The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Cheapest price on Sep 12
€52
Average ticket price on Sep 12
€65
Fastest journey on Sep 12
4 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 12
7 h 25 m
Trains on Sep 12
6
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Madrid will cost around €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.
On Sat, Sep 12, we found 6 trains from Bilbao to Madrid, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 12 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 7 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .
On Sat, Sep 12 the slowest trains will take 9 h 10 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.
041866:53 AM4h35Bilbao-Abando11:28 AMMadrid Chamartín€521One-way0 transfers
00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín€641One-way1 transfer
71870+
041428:53 AM9h02Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín€661One-way1 transfer
00283+
0417611:58 AM10h22Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín€661One-way1 transfer
71870+
041428:45 AM9h10Bilbao-Concordia5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín€661One-way1 transfer
041866:53 AM4h35Bilbao-Abando11:28 AMMadrid Chamartín€521One-way0 transfers
04186 · 040866:53 AM6h58Bilbao-Abando1:51 PMMadrid Chamartín€771One-way1 transfer
00437 · 041763:02 PM7h18Bilbao-Abando10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín€641One-way1 transfer
71870+
041428:53 AM9h02Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín€661One-way1 transfer
71870+
041428:45 AM9h10Bilbao-Concordia5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín€661One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bilbao to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €42, while a flight costs an average of €128.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€47 Average price | €42 Average price Cheapest | €128 Average price | €67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 1.9kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Madrid:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bilbao to Madrid costing on average €47.
A bus is €86 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Madrid costing on average €128.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 20m.
Live departures
Bilbao to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
71870+ 04192 | 8:45 AM Bilbao-Concordia | 14h35 | 11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
71870+ 04192 | 8:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve | 14h27 | 11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00283+ 04366 | On time 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 10h22 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00283 · 04786 | On time 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 8h25 | 8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00283+ 04176 | On time 11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando | 10h22 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
71872+ 04192 | 1:32 PM Bilbao-Concordia | 9h48 | 11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
71872+ 04192 | 1:40 PM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve | 9h40 | 11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00437 · 04366 | On time 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 7h18 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00437+ 04786 | On time 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 5h21 | 8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00437 · 04176 | On time 3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando | 7h18 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04366 | 5:12 PM Bilbao-Abando | 5h08 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 12 | |||||
04186 · 04086 | 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 6h58 | 1:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04186 | 6:53 AM Bilbao-Abando | 4h35 | 11:28 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Bilbao to Madrid 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 INTERCITY, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Bilbao to Madrid.
- 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 Bilbao to Madrid.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid
Trains from Bilbao to Madrid run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 if you book in advance.
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 35m.
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price €24 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from €24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
FAQs: Trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bilbao to Madrid
Most Bilbao to Madrid trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Bilbao station do trains to Madrid leave from?
Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre
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.
Which Madrid station do trains from Bilbao arrive at?
Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services
Madrid Chamartín 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 Madrid Chamartín.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Most popular train connections from Bilbao
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Madrid
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