- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Cheapest price
£112
Average price
£130
Fastest journey
14 h 45 m
Average duration
18 h 23 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap coach 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 £130 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £112.
To travel from Bilbao to Madrid you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 44m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £26.
Distance: 323 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£41 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £124 Average Price |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid coaches for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:25 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 14h45 | 8:10 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 change | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:05 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 19h40 | 19:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 20h45 | 7:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 28 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £17 by train.
There are 24 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 323 km distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 323 km |
Average bus duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Buses per day 28 |
Direct buses 24 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Coaches from Bilbao to Madrid are the next best alternative to taking a flight as no direct trains operate between these two cities. An average of 26 different connections are active every day and departure times are staggered throughout most of the day. All services are direct with the fastest taking four hours and five minutes to arrive at its destination.
There are no changeovers required for any of the coaches from Bilbao to Madrid. However, there is some disparity in terms of journey time. The fastest services take just over four hours, while the longest can take as long as five hours and ten minutes. While there is no absolute rule for why this is the case, journeys from the less usual start point, Cruz Roja Ereaga, tend to involve a longer journey time.
On average, there are 26 coaches from Bilbao to Madrid to choose from each day. While services do not depart around the clock, most are staggered throughout the day starting from the latter hours of the morning. Departures usually continue until just before midnight, with more connection times clustered during the afternoon hours than any other period.
Departure bus station: There are two start points for coaches from Bilbao to Madrid. The first is the main bus station, Bilbao Intermodal (formerly called Termibus), from which the majority of coaches to Madrid depart. It is just under one mile from the city center and trams and metro stops are nearby as well as food services and hostels. The second start point is Cruz Roja Ereaga, a pick up point in the town of Getxo, which is located eight miles outside of Bilbao.
Arrival bus station: The majority of connections terminate in Madrid Interc. Av América or Avenida de America station. This station houses both trains and buses and is located very near the city center. As first and foremost a transport hub, it does not offer many services but passengers can take a variety of metro lines, buses or taxi services from here. The second termination point is terminal 4 of Barajas Airport, where buses, taxis, currency exchange and a pharmacy are all available.
All coaches from Bilbao to Madrid are operated by Alsa, a provider that operates throughout Europe with a large number of routes covered in Portugal, France and Germany. It also offers connections between most Spanish cities. Alsa also connect to a number of important airports and indeed some connections from Bilbao to Madrid disembark at one of the city's major airports, Barajas.
Alsa buses depart from Bilbao for Madrid throughout the day. While the vast majority of these services are considered by the company to be 'normal' buses with limited onboard facilities, a number of what are called 'Premium' routes are also available. These offer a significantly extended list of facilities on-board.
Alsa coaches from Bilbao to Madrid are divided into normal and premium routes. Normal services are standard buses that offer free WiFi and an onboard toilet. Premium buses offer more comfortable seats, a touch-activated tv screen, tables, power sockets and other service options. Luggage allowances on Alsa buses extends to a maximum of 30kg per passenger with overhead storage for small bags and undercarriage storage compartments for larger items. There are usually four bike storage spots on each bus that must be booked in advance. Pets that weigh less than 10kg can also travel but must be kept an appropriate carrier and booked in advance. Guide dogs are exempt from this but passengers must bring suitable paperwork for the dog and keep it on a leash. For those requiring special assistance, Alsa has in place what they call their Accessibility Plan. This is a comprehensive service designed to make their coaches as accessible as possible. Options include the reservation of seats near doors where necessary and a dedicated phone service for locating buses with lifting platforms for those confined to or in need of a wheelchair.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bilbao to Madrid buses use the Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses to Madrid, Avenida de América station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several nearby cafes and restaurants.
Wi-Fi is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea. ATMs are available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea.
Available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Ramps and designated areas for accessibility.
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
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