- Must visit
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
Flights from Madrid to Bilbao depart on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £24 by train.
There are 7 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 06:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest flight covers the 323 km distance in 1h 0m. December is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 323 km |
Average flight duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Flights per day 11 |
Direct flights 7 |
Fastest flight 1h 0m |
First flight 6:30 |
Last flight 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Cheapest price
£77
Average price
£218
Fastest journey
1 h
Average duration
1 h 2 m
Flights per day
15
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap flight 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 £218 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £77.
Of the 15 flights that leave Madrid for Bilbao every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 323 km distance in an average of 1 h 2 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h .
The slowest flights will take 1 h 5 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.
UX7161
IB441
UX7157
IB429
IB439
UX7159
UX7157
UX7153
UX7161
IB1099Omio 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 £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. 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 £24, and a flight costs an average of £35.
Distance: 323 km
| Flight | Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|---|
£130 Average Price | £46 Average Price | £45 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
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 Madrid to Bilbao flights for tomorrow, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UX7161 | 6:30 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 7:35 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
IB429 | 7:25 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 8:30 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
UX6031 · UX7506 | 8:20 Madrid Barajas Airport | 4h30 | 12:50 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
UX6021 · UX7506 | 9:20 Madrid Barajas Airport | 3h30 | 12:50 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
UX7157 | 10:55 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h00 | 11:55 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
IB1099 | 11:40 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 12:45 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
UX7153 | 14:55 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h00 | 15:55 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
IB435 | 15:45 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 16:55 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AT5302 · AT886 | 16:25 Madrid Barajas Airport | 27h10 | 19:35 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
UX6097 · UX7506 | 19:00 Madrid Barajas Airport | 25h20 | 20:20 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
UX7159 | 19:15 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h00 | 20:15 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
IB439 | 19:45 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 20:50 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AT971 · AT886 | 20:10 Madrid Barajas Airport | 23h25 | 19:35 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
UX6049 · UX7506 | 21:45 Madrid Barajas Airport | 22h35 | 20:20 Bilbao Airport | 1 change | |
IB441 | 22:10 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 23:15 Bilbao Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
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.

Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
Fine arts museum with collections from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture. A strong choice for a broader art visit beyond the Guggenheim.
Museum on Basque archaeology, ethnography and maritime life in the old quarter. A clear introduction to regional history and identity.
Bilbao’s old town of narrow lanes, churches, shops and lively squares. Ideal for walking, local atmosphere and understanding the city’s historic core.
Hilltop viewpoint above the city reached by the Artxanda funicular. Worth it for broad views over Bilbao and the surrounding green hills.
Elegant central square with arcades, cafés around the edges and frequent city events. A convenient stop between the old and newer parts of Bilbao.
Salt cod cooked slowly with olive oil, garlic and chilli until it forms a silky sauce. A Basque classic closely linked with Bilbao’s taverns and home cooking.
Salt cod baked or simmered in a red pepper and tomato sauce, often with onion. A traditional Biscayan dish emblematic of local Basque cooking.
Baby eels sautéed with olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served very hot in a clay dish. A classic celebratory pintxo in Bilbao.
Bustling pintxos bar in Casco Viejo with a wide counter selection and a lively, informal atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Well-known tavern for inventive and traditional pintxos near Plaza Nueva, with a busy bar scene and strong local following.
Historic Old Town restaurant known for classic Basque dishes and seafood in a traditional, polished setting.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and dining cost more than in many inland Spanish cities.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change in cafés is enough.
Official public transport app
Bilbao Airport -> Plaza Moyua, Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Bilbao by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Bilbao flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to Bilbao Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Bilbao airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Bilbao Airport is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bilbao Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need