Cantabrian coast.
Well-known fine dining restaurant overlooking the river, offering a seasonal tasting-menu approach rooted in high-level Basque cooking.
Popular pintxos bar on Plaza Nueva, celebrated for creative Basque bites and a busy, classic old-town setting.
Established Bilbao dining room and deli known for quality Basque produce, seafood, ham, and a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars can be good value, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
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.
Official public transport app
Bilbao-Abando, Bilbao -> Moyua, Bilbao
The train connection between Barcelona and Bilbao is a convenient way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Spain. The journey is primarily serviced by Renfe Alvia, Renfe, and Renfe ALVIA trains, offering comfortable seating and scenic views along the route. With multiple departures throughout the day, travelers can easily plan their trip while enjoying efficient service from these reputable providers.
The train journey from Barcelona to Bilbao takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a total of 2 connections available per day. The route is not direct, requiring one transfer during the trip. Passengers will depart from Barcelona Sants and arrive at Bilbao-Abando station.
The first daily train journey from Barcelona to Bilbao departs at 06:45 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful landscapes of Spain. The last departure is scheduled for 07:45 AM, allowing passengers a convenient option for late morning travel.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Barcelona and Bilbao is €49. The average ticket price tends to be around €74, providing travelers with a range of options depending on their booking preferences.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, inaugurated in 1997, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry that transformed the city into a cultural hub. Its significance lies not only in its stunning titanium-clad exterior but also in how it revitalized the local economy and tourism industry through world-class exhibitions and events. Unique features include its innovative design with flowing forms and an impressive collection of modern art, making it a must-visit for any art enthusiast.
Casco Viejo, or Old Town, dates back to the 14th century and serves as the historical heart of Bilbao filled with narrow streets brimming with charm. This area holds great significance as it showcases traditional Basque culture through vibrant markets like Mercado de la Ribera and quaint shops offering artisanal goods. What sets Casco Viejo apart are its seven original streets known as "Las Siete Calles," where you can experience authentic tapas bars alongside centuries-old architecture.
The Puente Colgante (Hanging Bridge), completed in 1893, is an engineering marvel recognized as one of the world's first transporter bridges connecting Getxo to Portugalete across the Nervión River. Its importance stems from being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to both its architectural innovation and role in facilitating transportation during industrial growth. The bridge's unique feature includes a gondola system that allows vehicles and pedestrians to cross while enjoying breathtaking views from above—an unforgettable experience for visitors!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona 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.

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