- Must visit
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Málaga to Bilbao
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£90
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£94
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
9 h 12 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
11 h 54 m
Trains on 17 Sept
3
Distance
739 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Bilbao will cost around £94 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £90.
Fast trains
To travel from Málaga to Bilbao you need to make at least one change.
06149+
0426713:509h12Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£901One-way1 change- 06021+0426711:3411h28Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£921One-way1 change
- 06089+042678:0015h02Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£1011One-way1 change
- 06149+0426713:509h12Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£901One-way1 change
- 06021+0426711:3411h28Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£921One-way1 change
- 06089+042678:0015h02Málaga María Zambrano23:02Bilbao-Abando£1011One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Málaga to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £56 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.7 - 1.8kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £56, while a flight costs an average of £77.
Distance: 739 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price | £135 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 36m Average total duration 11h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Málaga to Bilbao is a coach with an average price of £56.
This is compared to other travel options from Málaga to Bilbao:
A coach is £21 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Bilbao costing on average £77.
The fastest way to travel from Málaga to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 17m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 28m.
Coach takes on average 11h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Málaga and Bilbao including taking a coach and flight.
Live departures
Málaga to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Málaga to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06089+04267 | 8:00 Málaga María Zambrano | 15h02 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 06021+04267 | 11:34 Málaga María Zambrano | 11h28 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 06149+04267 | 13:50 Málaga María Zambrano | 9h12 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Málaga to Bilbao by coach or flight
Compare 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Málaga to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Take a train from Málaga to Bilbao and enjoy the approximately 739 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 21:25.
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
Flight from £25
Distance 739 km |
Average train duration 10h 28m |
First train 6:04 |
Last train 21:25 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £25
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Málaga to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Málaga and Bilbao from £25. 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
7h 33m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£15
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 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
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa
Fine arts museum with collections from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture. A strong choice for a broader art visit beyond the Guggenheim.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum on Basque archaeology, ethnography and maritime life in the old quarter. A clear introduction to regional history and identity.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s old town of narrow lanes, churches, shops and lively squares. Ideal for walking, local atmosphere and understanding the city’s historic core.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Hilltop viewpoint above the city reached by the Artxanda funicular. Worth it for broad views over Bilbao and the surrounding green hills.
- Recommended
Plaza Nueva
Elegant central square with arcades, cafés around the edges and frequent city events. A convenient stop between the old and newer parts of Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al pil-pil
Salt cod cooked slowly with olive oil, garlic and chilli until it forms a silky sauce. A Basque classic closely linked with Bilbao’s taverns and home cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la vizcaína
Salt cod baked or simmered in a red pepper and tomato sauce, often with onion. A traditional Biscayan dish emblematic of local Basque cooking.
- Gluten-free
Angulas a la bilbaína
Baby eels sautéed with olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served very hot in a clay dish. A classic celebratory pintxo in Bilbao.
Gure Toki
Bustling pintxos bar in Casco Viejo with a wide counter selection and a lively, informal atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Sorginzulo
Well-known tavern for inventive and traditional pintxos near Plaza Nueva, with a busy bar scene and strong local following.
Victor Montes
Historic Old Town restaurant known for classic Basque dishes and seafood in a traditional, polished setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and dining cost more than in many inland Spanish cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change in cafés is enough.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €0.53
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Bilbao-Abando -> Plaza Circular, Bilbao
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Use a Barik card for cheaper integrated fares on metro, tram and buses across Bizkaia.
- Bilbao-Abando is beside Plaza Circular in the city centre, so many central sights are walkable from the station.
FAQs: Málaga to Bilbao train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga 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.
The train distance from Málaga to Bilbao is 739 km.
The first train from Málaga to Bilbao leaves at 6:04.
The last train from Málaga to Bilbao departs at 21:25.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Málaga to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Málaga to Bilbao.
To get from Málaga to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Málaga to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Málaga to Bilbao is by flight, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Málaga 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 Málaga to Bilbao offers varied scenery, including picturesque views of the Spanish countryside, rolling hills, and charming small towns, making it a pleasant experience for travellers.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Málaga to Bilbao.
Most popular train connections from Málaga
More options for your journey from Málaga to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Málaga
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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