Madrid to Bilbao train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri, Jul 11
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe (13)
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe Viajeros
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for Jul 12

Cheapest price

€52

Average price

€66

Fastest journey

4 h 40 m

Average duration

5 h 57 m

Trains per day

32

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 €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.

Fast trains

Of the 32 trains that leave Madrid for Bilbao on Sat, Jul 12, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jul 12 the direct trains cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .

On Sat, Jul 12 the slowest trains will take 7 h 59 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 (13)18063+Renfe ALVIA04267
10:00AM12h21
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10:21PMBilbao-Abando
521One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe ALVIA00631+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
521One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe (13)18061+Renfe Intercity00280
06:15AM12h00
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
531One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe ALVIA00631+Renfe Intercity00280
07:45AM10h30
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
531One-way
2 transfers
AlsaNormal+Renfe ALVIA00631+Renfe Intercity00280
08:00AM10h15
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
06:15PMBilbao-Abando
531One-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 €32. 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 €32, and a flight costs an average of €36.

Distance: 322 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€60

Average price

€54

Average price

Cheapest

€214

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

Showing trains for today, Friday, July 11
Last updated at 5:11 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RenfeALVIA04087+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04087 · 00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261 · 00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:37 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h38
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:37 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h07
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04261+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:37 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h38
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
5:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h30
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
5:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h53
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
6:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
14h21
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:00 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
10h15
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h35
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA00438
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h04
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando
1 transfer
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
7:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
13h06
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:26 AM 7:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h50
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
Delayed
7:26 AM 7:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h50
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:52 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h23
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
7:52 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h29
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04091 · 00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
7:52 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h23
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
8:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
8:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h21
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
8:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
12h06
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
8:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsa_supraSupra Economy+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
11h06
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsa_supraSupra Economy+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
10:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
10h21
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
10:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h16
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY00280
On time
10:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h10
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:00 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h21
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT34101+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h16
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT34101+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h16
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:15 AM Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa)
9h06
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:30 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
8h51
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:40 AM 11:40 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h41
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04143+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
11:40 AM 11:40 AMMadrid Chamartín
8h41
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
alsaNormal+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
12:15 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
8h06
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVLO05817+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
12:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h58
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeINTERCITY04257+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
12:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h35
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE05721+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
12:59 PM 12:59 PMMadrid Chamartín
7h22
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08159+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
1:10 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h11
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVANT08359+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h41
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeAVE04161+renfe18009+RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
2:49 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h32
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
2 transfers
RenfeALVIA04267
Delayed
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h44
8:21 PM 8:21 PMBilbao-Abando
0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal+RenfeALVIA00631+RenfeINTERCITY002804:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY002804:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
12h00
4:15 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers
alsaNormal+RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA004384:15 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
9h29
1:44 PM Bilbao-Abando2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

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Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Bilbao by train, bus, or flight

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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 €25 if you book in advance.
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
322 km
Average train duration
5h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
€25
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 40m
First train
00:30
Last train
17:38
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 providers: Renfe (3), Renfe ALVIA and Renfe trains Madrid to Bilbao

You can travel by train between Madrid and Bilbao with Renfe (3), Renfe ALVIA and Renfe for as low as €26. When you search for timetables and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

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.

Train information from Madrid to Bilbao with Renfe ALVIA:

  • Average Duration: 4 h 32 min
  • Cheapest Price: €26

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Bilbao

FAQs: Travel by train from Madrid to Bilbao easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Bilbao.
FAQs

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 major train station for arrivals in Bilbao is Bilbao-Abando. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao-Abando for your journey to Bilbao from 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

Most popular train connections to Bilbao

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