Bilbao to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu 28 May
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid

Showing times and prices for 28 May

Cheapest price

£29

Average price

£44

Fastest journey

4 h 42 m

Average duration

5 h 54 m

Trains per day

13

Distance

323 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.

Fast trains

Of the 13 trains that leave Bilbao for Madrid every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 42 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 18 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 ALVIA04186
    6:534h42
    Bilbao-Abando
    11:35Madrid Chamartín
    £291One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA04366
    11:5810h22
    Bilbao-Abando
    22:20Madrid Chamartín
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04366
    15:027h18
    Bilbao-Abando
    22:20Madrid Chamartín
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA04192
    13:409h51
    Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
    23:31Madrid Chamartín
    £391One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA04192
    8:5314h38
    Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
    23:31Madrid Chamartín
    £391One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Bilbao to Madrid

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 44m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £26.

Distance: 323 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£35

Average Price

Cheapest

£41

Average Price

£125

Average Price

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 16m

Average total duration

4h 16m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Bilbao to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Wednesday 27 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04176
Delayed
15:02 Bilbao-Abando
7h18
20:20 20:20Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04366
Delayed
15:02 Bilbao-Abando
7h18
20:20 20:20Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA00437+Renfe INTERCITY04786
Delayed
15:02 Bilbao-Abando
5h20
18:22 18:22Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA04366
Delayed
17:28 Bilbao-Abando
4h52
20:20 20:20Madrid Chamartín		0 changesdirect
Thursday 28 May
Renfe ALVIA041866:53 Bilbao-Abando
4h42
11:35 Madrid Chamartín0 changesdirect
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041428:45 Bilbao-Concordia
9h36
18:21 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041928:53 Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
14h38
23:31 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041428:53 Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
9h28
18:21 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA0436611:58 Bilbao-Abando
10h22
22:20 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283 · 0478611:58 Bilbao-Abando
8h24
20:22 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA0417611:58 Bilbao-Abando
10h22
22:20 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA0419213:32 Bilbao-Concordia
9h59
23:31 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA0419213:40 Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
9h51
23:31 Madrid Chamartín1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Madrid 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 Bilbao to Madrid trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Bilbao to Madrid.
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 Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Bilbao to Madrid.
  • 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 Madrid.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid?

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Madrid is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Madrid 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 Madrid.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 323 km distance in 4h 35m.

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 train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 35m
First train
0:30
Last train
17:37
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from £17. 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
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
£17
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 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 INTERCITY

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
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 First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe MD

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
£32
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day


Renfe trains from Bilbao to Madrid

+

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 Madrid. 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 Madrid train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Bilbao to Madrid covers a distance of 323 km and takes approximately 4h 35m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Bilbao to Madrid is 323 km.
The first train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 0:30.
The last train from Bilbao to Madrid departs at 17:37.
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bilbao to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bilbao and Madrid. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
To get from Bilbao to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Bilbao to Madrid.
The train station in Bilbao that goes to Madrid is Bilbao-Abando, and it arrives at Madrid Chamartín.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Madrid is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Bilbao to Madrid 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 Madrid offers varied landscapes, including lush green hills, charming villages, and the scenic Basque countryside, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Bilbao to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 35m and the frequency of trains is 2 per day.
In Madrid, visit the bustling Puerta del Sol for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel and explore the lively nightlife in the Malasaña district. Experience traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour or a football match. Discover artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum and explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid. Relax in Retiro Park, admire the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy shopping or entertainment along Gran Vía.
To fully experience Madrid, 3 to 4 days are recommended, allowing time to explore its cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich culinary scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Madrid.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Madrid

Bilbao
Madrid
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 Madrid.
Bilbao-AbandoParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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
information
address
Address
48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

More options for your journey from Bilbao to Madrid

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