Bilbao to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Tue, Sep 08
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Barcelona

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08

Cheapest price on Sep 08

$79

Average ticket price on Sep 08

$80

Fastest journey on Sep 08

7 h 11 m

Average journey duration on Sep 08

7 h 30 m

Trains on Sep 08

2

Distance

467 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.

Fast trains

On Tue, Sep 08, we found 2 trains from Bilbao to Barcelona, including 1 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 11 m .

On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 48 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.

  • Renfe ALVIA00437+iryo06015
    3:02 PM7h48
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:50 PMBarcelona Sants
    $791One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe ALVIA00437
    3:02 PM7h11
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:13 PMBarcelona Sants
    $811One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Bilbao to Barcelona

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $46, while a flight costs an average of $277.

Distance: 290 miles (467 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$46

Average price

Cheapest

$277

Average price

$70

Average price

$120

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 28m

Average total duration

5h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 14m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

10h 45m

Average total duration

10h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 11m

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

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Air Europa

Most popular airline

Alsa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to Barcelona is a train with an average price of $46.

This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Barcelona:

A train is $23 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Barcelona costing on average $70.

A train is $231 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Barcelona costing on average $277.

The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Barcelona is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 14m.

Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 58m.

Bus takes on average 10h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Barcelona including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Barcelona among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 13m faster (5h 58m by train vs 6h 11m by car) and roughly $73 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($46 vs $120). 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 Viajeros.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Bilbao to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Barcelona trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA1:02 PM Bilbao
7h11
8:13 PM Barcelona0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA2:02 PM Bilbao
7h11
9:13 PM Barcelona0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Barcelona 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Barcelona?

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Barcelona is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Barcelona route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Barcelona 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 Bilbao to Barcelona.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Bilbao to Barcelona

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
IconPunctuality
IconVolume
IconStaff
Disadvantages
IconPrice
IconHygiene
IconNeed to change
A few months ago, I took a trip from Barcelona to Bilbao with Deutsche Bahn. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by the journey, as the train arrived in Bilbao on time. The volume on the train was optimal. The staff on the train were very friendly and dealt with their customers' concerns quickly. The price was personally not that impressive. I personally found it a bit expensive. Unfortunately, no attention was paid to hygiene, as the toilets were not clean. There were also many transfer necessities that made the trip difficult. Overall, a satisfactory trip.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Barcelona

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $10 by bus.

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 2h 49m.

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 $10
Distance
290 miles (467 km)
Average train duration
5h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$12
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 49m
First train
5:45 AM
Last train
9:07 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
91 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 $10

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, iryo, AVE, Renfe AVLO from Bilbao to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, iryo, AVE, Renfe AVLO trains will get you between Bilbao and Barcelona from $10. 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 Renfe ALVIA Duration
6h 1m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
$12
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 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

iryo

About
iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average iryo Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest iryo Price
$22
iryo frequency
29 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone

AVE

About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average AVE Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest AVE Price
$22
AVE frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

Renfe AVLO

About
Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe AVLO Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price
$37
Renfe AVLO frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed

Complete guide to Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona

Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.

  • Must visit

Museu Picasso

One of the world’s leading Picasso collections, especially strong on his formative years in Barcelona and early artistic development.

  • Must visit

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

This national art museum is essential for Romanesque murals, Gothic masterpieces, and one of the city’s grandest palace settings.

  • Recommended

Fundació Joan Miró

Europe’s largest museum dedicated to Miró, combining bold paintings, sculpture, and a superb hilltop setting on Montjuïc.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe; lodging in central areas is costly, but tapas, menu del día, and public transport are fairly priced for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good service; small change for cafes; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.

FAQs: Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Bilbao to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12, while the average price is around $46.
The train from Bilbao to Barcelona takes 2h 49m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Bilbao to Barcelona is 290 miles (467 km).
The first train from Bilbao to Barcelona leaves at 5:45 AM.
The last train from Bilbao to Barcelona leaves at 9:07 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bilbao to Barcelona. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Renfe Viajeros.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bilbao to Barcelona.
The train station in Bilbao that goes to Barcelona is Bilbao-Abando, which connects to Barcelona Sants.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Barcelona is by bus, with a cost of around $10.
The train journey from Bilbao to Barcelona offers scenic views of the Basque Country's lush landscapes and the rolling hills of Catalonia, providing a picturesque travel experience.
A day trip from Bilbao to Barcelona is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 49m and trains run only 1 time per day over a distance of 290 miles (467 km).
In Barcelona, you can explore Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona, which offers tours and a museum. Visit Montjuïc for stunning city views, the Magic Fountain, and Montjuïc Castle. Relax at Barceloneta Beach, known for sunbathing and seaside dining. Discover El Raval's eclectic culture and nightlife, and enjoy rides and views at Tibidabo Amusement Park. Must-see sights include the iconic Sagrada Família, vibrant Park Güell, bustling La Rambla, the historic Gothic Quarter, and the uniquely designed Casa Batlló by Gaudí.
Three to four days in Barcelona is ideal to explore its main attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter, while also enjoying its vibrant culture and cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Since both Bilbao and Barcelona 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 Barcelona include Girona, Figueres, Tarragona, Lleida, Port Aventura.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like La Rambla, public transport, and popular tourist sites. Common scams include distraction techniques, fake petitions, and overpriced taxi rides without meters. It's advisable to keep valuables secure, avoid unlicensed taxis, and remain vigilant in busy spots to ensure a safe visit.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bilbao to Barcelona

Most Bilbao to Barcelona trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bilbao
Arrival train stations in Barcelona

Which Bilbao station do trains to Barcelona leave from?

Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona leave from Bilbao-Abando. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre

Bus03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · $2 · every ~51 min
A3631, A3632 · 8m · $2 · every ~7 min
TramTr · 1m · $2 · every ~16 min

Bilbao-Abando train station facilities and services

Bilbao-Abando has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bilbao-Abando. Information desks are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Abando.

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