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Bilbao to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Sat, Dec 13
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid

Showing times and prices for Dec 15

Cheapest price

€36

Average price

€57

Fastest journey

4 h 35 m

Average duration

5 h 44 m

Trains per day

9

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 €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €36.

Fast trains

Of the 9 trains that leave Bilbao for Madrid on Mon, Dec 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .

On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 7 h 11 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 ALVIA04366
05:28PM4h45
Bilbao-Abando
10:13PMMadrid Chamartín
361One-way
0 transfers
Renfe Intercity00283 · 04786
11:58AM8h17
Bilbao-Abando
08:15PMMadrid Chamartín
511One-way
1 transfer
Renfe Intercity00283+Renfe ALVIA04366
11:58AM10h15
Bilbao-Abando
10:13PMMadrid Chamartín
511One-way
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00437+Renfe Intercity04786
03:02PM5h13
Bilbao-Abando
08:15PMMadrid Chamartín
511One-way
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00437 · 04366
03:02PM7h11
Bilbao-Abando
10:13PMMadrid Chamartín
511One-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 prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €56.

Distance: 323 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€61

Average price

€42

Average price

Cheapest

€154

Average price

5h 0m

Average total duration

4h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 37m

Average total duration

7h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 26m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 1.9kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Air Europa

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bilbao to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Madrid trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:06 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RenfeINTERCITY00283 · 04786
Delayed
10:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
8h17
7:15 PM 7:15 PMMadrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY00283+RenfeALVIA04366
On time
10:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
10h15
9:13 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY00283 · 04166
On time
10:58 AM Bilbao-Abando
7h36
6:34 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA00437 · 04176
On time
2:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h11
9:13 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA00437+RenfeINTERCITY04786
Delayed
2:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
5h13
7:15 PM 7:15 PMMadrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA00437 · 04366
On time
2:02 PM Bilbao-Abando
7h11
9:13 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04366
On time
4:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
4h45
9:13 PM Madrid Chamartín
0 transfersDirect
Monday, December 15
RenfeALVIA04186 · 04086
On time
5:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
6h58
12:51 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA041865:53 AM Bilbao-Abando
4h35
10:28 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.

Sun
Dec 14
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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 91 days 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 4h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 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 28m.

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
4h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 28m
First train
00:30
Last train
17:37
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 Viajeros from Bilbao to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Bilbao and Madrid from €25. 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 Duration
4h 28m
Cheapest Price
€25
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

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 Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 28m
Cheapest Price
€32
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 €15 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bilbao to Madrid is €50; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Bilbao to Madrid train time is 4 h 28 min   covering the 322 km long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 00: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 17: 45.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Bilbao to Madrid with Renfe ALVIA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Bilbao to Madrid train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Renfe ALVIA. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services between Bilbao and Madrid to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Bilbao-Abando, which is located around 0.4 miles (726 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Madrid Chamartín, located 4.8 miles (7.8 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Madrid from Bilbao is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 28 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Bilbao to Madrid is January.
You have options as you can travel to Madrid from Bilbao 3 different ways: coach, train or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bilbao to Madrid

Bilbao
Madrid
The major train station for departures in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your trip from Bilbao to Madrid.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk

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