- Recommended
Museo del Bierzo
Museum inside the castle complex showing local history, archaeology and the Templar story. A strong companion visit to the fortress.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Oct
Cheapest price on 29 Oct
£45
Average ticket price on 29 Oct
£45
Fastest journey on 29 Oct
11 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 29 Oct
11 h 44 m
Trains on 29 Oct
1
Distance
309 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
To travel from Bilbao to Ponferrada you need to make at least one change.
04186 · 006226:53 11h44 Bilbao-Abando 18:37 Ponferrada station £45 1 One-way 1 change
- 04186 · 00622
6:53 11h44 Bilbao-Abando 18:37 Ponferrada station £45 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Ponferrada
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 12:15. The fastest train covers the 309 km distance in 5h 40m.
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 309 km |
Average train duration 7h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 40m |
First train 6:08 |
Last train 12:15 |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Frequently asked questions about your Bilbao to Ponferrada trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
The cost of a train ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Bilbao to Ponferrada covers a distance of 309 km and takes approximately 5h 40m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Bilbao to Ponferrada is 309 km.
The first train from Bilbao to Ponferrada leaves at 6:08.
The last train from Bilbao to Ponferrada departs at 12:15.
Trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada run approximately 2 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
Live departures
Bilbao to Ponferrada train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Ponferrada trains for tomorrow, Thursday 29 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04186 · 00622 | 6:53 Bilbao-Abando | 11h44 | 18:37 Ponferrada station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Bilbao to Ponferrada trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Bilbao and Ponferrada from £6. 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
5h 40m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£6
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bilbao and Ponferrada
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
There is no night train service from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
Complete guide to Ponferrada
Things to do in Ponferrada
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
- Recommended
La Fábrica de Luz. Museo de la Energía
Museum dedicated to rail history in a former power station area, with locomotives and industrial heritage linked to El Bierzo.
Museo de la Radio Luis del Olmo
Art centre focused on radio history and the work of Luis del Olmo, with devices, recordings and displays in a restored old-town building.
- Recommended
Plaza de la Encina
Main square beside the basilica and castle, lined with arcades and civic buildings. It is a lively base for exploring the historic centre.
- Recommended
Calle del Reloj
Historic street on the Camino de Santiago with traditional buildings, shops and old-town atmosphere. Ideal for a short heritage walk.
Parque del Temple
Riverside park with paths, lawns and open views, popular for walks and relaxed breaks near the centre of Ponferrada.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pimientos Asados del Bierzo
Roasted red peppers from El Bierzo, prized for their sweet flesh and smoky flavour. A protected local speciality, often served as a tapa or side dish.
- Gluten-free
Botillo del Bierzo
Traditional pork stew from Bierzo with assorted cured and fresh pork cuts, potatoes and vegetables. A hearty winter dish tied to local pig-slaughter customs.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pera Conferencia del Bierzo
Sweet roasted or conference pears grown in El Bierzo. They are valued locally for their delicate texture and are a classic seasonal dessert or accompaniment.
Restaurante Muna
Upscale restaurant in a historic setting focused on contemporary regional cuisine, with careful presentation and a strong Bierzo wine selection.
Casa Noval
Established dining room known for refined Leonese and Bierzo cooking in a smart, calm setting. Good choice for seasonal local produce and wine.
Hostal Nogar
Popular traditional restaurant serving hearty Bierzo specialities such as botillo and roast meats. Warm, classic atmosphere suited to local cuisine.
Euro (€)
Ponferrada is cheaper than larger Spanish cities, with modest hotel rates, affordable dining and low local transport costs for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €35-60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. In cafés and taxis, small change or rounding up is normal, not expected.
PonfeMobi
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
Estación de Ponferrada -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Ponferrada
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- PonfeMobi is the official app for live bus information and stop alerts.
- The official sources found confirm the standard single bus ticket, but no reliable current day pass was confirmed from official operator or city sources.
Plan your visit to Ponferrada
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Ponferrada.
The train journey from Bilbao to Ponferrada offers scenic views, including picturesque landscapes of the Basque Country, rolling hills, and charming rural areas of northern Spain, making it a visually appealing trip.
FAQs: Bilbao to Ponferrada train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Ponferrada
Most Bilbao to Ponferrada trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Ponferrada station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada
Which Bilbao station do trains to Ponferrada leave from?
Trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada station do trains from Bilbao arrive at?
Trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada arrive at Ponferrada. Ponferrada is 1 km from Ponferrada city centre.
PonferradaEstación de Ponferrada, Avenida de la Libertad, 24400 Ponferrada, León, Spain+34 987 410 000
City-centre transport
Getting to Ponferrada from Ponferrada city centre
BusSeveral lines available
TaxiAvailable outside the station
Ponferrada train station facilities and services
Ponferrada 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant La Perla, Restaurante Mencía
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ponferrada. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Ponferrada. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ponferrada: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ponferrada: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ponferrada: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include AC Hotel Ponferrada, Hotel Temple Ponferrada, Hotel Aroi Ponferrada.
Train stations for Bilbao to Ponferrada
Check train stations information for Bilbao and Ponferrada, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Bilbao that goes to Ponferrada is Bilbao-Abando, and it arrives at Ponferrada.
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Ponferrada
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ponferrada and Bilbao
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