Madrid to Bilbao bus with Alsa

Thu, 20 Nov
+ Add return
Alsa
Alsa Supra
BlaBlaCar
Infobus
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
Alsa
Alsa Supra
BlaBlaCar
Infobus
FlixBus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£24

Average price

£41

Fastest journey

3 h 50 m

Average duration

3 h 54 m

Buses per day

33

Distance

323 km

Cheap tickets

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 £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.

Fast coaches

Of the 33 buses that leave Madrid for Bilbao every day 31 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 3 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .

The slowest buses will take 4 h 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.

BlaBlaCar
06:004h20
Madrid
10:20Bilbao
£241One-way
0 changes
BlaBlaCar
17:004h00
Madrid
21:00Bilbao
£241One-way
0 changes
BlaBlaCar
14:403h50
Madrid
18:30Bilbao
£251One-way
0 changes
BlaBlaCar
10:303h50
Madrid
14:20Bilbao
£251One-way
0 changes
BlaBlaCar
10:204h50
Madrid
15:10Bilbao
£251One-way
0 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 coach with prices starting from £27. 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 £27, and a flight costs an average of £39.

Distance: 323 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight

£48

Average Price

Cheapest

£64

Average Price

£178

Average Price

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 33m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Air Europa

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, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 04:23
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
alsaNormal06:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h50
10:50 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy08:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h25
12:25 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy08:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
4h10
12:25 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal09:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h40
13:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal10:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h55
14:55 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal10:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
5h00
15:00 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal10:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
4h40
14:55 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal10:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
4h45
15:00 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal11:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h45
16:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal13:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h45
17:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy14:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h10
18:10 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal14:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
5h15
19:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal14:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
4h45
19:15 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal15:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h45
19:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal18:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h45
22:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaNormal18:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
4h30
22:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy19:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h10
23:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy19:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
3h55
23:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
Friday 21 November
alsaSupra Economy01:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
4h10
05:10 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect
alsaSupra Economy01:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
3h55
05:10 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses0 changesdirect

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.

Thu
20 Nov
Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Madrid to Bilbao

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of bus

Buses from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 24 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.

There are 23 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 323 km distance in 3h 55m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
323 km
Average bus duration
6h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Buses per day
24
Direct buses
23
Fastest bus
3h 55m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:45
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus, Empresa Municipal de Transportes from Madrid to BilbaoYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Bilbao with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus, Empresa Municipal de Transportes for as low as £27. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Alsa

About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
£29
Alsa frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.

Alsa Supra

About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an \Ociobus\" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
£49
Alsa Supra frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 25m
Cheapest Price
£74
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

BlaBlaCar

About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day

Empresa Municipal de Transportes

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 27m
Cheapest Price
£33
Empresa Municipal de Transportes frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can start from as little as £26 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Madrid to Bilbao is £44; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Madrid to Bilbao coach travel time is 3 h 55 min   for the 200 mile long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 06: 00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 22: 45.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Bilbao without having to change trains with Alsa. There are 24 direct coaches from Madrid to Bilbao each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Madrid to Bilbao coach to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus or Empresa Municipal de Transportes. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services between Madrid and Bilbao to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, which is located around 3.1 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Bilbao from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 55 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Madrid to Bilbao is November.
You have options as you can travel to Bilbao from Madrid 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Madrid to Bilbao has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.
    No, luggage for the coach from Madrid to Bilbao needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Madrid to Bilbao.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Bilbao

    Madrid
    Bilbao
    The major coach station for departures in Madrid is Madrid, Avenida de América. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid, Avenida de América for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
    Madrid, Avenida de AméricaWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    3 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Avenida de América
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
    • Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km)
    • La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Madrid, Avenida de América
    • Bus: 200, 114, 115, 122 Metro: 4, 6, 7, 9
    Madrid, Estación Sur de AutobusesWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    3 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Calle de Méndez Álvaro
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
    • Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
    • La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    • Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
    Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-23:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    2 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Calle de la Princesa
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available near the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transport options for Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
    • Bus: 1, 2, 44, 82, 132, C1, C2 Metro: 3, 6
    Madrid
    information
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    information

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