- 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 14 Sept
Cheapest price on 14 Sept
£86
Average ticket price on 14 Sept
£86
Fastest journey on 14 Sept
14 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 14 Sept
14 h 55 m
Trains on 14 Sept
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 £86 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £86.
Fast trains
To travel from Bilbao to Ponferrada you need to make at least one change.
04186+
041796:5314h55Bilbao-Abando21:48Ponferrada station£861One-way1 change
- 04186+041796:5314h55Bilbao-Abando21:48Ponferrada station£861One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bilbao to Ponferrada
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £40, while a coach costs an average of £43.
Distance: 309 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price | £66 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to Ponferrada is a train with an average price of £40.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Ponferrada:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bilbao to Ponferrada costing on average £43.
The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Ponferrada is by train with an average journey time of 6h 8m.
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bilbao and Ponferrada including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £40 compared to roughly £66 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £26. The journey takes 6h 8m versus 4h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Bilbao to Ponferrada train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Ponferrada trains for tomorrow, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04186+04179 | 6:53 Bilbao-Abando | 14h55 | 21:48 Ponferrada station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Ponferrada by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Ponferrada
SpainSpain
Trains from Bilbao to Ponferrada run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 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 6h 39m.
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 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 6h 39m |
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
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Ponferrada trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Ponferrada from £40. 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
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 Renfe Viajeros Duration
6h 39m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
£40
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train from Bilbao to Ponferrada takes 6h 39m and runs once a 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 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
To get from Bilbao to Ponferrada, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
The cheapest way to get from Bilbao to Ponferrada is by train, costing approximately £40.
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.
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.
A day trip from Bilbao to Ponferrada is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 39m. The distance is 309 km and there is only 1 train per day.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore Ponferrada, allowing time to visit the Templar Castle, the Basilica de la Encina, and enjoy the local gastronomy and culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Ponferrada.
Most popular train connections from Bilbao
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
Most popular train connections to Ponferrada
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