Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Sun, Sep 13
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe MD
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe MD
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13

Cheapest price on Sep 13

€52

Average ticket price on Sep 13

€60

Fastest journey on Sep 13

4 h 51 m

Average journey duration on Sep 13

4 h 51 m

Trains on Sep 13

2

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 €60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 13, we found 2 trains from Madrid to Bilbao, including 2 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 13 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 4 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 51 m .

On Sun, Sep 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 51 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 ALVIA
    3:37 PM4h51
    Madrid
    8:28 PMBilbao
    €521One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    4:37 PM4h51
    Madrid
    9:28 PMBilbao
    €691One-way
    0 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 an average ticket price of €47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 34m. 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 €47, while a flight costs an average of €124.

Distance: 323 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

€50

Average price

€47

Average price

Cheapest

€124

Average price

€67

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 58m

Average total duration

4h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 34m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 5m

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 ALVIA

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 Madrid to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of €47.

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Bilbao:

A bus is €3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average €50.

A bus is €77 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Bilbao costing on average €124.

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 34m.

Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 28m.

Bus takes on average 4h 55m.

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

Live departures

Madrid to Bilbao train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA3:37 PM Madrid
4h51
8:28 PM Bilbao0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA4:37 PM Madrid
4h51
9:28 PM Bilbao0 transfersDirect

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.

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Why should you book Madrid to Bilbao trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Madrid 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 Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Madrid 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 Madrid to Bilbao.

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 35 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 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €16 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 47m.

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 28m
Cheapest ticket price
€16
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 47m
First train
12:30 AM
Last train
5:37 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
91 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 MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Bilbao trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Bilbao from €16. 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 47m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
€16
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 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 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

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
Learn more about Renfe

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Viajeros Duration
4h 47m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
€35
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 €16 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Bilbao is €50; 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 4h 47m 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 Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 5:37 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Madrid to Bilbao with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Madrid to Bilbao, you can count on Renfe ALVIA, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe Viajeros for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Madrid and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Bilbao from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 47m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Bilbao is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Bilbao including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Bilbao

Most Madrid to Bilbao trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Bilbao-Abando station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Bilbao train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Madrid
Arrival train stations in Bilbao

Which Madrid station do trains to Bilbao leave from?

Trains from Madrid to Bilbao leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · €1 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · €1 · every ~2 min
BusN24 · 24m · €3 · every ~11 min
Subway1 · 19m · €2 · every ~24 min

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.

More about Madrid Chamartín

More options for your journey from Madrid to Bilbao

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao
Flights from Madrid to Bilbao
Compare all journeys between Madrid and Bilbao
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Tickets and more information for trains to Bilbao

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