- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Barcelona’s leading art museum holds an outstanding collection of Picasso’s early works, offering insight into his formative years in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Barcelona
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£56
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£56
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
7 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
7 h 56 m
Trains on 16 Oct
4
Distance
467 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
Fast trains
On Fri 16 Oct, we found 4 trains from Bilbao to Barcelona, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 7 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 37 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.
00437+
0394115:027h57Bilbao-Abando22:59Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change- 00437+0399115:027h57Bilbao-Abando22:59Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change
- 00437+
0620115:028h37Bilbao-Abando23:39Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change - 0043715:027h11Bilbao-Abando22:13Barcelona Sants£591One-way0 changes
- 0043715:027h11Bilbao-Abando22:13Barcelona Sants£591One-way0 changes
- 00437+0394115:027h57Bilbao-Abando22:59Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change
- 00437+0399115:027h57Bilbao-Abando22:59Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change
- 00437+0620115:028h37Bilbao-Abando23:39Barcelona Sants£561One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Barcelona
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 467 km distance in 2h 49m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Distance 467 km |
Average train duration 5h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 5:45 |
Last train 21:07 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Live departures
Bilbao to Barcelona train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00437+06201 | 15:02 Bilbao-Abando | 8h37 | 23:39 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
| 00437 | 15:02 Bilbao-Abando | 7h11 | 22:13 Barcelona Sants | 0 changesdirect | |
| 00437+03941 | 15:02 Bilbao-Abando | 7h57 | 22:59 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
| 00437+03991 | 15:02 Bilbao-Abando | 7h57 | 22:59 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Bilbao to Barcelona trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as AVE, Renfe AVLO, iryo and more offer trains services from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of AVE, Renfe AVLO or iryo to find the best option for your trip from Bilbao to Barcelona.
- 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 Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Barcelona?
The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Barcelona is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Barcelona route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Barcelona per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Trains
from £23Coaches
from £39Flights
from £22ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Bilbao to Barcelona
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
PunctualityVolumeStaffDisadvantages
PriceHygieneNeed to changeA few months ago, I took a trip from Barcelona to Bilbao with Deutsche Bahn. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by the journey, as the train arrived in Bilbao on time. The volume on the train was optimal. The staff on the train were very friendly and dealt with their customers' concerns quickly. The price was personally not that impressive. I personally found it a bit expensive. Unfortunately, no attention was paid to hygiene, as the toilets were not clean. There were also many transfer necessities that made the trip difficult. Overall, a satisfactory trip.
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, iryo, AVE, Renfe AVLO from Bilbao to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, iryo, AVE, Renfe AVLO trains will get you between Bilbao and Barcelona from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
6h 1m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£9
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
iryo
About
iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average iryo Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest iryo Price
£16
iryo frequency
29 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average AVE Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest AVE Price
£16
AVE frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Renfe AVLO
About
Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe AVLO Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price
£27
Renfe AVLO frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed
Complete guide to Barcelona
Things to do in Barcelona
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
- Must visit
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
MNAC presents Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to modern works inside a grand national palace with excellent terrace views.
- Recommended
Fundació Joan Miró
A striking museum devoted to Joan Miró, with major paintings, sculptures and a bright hilltop setting on Montjuïc.
- Must visit
La Rambla
Barcelona’s famous boulevard links Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lively with kiosks, architecture and constant people-watching.
- Must visit
Barri Gòtic
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of medieval lanes, hidden squares and historic buildings that captures the atmosphere of old Barcelona.
- Must visit
Passeig de Gràcia
This elegant avenue showcases luxury shops and several major modernista buildings, making it one of Barcelona’s best architectural walks.
- Gluten-free
Esqueixada de bacallà
A rustic Catalan salad of salt cod, tomatoes, onions and olives. It is a classic Barcelona starter linked to the region’s preserved fish traditions.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pa amb tomàquet
Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, often finished with salt. This simple Catalan staple appears on tables across Barcelona.
Fideuà
Short pasta baked with pork, sausage, tomatoes and aioli. A beloved Catalan comfort dish strongly associated with family meals and local cuisine.
Disfrutar
World-renowned fine dining restaurant by the sea, noted for creative seafood-focused tasting menus and polished service.
La Cova Fumada
Long-standing tapas bar celebrated for bombas, vermouth and classic small plates in a busy, no-frills local atmosphere.
El Quim de la Boqueria
Historic market bar in La Boqueria, famous for fresh seafood, tapas and a lively counter dining atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change is fine in cafés.
TMB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.90
- Day pass
- €12.50
To the city centre
Barcelona Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 11 min
- Bank card/contactless payment is available on TMB buses and at some metro station machines for digital ticket purchase and validation.
- The Hola Barcelona Travel Card starts at €12.50 for 24 hours and covers metro, TMB bus, TRAM, FGC Zone 1 and Rodalies Zone 1, including airport metro.
+ 
FAQs: Bilbao to Barcelona train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The train journey from Bilbao to Barcelona covers a distance of 467 km and takes approximately 2h 49m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Bilbao to Barcelona is 467 km.
The first train from Bilbao to Barcelona leaves at 5:45.
The last train from Bilbao to Barcelona departs at 21:07.
Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona run approximately 3 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bilbao and Barcelona. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA.
There is no night train service from Bilbao to Barcelona.
The train station in Bilbao that goes to Barcelona is Bilbao-Abando, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
Booking trains from Bilbao to Barcelona in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bilbao to Barcelona offers glimpses of diverse landscapes, including lush green hills, charming small towns, and views of the rugged Basque countryside, making it a scenic route for travellers to enjoy.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Barcelona.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Barcelona
Most Bilbao to Barcelona trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bilbao
Arrival train stations in Barcelona
Which Bilbao station do trains to Barcelona leave from?
Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona leave from Bilbao-Abando. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre
Bus03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · £2 · every ~51 min
A3631, A3632 · 8m · £2 · every ~7 min
TramTr · 1m · £2 · every ~16 min
Bilbao-Abando train station facilities and services
Bilbao-Abando has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao-Abando. Information desks are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao-Abando: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bilbao-Abando: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Which Barcelona station do trains from Bilbao arrive at?
Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona arrive at Barcelona Sants. Barcelona Sants is 2 km from Barcelona city centre.
Barcelona SantsPlaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain+34 934956020
City-centre transport
Getting to Barcelona Sants from Barcelona city centre
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainR1, R4 · 4m · £1 · every ~15 min
Re, 15254, 15710, 15760, 15762, 15770, 15772, 15774, 15778, 15780, 15782, 15784, 15786, 15788, 15792, 15850, 15860, 15868, 15874, 15878, 15886 · 5m · £1
BusN28 · 20m · every ~3 min
D20 · 21m · £3 · every ~12 min
SubwayL3 · 16m · £3 · every ~26 min
Barcelona Sants train station facilities and services
Barcelona Sants has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Barcelona
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barcelona and Bilbao
Most popular train connections to Barcelona
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