New train route! Travel between Barcelona and Seville with Ouigo.

Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Sat, Dec 13
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Dec 15

Cheapest price

€37

Average price

€57

Fastest journey

4 h 47 m

Average duration

4 h 58 m

Trains per day

73

Distance

323 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost around €57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.

Fast trains

Of the 73 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao 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 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 47 m .

On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 28 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.

AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687 · 00280
06:15AM12h07
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:22PMBilbao-Abando
371One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe Intercity04687+Renfe ALVIA00438
06:15AM9h38
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
03:53PMBilbao-Abando
371One-way
2 transfers
Renfe ALVIA04267
05:37PM4h51
Madrid Chamartín
10:28PMBilbao-Abando
391One-way
0 transfers
Renfe ALVIA04187
07:20AM4h47
Madrid Chamartín
12:07PMBilbao-Abando
391One-way
0 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)18061+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h07
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:22PMBilbao-Abando
401One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Bilbao

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Bilbao 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 33m. 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 €42.

Distance: 323 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€69

Average price

€51

Average price

Cheapest

€192

Average price

5h 48m

Average total duration

5h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 33m

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

Madrid to Bilbao train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao 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
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaSupra Economy+RenfeINTERCITY04257+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
11h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaSupra Economy+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
11h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaSupra Economy+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
11h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h17
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h17
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeMD37631+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h23
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
12:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h28
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
12:00 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h28
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05101+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h25
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
12:15 PM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
9h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
12:15 PM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
9h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
12:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
8h58
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
12:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
8h58
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h48
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
1:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
1:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h13
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h05
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04257+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
1:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h42
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05721+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
1:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h29
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05721+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
1:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h29
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h48
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h48
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE04161+RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h51
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE04161+RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h51
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04267
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h51
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04267 · 04267
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h51
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04167 · 04267
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h51
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04087 · 0043811:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h23
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA04187 · 0043811:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h23
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA0043811:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
15h23
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
Monday, December 15
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004385:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h38
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
5:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04187 · 00438
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h17
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h17
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04087 · 00438
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h17
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04087 · 00438
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h49
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04187 · 00438
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h49
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h49
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04187 · 00438
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h33
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h47
11:07 AM Bilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04087 · 00438
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h33
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h02
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h08
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h37
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h02
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h22
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h22
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h22
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h13
2:53 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h42
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h42
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
9h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
9h07
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h57
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h26
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h26
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h26
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37267+RenfeALVIA04267
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h28
9:28 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h22
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD37631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
9:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h22
5:22 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bilbao 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
Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Bilbao is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Bilbao route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Bilbao 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 Madrid to Bilbao.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Bilbao

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Bilbao run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €29 by bus.

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 40m.

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
Bus from €29
Distance
323 km
Average train duration
5h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
€29
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 40m
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €29

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe (13), Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from €29. 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 40m
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 (13)

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

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, 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
0
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 40m
Cheapest Price
€32
Renfe Viajeros frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can start from as little as €12 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Bilbao is €46; 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 Madrid to Bilbao is 4 h 32 min   to travel the 322 km long trip, with around there are 2 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 00: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 17: 45.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Madrid to Bilbao with Renfe ALVIA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Madrid to Bilbao train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Renfe ALVIA. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Madrid and Bilbao to compare what amenities they may offer.

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

A trip to Bilbao from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 32 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Madrid to Bilbao by train is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to Bilbao from Madrid including taking a coach, train or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Bilbao

Madrid
Bilbao
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
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
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone