- 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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Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Nice to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Nice to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 16m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.8 - 2.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £58, while a train costs an average of £205.
Distance: 823 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£205 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest | £123 Average Price | £244 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
41h 19m Average total duration 40h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 34m Average total duration 17h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.5 - 4.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Nice to Bilbao is a coach with an average price of £58.
This is compared to other travel options from Nice to Bilbao:
A coach is £65 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nice to Bilbao costing on average £123.
A coach is £147 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nice to Bilbao costing on average £205.
The fastest way to travel from Nice to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 16m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Coach takes on average 17h 4m.
Train takes on average 40h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Nice and Bilbao including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £205 compared to roughly £244 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £38. The journey takes 40h 49m versus 9h 46m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Nice 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Nice to Bilbao
France
Spain
Trains from Nice to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 40h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £139 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 09:58, the last at 15:56. The fastest train covers the 823 km distance in 22h 23m.
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 £35
Distance 823 km |
Average train duration 40h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £139 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 22h 23m |
First train 9:58 |
Last train 15:56 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £35
Train companies: SNCF | TGV INOUI from Nice to Bilbao trainsSNCF | TGV INOUI trains will get you between Nice and Bilbao from £35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a \Bistro TGV INOUI\" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
22h 23m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
£139
SNCF | TGV INOUI frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: 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: Nice to Bilbao train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nice 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 cost of a train ticket from Nice to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £139, while the average price tends to be around £205.
The train journey from Nice to Bilbao covers a distance of 823 km and takes approximately 22h 23m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Nice to Bilbao is 823 km.
The first train from Nice to Bilbao leaves at 9:58.
The last train from Nice to Bilbao departs at 15:56.
Trains from Nice to Bilbao run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Nice to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Nice to Bilbao.
To get from Nice to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Nice to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Nice to Bilbao is by coach, costing approximately £35.
Booking trains from Nice 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 Nice to Bilbao is quite scenic, offering views of the Mediterranean coastline, the rolling hills of Provence, and the picturesque landscapes of the Basque Country.
No, a day trip from Nice to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 22h 23m and the distance is 823 km. The frequency is 1 per day by train.
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 Nice to Bilbao.
Most popular train connections from Nice
More options for your journey from Nice to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Nice
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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