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 an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, while a flight costs an average of $224.
Distance: 200 miles (323 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $224 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 2h 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 $43 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $54.
A train is $213 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $224.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 28m.
Bus takes on average 5h 43m.
Tickets start at around $54 compared to roughly $80 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25. The journey takes 5h 13m versus 4h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
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 train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
- Normal+04267+
180618:00 AM15h02Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)11:02 PMBilbao-Abando$431One-way2 transfers
Cheapest
- Normal+04267+180618:00 AM15h02Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)11:02 PMBilbao-Abando$431One-way2 transfers
Fastest
- UX715710:55 AM1h00Madrid Barajas Airport11:55 AMBilbao Airport$2411One-way0 transfers
Other options
- Normal+04267+180638:00 AM15h02Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)11:02 PMBilbao-Abando$431One-way2 transfers
- Normal+04267+180617:45 AM15h17Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses11:02 PMBilbao-Abando$431One-way2 transfers
- Normal+00438+
046876:15 AM9h38Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses3:53 PMBilbao-Abando$471One-way2 transfers
- Normal3:30 PM4h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)7:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$461One-way0 transfers
- Normal7:15 PM4h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)11:45 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$461One-way0 transfers
- Normal10:00 AM4h40Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América2:40 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$461One-way0 transfers
IB44110:10 PM1h05Madrid Barajas Airport11:15 PMBilbao Airport$1461One-way0 transfers
VY520210:10 PM1h05Madrid Barajas Airport11:15 PMBilbao Airport$1711One-way0 transfers- UX71532:55 PM1h00Madrid Barajas Airport3:55 PMBilbao Airport$2411One-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 $43 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $54.
A train is $213 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average $224.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 28m.
Bus takes on average 5h 43m.
- Around 35 trains per day.
- Around 24 buses per day.
- Around 13 flights 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 Alsa, Alsa Supra, FlixBus to go to Bilbao by bus.
- Travel with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe to go to Bilbao by train.
- Travel with Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling, CitizenPlane, Royal Air Maroc, British Airways to go to Bilbao by flight.
- 22 direct buses per day with Alsa, Alsa Supra.
- 2 direct trains per day with Renfe ALVIA.
- 8 direct flights per day with Iberia, Air Europa, CitizenPlane.
Travelling from Madrid to Bilbao: related information
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