Bilbao to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Sat, Sep 12
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 12

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Renfe ALVIA04186
    6:53 AM4h35
    Bilbao-Abando
    11:28 AMMadrid Chamartín
    521One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04176
    3:02 PM7h18
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín
    641One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA04142
    8:53 AM9h02
    Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
    5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín
    661One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA04176
    11:58 AM10h22
    Bilbao-Abando
    10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín
    661One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA04142
    8:45 AM9h10
    Bilbao-Concordia
    5:55 PMMadrid Chamartín
    661One-way
    1 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

Renfe INTERCITY

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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 Bilbao to Madrid is a bus with an average price of €42.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Madrid is by train with an average journey time of 3h 45m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Flight takes on average 4h 16m.

Bus takes on average 5h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041928:45 AM Bilbao-Concordia
14h35
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe71870+Renfe ALVIA041928:53 AM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
14h27
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA04366
On time
11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
10h22
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe INTERCITY00283 · 04786
On time
11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
8h25
8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe INTERCITY00283+Renfe ALVIA04176
On time
11:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
10h22
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA041921:32 PM Bilbao-Concordia
9h48
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe71872+Renfe ALVIA041921:40 PM Zorrotza-Zorrozgoiti - Feve
9h40
11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04366
On time
3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h18
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00437+Renfe INTERCITY04786
On time
3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
5h21
8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04176
On time
3:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h18
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA043665:12 PM Bilbao-Abando
5h08
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 12
Renfe ALVIA04186 · 040866:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
6h58
1:51 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA041866:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
4h35
11:28 AM Madrid Chamartín0 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?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Bilbao to Madrid.
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 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?

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Madrid is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Madrid per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bilbao to Madrid.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

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

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
4h 35m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
€24
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

Renfe INTERCITY

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
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 First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe MD

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Viajeros Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
€35
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid can start from as little as €24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bilbao to Madrid is €47; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Bilbao to Madrid is 4h 35m to travel the 323 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 5:37 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Bilbao to Madrid with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Bilbao to Madrid, you can count on Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bilbao and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Madrid from Bilbao is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Bilbao to Madrid is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.

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.

Departure train stations in Bilbao
Arrival train stations in Madrid

Which Bilbao station do trains to Madrid leave from?

Trains from Bilbao to Madrid leave from Bilbao-Abando. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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.

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