Bilbao to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Mon, May 04
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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 and prices for May 04

Cheapest price

$91

Average price

$109

Fastest journey

7 h 11 m

Average duration

7 h 28 m

Trains per day

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 $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Bilbao for Barcelona on Mon, May 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, May 04 the direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 7 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 11 m .

On Mon, May 04 the slowest trains will take 7 h 44 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
    3:02 PM7h11
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:13 PMBarcelona Sants
    $911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA00437+iryo06013
    3:02 PM7h44
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:46 PMBarcelona Sants
    $1261One-way
    1 transfer

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 bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 33m. 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 bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $34.

Distance: 290 miles (467 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

$76

Average price

$140

Average price

$66

Average price

Cheapest

5h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 45m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 57m

Average total duration

7h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.4 - 2.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Vueling

Most popular airline

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bilbao to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RenfeALVIA004373:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h11
10:13 PM Barcelona Sants0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA00437+iryo060133:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h44
10:46 PM Barcelona Sants1 transfer

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 91 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

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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 1 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) 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 6h 55m.

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 $24 (€20)
Distance
290 miles (467 km)
Average train duration
4h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$31 (€25)
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
6h 55m
First train
5:45 AM
Last train
9:07 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
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 $24 (€20)

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Barcelona from $24 (€20). 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 Duration
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
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
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day

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 $31 (€25), while the average price is around $76 (€61).
The train from Bilbao to Barcelona runs once a day and takes approximately 6h 55m.
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 ALVIA, 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 $24 (€20).
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 6h 55m 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

Bilbao
Barcelona
The major train station for departures in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your trip from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Bilbao-AbandoParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

More options for your journey from Bilbao to Barcelona

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