- 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 Vigo to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Vigo to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £70 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 44m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £70, while a flight costs an average of £161.
Distance: 487 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£81 Average Price | £70 Average Price Cheapest | £161 Average Price | £97 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 54m Average total duration 9h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 27m Average total duration 8h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Vigo to Bilbao is a coach with an average price of £70.
This is compared to other travel options from Vigo to Bilbao:
A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vigo to Bilbao costing on average £81.
A coach is £91 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vigo to Bilbao costing on average £161.
The fastest way to travel from Vigo to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 44m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 57m.
Train takes on average 9h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Vigo 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 £81 compared to roughly £97 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £16. The journey takes 9h 24m versus 6h 18m 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 Vigo 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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Why should you book Vigo to Bilbao trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as AVE or Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Vigo to Bilbao.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
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 AVE or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Vigo 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 Vigo to Bilbao.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Vigo to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Vigo to Bilbao run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £77 but you can travel from only £40 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 12:15. The fastest train covers the 487 km distance in 12h 44m.
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 £40
Distance 487 km |
Average train duration 9h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £77 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 12h 44m |
First train 5:59 |
Last train 12:15 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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
Coach from £40
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Vigo to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, AVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Vigo and Bilbao from £40. 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
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
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average AVE Duration
18h 42m
Cheapest AVE Price
£86
AVE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Renfe Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Viajeros Duration
12h 44m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
£77
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day
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: Vigo to Bilbao train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vigo 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 Vigo to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £77, while the average price tends to be around £81.
The train from Vigo to Bilbao takes 12h 44m and runs once a day.
The train distance from Vigo to Bilbao is 487 km.
The first train from Vigo to Bilbao leaves at 5:59.
The last train from Vigo to Bilbao departs at 12:15.
Trains from Vigo to Bilbao run approximately 1 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Vigo to Bilbao.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Vigo to Bilbao.
To get from Vigo to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Vigo to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Vigo to Bilbao is by coach, costing approximately £40.
Booking trains from Vigo 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 Vigo to Bilbao offers a scenic route through the diverse landscapes of northern Spain, featuring lush green hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the coastline, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Vigo to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 44m and the frequency of trains is 2 per day with a distance of 487 km.
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 Vigo to Bilbao.
Most popular train connections from Vigo
More options for your journey from Vigo to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Vigo
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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