The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£62
Fastest journey
4 h 47 m
Average duration
4 h 58 m
Trains per day
56
Distance
323 km
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 £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
Of the 56 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 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 28 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.
041877:204h47Madrid Chamartín12:07Bilbao-Abando£341One-way0 changes
04087+
002807:2011h02Madrid Chamartín18:22Bilbao-Abando£411One-way1 change
04687 · 002808:409h42Madrid Chamartín18:22Bilbao-Abando£411One-way1 change
04687+
004388:407h13Madrid Chamartín15:53Bilbao-Abando£411One-way1 change
04187 · 004387:208h33Madrid Chamartín15:53Bilbao-Abando£411One-way1 change
041877:204h47Madrid Chamartín12:07Bilbao-Abando£341One-way0 changes
0426717:374h51Madrid Chamartín22:28Bilbao-Abando£471One-way0 changes
04267 · 0426717:374h51Madrid Chamartín22:28Bilbao-Abando£521One-way1 change
04167 · 0426717:374h51Madrid Chamartín22:28Bilbao-Abando£521One-way1 change
08179+
04267 · 0426717:005h28Madrid Chamartín22:28Bilbao-Abando£811One-way2 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 £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 36m. 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 £15, and a flight costs an average of £32.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £115 Average Price |
5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m 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, Friday 3 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supra Economy+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 9:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Supra Economy+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 9:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Supra Economy+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 9:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 11h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Supra Economy+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 10:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 11:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 11:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 11:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 11:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 9h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 11:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 9h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 11:15 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 9h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 11:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h58 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 11:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h58 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 11:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h58 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 12:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 12:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 8h13 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
05817+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 12:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h05 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
05721+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 12:59 Madrid Chamartín | 7h29 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
05721+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 12:59 Madrid Chamartín | 7h29 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
05721+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 12:59 Madrid Chamartín | 7h29 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08359+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h48 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08359+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h48 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08359+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h48 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04161+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 14:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04161+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 14:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04161+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 14:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08179+ 37267+ 04267 | On time 15:00 Madrid Chamartín | 5h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08179+ 04167 · 04267 | On time 15:00 Madrid Chamartín | 5h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
08179+ 04267 · 04267 | On time 15:00 Madrid Chamartín | 5h28 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04267 | On time 15:37 Madrid Chamartín | 4h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 0 changesdirect | |
04267 · 04267 | On time 15:37 Madrid Chamartín | 4h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
04167 · 04267 | On time 15:37 Madrid Chamartín | 4h51 | 20:28 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
Normal+ 04687 · 00280 | On time 22:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 17h52 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04187 · 00438 | On time 22:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 15h23 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04687+ 00438 | On time 22:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 15h23 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 4 April | |||||
Normal+ 04687+ 00438 | On time 4:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 9h38 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 18061+ 00280 | On time 4:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h07 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 04687 · 00280 | On time 4:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 12h07 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04187 · 00438 | On time 5:20 Madrid Chamartín | 8h33 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
04087+ 00280 | On time 5:20 Madrid Chamartín | 11h02 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
04187 | On time 5:20 Madrid Chamartín | 4h47 | 10:07 Bilbao-Abando | 0 changesdirect | |
04087 · 00438 | On time 5:20 Madrid Chamartín | 8h33 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
04073+ 04687+ 00438 | On time 5:45 Madrid Chamartín | 8h08 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37631+ 00280 | On time 5:45 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h37 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 18061+ 00280 | On time 5:45 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 10h37 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 18061+ 00280 | On time 6:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h22 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 00631+ 00280 | On time 6:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h22 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37631+ 00280 | On time 6:00 Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) | 10h22 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04687+ 00438 | On time 6:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h13 | 13:53 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
04687+ 18061+ 00280 | On time 6:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h42 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
04687 · 00280 | On time 6:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h42 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
Normal+ 00631+ 00280 | On time 7:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h07 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
Normal+ 37631+ 00280 | On time 7:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h07 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
05763+ 18061+ 00280 | On time 7:25 Madrid Chamartín | 8h57 | 16:22 Bilbao-Abando | 2 changes | |
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
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.
03 Apr
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Why should you book Madrid to Bilbao trains with Omio?
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 MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
- 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 Madrid to Bilbao.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao?
ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Madrid to Bilbao

Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao
Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £15 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.
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 4h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 0:30 |
Last train 17:37 |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe MD
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe Viajeros
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.

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Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Bilbao
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