4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $62.
Of the 2 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao 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 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 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.
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bilbao 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 33m. 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 $52.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$85 Average Price | $64 Average Price Cheapest | $238 Average Price |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m 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
Madrid to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao trains for today, Friday, 14 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:20 am Madrid | 4h40 | 10:00 am Bilbao | 0 changesdirect | |
| 3:37 pm Madrid | 4h44 | 8:21 pm Bilbao | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bilbao 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.
14 Nov
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 but you can travel from only $36 by coach.
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 40m.
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 00:30 |
Last train 17:37 |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from $36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
FAQs: Madrid to Bilbao train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid Chamartín, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Bilbao-Abando, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Bilbao
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskMost popular train connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Madrid
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