- 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Málaga to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Málaga to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 739 km distance in 7h 33m.
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 739 km |
Average train duration 7h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 33m |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Málaga to Bilbao trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Málaga to Bilbao.
The cost of a train ticket from Málaga to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £30.
The train journey from Málaga to Bilbao covers a distance of 739 km and takes approximately 7h 33m. Trains run 2 per day.
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.
Trains from Málaga to Bilbao run approximately 2 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Málaga to Bilbao.
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Málaga to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Málaga and Bilbao from £13. 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
£13
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 Málaga and Bilbao
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 Málaga to Bilbao.
There is no night train service from Málaga to Bilbao.
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.
Plan your visit to Bilbao
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 Bilbao.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Málaga to Bilbao.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Málaga and Bilbao
Most Málaga to Bilbao trains use the Malaga María Zambrano to Bilbao-Abando station pair. Use this guide to compare Málaga and Bilbao train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Málaga
Arrival train stations in Bilbao
Which Málaga station do trains to Bilbao leave from?
Trains from Málaga to Bilbao leave from Malaga María Zambrano. The station is 1 km from Málaga city centre at Explanada de la Estación, S/N, 29002 Málaga, Spain.
Malaga María ZambranoExplanada de la Estación, S/N, 29002 Málaga, Spain+34 902240202
City-centre transport
Getting to Malaga María Zambrano from Málaga city centre
Malaga María Zambrano is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 19, N3 · 13m · £2 · every ~11 min
M-113 · 1h 29m · £8 · every ~3 min
SubwayL1 · 4m · every ~16 min
Malaga María Zambrano train station facilities and services
Malaga María Zambrano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: 100 Montaditos, Burger King, Dunkin' Coffee, Gino's, Lizarran, Orient Express Cafeteria, The Posada of Brazil, Pizza Hut, Rail Coffee, The Good Burger, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free throughout the station. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45. Information desks are located in the station's main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga María Zambrano: The station is fully accessible and includes adapted elevators and platforms. Additional services can be arranged by contacting the station before traveling.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel ILUNION Málaga, Barceló Málaga, Eurostars Málaga.
Which Bilbao station do trains from Málaga arrive at?
Trains from Málaga to Bilbao arrive at Bilbao-Abando. Bilbao-Abando is from Bilbao city centre.
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.
Train stations for Málaga to Bilbao
Check train stations information for Málaga and Bilbao, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Málaga that goes to Bilbao is Malaga María Zambrano, and it arrives at Bilbao-Abando.
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
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