4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest coaches from Madrid to Bilbao
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap coach 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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Of the 21 buses that leave Madrid for Bilbao every day 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 15 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.
Normal19:154h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)23:45Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes- Normal14:004h45Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América18:45Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes
- Normal19:004h45Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América23:45Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes
- Normal17:304h45Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América22:15Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes
- Normal16:004h45Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América20:45Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes
- Supra Economy20:453h55Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)0:40Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£491One-way0 changes
- Supra Economy20:304h10Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América0:40Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£411One-way0 changes
- Supra Economy15:004h10Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América19:10Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£481One-way0 changes
- Supra Economy9:154h10Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)13:25Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£591One-way0 changes
- Normal15:304h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)19:45Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses£351One-way0 changes
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 train with prices starting from £20. 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 £20, and a flight costs an average of £33.
Distance: 323 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £163 Average Price |
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* |
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.
Live departures
Madrid to Bilbao bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao coaches for today, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:59 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 19h11 | 19:10 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 change | |
| Saturday 11 July | |||||
| Supra Economy | 9:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h25 | 13:25 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Supra Economy | 9:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h10 | 13:25 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 11:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h05 | 16:05 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 11:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h50 | 16:05 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 20h30 | 8:50 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 change | |
| Normal | 14:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 18:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 14:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h30 | 19:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Supra Economy | 15:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h10 | 19:10 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 15:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 4h45 | 19:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 15:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h15 | 19:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 16:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 20:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 16:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 21:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Supra Economy | 17:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h20 | 21:20 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 17:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 22:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 18:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 22:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 19:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h45 | 23:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 19:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 4h30 | 23:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Supra Economy | 20:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 4h10 | 0:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Supra Economy | 20:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 3h55 | 0:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:50 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 18h15 | 15:05 Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 1 change | |
This is the last bus 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.
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Why should you book Madrid to Bilbao coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra, FlixBus or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra, FlixBus or Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Bilbao.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 25 times per day, taking around 4h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £20 by train.
There are 23 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 323 km distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 323 km |
Average bus duration 4h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 23 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Infobus from Madrid to BilbaoYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Bilbao with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus, Infobus for as low as £20. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
Alsa Supra
FlixBus
Infobus
BlaBlaCar
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao: Journey Details
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao are operated by Spanish provider, ALSA with up to 14 departures a day. The first bus leaves in the early hours of the morning, with the last departure at around 8:30 p.m., with a journey time of about 4 hours.
Taking the Bus from Madrid
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao leave from the Intercambiador de Transporte Bus Station, located on Avenida de America, which has good local transport links by bus and Metro to the rest of the city and the suburbs. Madrid's efficient and extensive transport network is supplemented by regular night bus routes. Taxis are available at the bus station.
Getting into Madrid by Bus
Bilbao is a bustling port and the capital of Vizcaya in the Basque Region of Northern Spain, and is situated on the tidal Nervión River. Bilbao enjoys a mild climate, more temperate than much of Spain and has become increasingly popular, with visitors enjoying the art and architecture of the modernist Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Other attractions are the Basque Museum and La Ria Maritime Museum. The Old Town, or Casco Viejo, of Bilbao has seven streets full of interesting shops and cafes. Buses from Madrid to Bilbao arrive at the TermiBus Station, which is linked by tram to central Bilbao. Bilbao has plenty of public transport options, including a Metro line, frequent Bilbobus City buses, one EuskoTran tram line, and the BizkaiBus service which covers surrounding regions and coastal towns. Bilbao has a weekend night bus service and taxis are available at the station.
FAQs: Madrid to Bilbao coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Bilbao
Most Madrid to Bilbao buses use the Madrid, Avenida de América to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Bilbao bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Madrid station do buses to Bilbao leave from?
Getting to Madrid, Avenida de América from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Avenida de América has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) from Madrid city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Getting to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Which Bilbao station do buses from Madrid arrive at?
Getting to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses from Bilbao city centre
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea from Bilbao city centre
Most popular bus 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 buses to and from Bilbao and Madrid
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