Bilbao to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu 04 Dec
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Barcelona

Showing times and prices for 04 Dec

Cheapest price

£63

Average price

£70

Fastest journey

6 h 55 m

Average duration

7 h 50 m

Trains per day

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 £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Bilbao for Barcelona every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 467 km distance in an average of 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .

The slowest trains will take 8 h 41 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.

Renfe ALVIA00437+AVE02883
15:188h41
Bilbao-Abando
23:59Barcelona Sants
£631One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437+AVE03203
15:188h30
Bilbao-Abando
23:48Barcelona Sants
£671One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437
15:186h55
Bilbao-Abando
22:13Barcelona Sants
£741One-way
0 changes
Renfe ALVIA00437+AVE03941
15:187h15
Bilbao-Abando
22:33Barcelona Sants
£771One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Bilbao to Barcelona

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £51.

Distance: 467 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£79

Average Price

£134

Average Price

£65

Average Price

Cheapest

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

9h 43m

Average total duration

9h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.4 - 2.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Vueling Airlines

Most popular airline

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bilbao to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Barcelona trains for today, Wednesday 3 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 08:34
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
RenfeALVIA00437+RenfeAVE03203
On time
14:18 Bilbao-Abando
8h30
22:48 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA00437+RenfeAVE02883
On time
14:18 Bilbao-Abando
8h41
22:59 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA00437+RenfeAVE03991
On time
14:18 Bilbao-Abando
7h15
21:33 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA00437
On time
14:18 Bilbao-Abando
6h55
21:13 Barcelona Sants
0 changesdirect
Thursday 4 December
RenfeAVE05:27 Bilbao
3h19
08:46 Barcelona0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Barcelona 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.

Wed
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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 91 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.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Bilbao to Barcelona

userReviewImage
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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
IconPunctuality
IconVolume
IconStaff
Disadvantages
IconPrice
IconHygiene
IconNeed to change
A 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Barcelona

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 if you book in advance.

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 43m.

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
467 km
Average train duration
6h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 43m
First train
05:45
Last train
21:07
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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Barcelona from £37. 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 Duration
6h 53m
Cheapest Price
£39
Renfe ALVIA frequency
1 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

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
£46
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day


Renfe trains from Bilbao to Barcelona

+

Renfe is Spain's national train operator and connects the country's main points of interest. In addition, Renfe has the largest high-speed network in Europe with AVE and Alvia trains. Other Renfe train types are Altaria, Euromed and Talgo. All Renfe trains are equipped with an on-board bistro, toilets, air conditioning and many of them with Wi-Fi.

At Omio you can easily check the Renfe timetable for your trip and book cheap Renfe tickets from Bilbao to Barcelona. When booking, you can choose different classes (Tourist, Tourist Plus, Preferred and Club), the seat and the type of ticket you want (Promo, Promo+, Flexible or Round Trip). If you have a Renfe discount card, you can specify it when you buy your ticket at Omio and take advantage of many offers. For information on ticket cancellation, please visit our Help centre.


More information: Trains in Spain
More information: Renfe
More information: Book your trains in Europe
More information: Cheap train tickets
More information: High speed trains in Europe

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.

FAQs
In Barcelona, you can explore Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona, with its fascinating tours and museum. Enjoy stunning views from Montjuïc, where you can visit the Magic Fountain and Montjuïc Castle. Relax at Barceloneta Beach, perfect for sunbathing and seaside dining. Discover the vibrant El Raval neighbourhood, known for its cultural diversity, street art, and nightlife. For family fun and panoramic vistas, head to Tibidabo Amusement Park. Don't miss iconic sights like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and Casa Batlló, all showcasing the city's rich history and Gaudí's architectural genius.
The cost of a train ticket from Bilbao to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £79.
A day trip from Bilbao to Barcelona is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 43m. Additionally, the distance between the two cities is 467 km. There is only 1 train per day.
The train from Bilbao to Barcelona takes 2h 43m and runs once a day.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Barcelona is by train, costing approximately £37.
The train distance from Bilbao to Barcelona is 467 km.
The last train from Bilbao to Barcelona departs at 21:07.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bilbao and Barcelona. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
There is no night train service from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Three to four days in Barcelona are ideal to explore its iconic attractions, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter, while also enjoying the city's vibrant culture and cuisine.
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.
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 station in Bilbao that goes to Barcelona is Bilbao-Abando, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
The first train from Bilbao to Barcelona leaves at 5:45.
Trains from Bilbao to Barcelona run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Barcelona.
To get from Bilbao to Barcelona, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Barcelona

Bilbao
Barcelona
The major train station for departures in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your trip from Bilbao to Barcelona.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk

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