The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
4 h 28 m
Average duration
5 h 34 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $62.
Of the 9 trains that leave Bilbao for Madrid every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 55 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.
00283 · 04786
00437+
04786
04366
00283+
04366
00437 · 04366
04186
04366
00437+
04786
04186 · 04086
00437 · 04366Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Bilbao to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. 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 coach costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $69.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average Price | $52 Average Price Cheapest | $190 Average Price |
5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 37m Average total duration 7h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bilbao to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Wednesday, 26 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04186 · 04086 | On time 6:00 am Bilbao-Abando | 6h51 | 12:51 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
04186 | On time 6:00 am Bilbao-Abando | 4h28 | 10:28 am Madrid Chamartín | 0 changesdirect | |
00283 · 04786 | On time 11:15 am Bilbao-Abando | 8h00 | 7:15 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
00283+ 04176 | On time 11:15 am Bilbao-Abando | 9h58 | 9:13 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
00283+ 04366 | On time 11:15 am Bilbao-Abando | 9h58 | 9:13 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
00437 · 04366 | On time 2:18 pm Bilbao-Abando | 6h55 | 9:13 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
00437 · 04176 | On time 2:18 pm Bilbao-Abando | 6h55 | 9:13 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
00437+ 04786 | On time 2:18 pm Bilbao-Abando | 4h57 | 7:15 pm Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
04366 | On time 4:35 pm Bilbao-Abando | 4h38 | 9:13 pm Madrid Chamartín | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Madrid by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
26 Nov
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 323 km distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 4h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 00:30 |
Last train 17:37 |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from $31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
FAQs: Bilbao to Madrid train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Bilbao-Abando, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Madrid Chamartín, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Madrid
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Madrid
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