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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for 19 Nov
Cheapest price
£46
Average price
£66
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
323 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao 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 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 44 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.
0418707:204h40
Madrid Chamartín12:00Bilbao-Abando
£461One-way
0 changes
0426717:374h44
Madrid Chamartín22:21Bilbao-Abando
£861One-way
0 changes
0418707:204h40
Madrid Chamartín12:00Bilbao-Abando
£461One-way
0 changes
0426717:374h44
Madrid Chamartín22:21Bilbao-Abando
£861One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. 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 coach costs an average of £27, and a flight costs an average of £39.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest | £178 Average Price |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Madrid to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao trains for today, Tuesday 18 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 03:12
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal+ 37631+ 00280 | On time 05:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+04687+00438 | On time 05:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h29 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+04687 · 00280 | On time 05:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
 08069+04087 · 00438 | On time 05:36 Madrid Chamartín | 9h08 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08069+04187 · 00438 | On time 05:36 Madrid Chamartín | 9h08 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08069+04687+00438 | On time 05:36 Madrid Chamartín | 9h08 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04261+04687+00438 | On time 06:04 Madrid Chamartín | 8h40 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04261 · 04187 · 00438 | On time 06:04 Madrid Chamartín | 8h40 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04261 · 04087 · 00438 | On time 06:04 Madrid Chamartín | 8h40 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04087 · 00438 | On time 06:20 Madrid Chamartín | 8h24 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04187 | On time 06:20 Madrid Chamartín | 4h40 | 11:00 Bilbao-Abando | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04187 · 00438 | On time 06:20 Madrid Chamartín | 8h24 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04187+00280 | On time 06:20 Madrid Chamartín | 10h55 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| Normal+18061+00280 | On time 06:45 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h30 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04073+04687+00438 | On time 06:45 Madrid Chamartín | 7h59 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08079+04687+00438 | On time 06:51 Madrid Chamartín | 7h53 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+00280 | On time 07:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h15 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+18061+00280 | On time 07:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h15 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+00631+00280 | On time 07:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h15 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04687+18061+00280 | On time 07:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h35 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04687 · 00280 | On time 07:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h35 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04687+00438 | On time 07:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h04 | 14:44 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04091+18061+00280 | On time 08:15 Madrid Chamartín | 9h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+00280 | On time 08:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+00631+00280 | On time 08:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
 05071+18061+00280 | On time 08:56 Madrid Chamartín | 8h19 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 05071+00631+00280 | On time 08:56 Madrid Chamartín | 8h19 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 05071+37631+00280 | On time 08:56 Madrid Chamartín | 8h19 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+00280 | On time 09:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h15 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+00631+00280 | On time 09:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h15 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+04267 | On time 09:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h21 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+00631+00280 | On time 09:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 8h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+04267 | On time 09:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 12h06 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Normal+37631+00280 | On time 09:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 8h00 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
 04121+37631+04267 | On time 10:23 Madrid Chamartín | 10h58 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04121+00631+00280 | On time 10:23 Madrid Chamartín | 6h52 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04121+37631+00280 | On time 10:23 Madrid Chamartín | 6h52 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08129+00631+00280 | On time 11:05 Madrid Chamartín | 6h10 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08129+37631+00280 | On time 11:05 Madrid Chamartín | 6h10 | 17:15 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 08129+37631+04267 | On time 11:05 Madrid Chamartín | 10h16 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 05101+04257+04267 | On time 12:03 Madrid Chamartín | 9h18 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 05101+18063+04267 | On time 12:03 Madrid Chamartín | 9h18 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04143+18063+04267 | On time 12:40 Madrid Chamartín | 8h41 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04143+04257+04267 | On time 12:40 Madrid Chamartín | 8h41 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 05817+04257+04267 | On time 13:23 Madrid Chamartín | 7h58 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| 04257+04267 | On time 13:46 Madrid Chamartín | 7h35 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04267 | On time 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 4h44 | 21:21 Bilbao-Abando | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bilbao by train, coach or flight
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao?
The best time to book your train from Madrid to Bilbao is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Bilbao route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Bilbao 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 Madrid to Bilbao.
Trains
from £22Coaches
from £38Flights
from £67ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Bilbao
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
HygieneDisadvantages
,I didn't notice any negative aspects on the journey. The train was very punctual and I had fast and, above all, constant wifi. The sanitary facilities and benches were very hygienic and well cleaned. The price-performance ratio was very good and I can only recommend the train connection. There was no need to change trains. The journey took about five hours. Four stars overall.
Advantages
Unfortunately nothingDisadvantages
Train 2 hours lateNo refund for delayStaff could not helpTrain overcrowdedTrain number: ALVIA 04182
Departure: 08:00, Arrival: planned 13:30, actual 15:30
This train journey from Madrid to Bilbao was a disaster. The train was 2 hours late and no compensation or refund was offered. The train staff were unfriendly and not helpful at all when I asked for information. The train was also completely overcrowded which made the journey very uncomfortable. The lack of seats and the general condition of the train made the travelling experience even worse.
A really disappointing journey - I won't be taking this route again any time soon.
Advantages
Faster than by carPunctual, cleanSufficient legroomDisadvantages
Boardbistro was closedI was very satisfied with the journey. There is no cheaper and easier way to get to your destination. It takes about 4 hours to get here without changing trains. You definitely can't complain about the price. The seats are also very comfortable, so it's bearable. The only negative: the board bistro was closed. So it's best to bring drinks and something to eat. Otherwise really great! We travelled on the Renfe train. No need to change trains here.
Advantages
CleanDisadvantages
DelayUnfortunately, the train journey with train number 1932 was not entirely satisfactory. The journey took 5 hours and included one change of trains. Unfortunately, the journey was a little more stressful due to the delay of the train. The changeover went well, but the waiting time due to the delay was unpleasant. The train seats were comfortable and the hygiene was acceptable for the most part, although some aspects could be optimised. The wifi was good and I had a power socket.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
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 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 00:30 |
Last train 17:37 |
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 £27
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from £27. 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 40m
Cheapest Price
£23
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 (13)
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
About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, 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
0
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 Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
£30
Renfe Viajeros frequency
3 a day
+ 
FAQs: Madrid to Bilbao train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
To fully experience Bilbao, plan for 2 to 3 days. This allows time to explore the Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the Casco Viejo, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant culture.
In Bilbao, you can visit Mount Artxanda for panoramic city views or explore La Ribera Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Stroll along the Nervión River for beautiful cityscape views, and enjoy pintxos in local bars. Discover the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural centre in a former wine warehouse. Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao for contemporary art, or wander through Casco Viejo with its historic charm. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum offers diverse artworks, while Santiago Cathedral provides a glimpse into Gothic architecture. Lastly, enjoy scenic views from the Zubizuri Bridge.
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £64.
Booking trains from Madrid to Bilbao in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Madrid to Bilbao covers a distance of 323 km and takes approximately 4h 40m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Bilbao is Madrid Chamartín, and it arrives at Bilbao-Abando.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Bilbao is by coach, costing approximately £27.
The first train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 0:30.
The train distance from Madrid to Bilbao is 323 km.
The last train from Madrid to Bilbao departs at 17:37.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Bilbao. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Bilbao.
Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Bilbao.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Bilbao.
To get from Madrid to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Bilbao
Madrid
Bilbao
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
The major train station for arrivals in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your journey to Bilbao from Madrid.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
More options for your journey from Madrid to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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