4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. 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 train costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $45.
Distance: 200 miles (323 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest | $225 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration 4h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | 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 Madrid to Bilbao:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $64 (€52).
A train is $170 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $225 (€182).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 27m.
Bus takes on average 4h 50m.
Travel optionsfrom Madrid to Bilbao
How to get from Madrid to Bilbao by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Madrid to Bilbao is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
- Normal3:30 PM4h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)7:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$481One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
- Normal3:30 PM4h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)7:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$481One-way0 transfers
Fastest
UX71597:15 PM1h00Madrid Barajas Airport8:15 PMBilbao Airport$971One-way0 transfers
Other options
04687+004388:40 AM7h13Madrid Chamartín3:53 PMBilbao-Abando$501One-way1 transfer- 04687 · 002808:40 AM9h30Madrid Chamartín6:10 PMBilbao-Abando$521One-way1 transfer
- Normal+00438+046876:15 AM9h38Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses3:53 PMBilbao-Abando$571One-way2 transfers
- Normal7:15 PM4h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)11:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$481One-way0 transfers
- Normal2:45 PM4h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)7:15 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$481One-way0 transfers
- Normal10:00 AM4h40Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América2:40 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$481One-way0 transfers
- UX71616:30 AM1h05Madrid Barajas Airport7:35 AMBilbao Airport$971One-way0 transfers
- IB4297:25 AM1h05Madrid Barajas Airport8:30 AMBilbao Airport$991One-way0 transfers
- IB4397:45 PM1h05Madrid Barajas Airport8:50 PMBilbao Airport$991One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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 to get from Madrid to Bilbao
The Best Way According to our Users
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FAQs: Travel from Madrid to Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Bilbao.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Bilbao:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $64 (€52).
A train is $170 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $225 (€182).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 27m.
Bus takes on average 4h 50m.
- Around 25 buses per day.
- Around 10 flights per day.
- Around 2 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Madrid and Bilbao as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from Madrid Barajas Airport and arrive in Bilbao Airport.
- Trains mostly depart from Madrid Chamartín and arrive in Bilbao-Abando.
- Buses mostly depart from Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América and arrive in Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
- Travel with Iberia, Air Europa, Air Nostrum, Vueling, GetJet Airlines to go to Bilbao by flight.
- Travel with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros to go to Bilbao by train.
- Travel with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Infobus to go to Bilbao by bus.
- 7 direct flights per day with Iberia, Air Europa, Air Nostrum.
- 2 direct trains per day with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
- 23 direct buses per day with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar.
Travelling from Madrid to Bilbao: related information
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