Train Madrid - Bilbao prices from $15.81

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Madrid to Bilbao by train

The journey from Madrid to Bilbao by train is 200.7 mi and takes 4 h 31 min. There are 6 connections per day, with the first departure at 7:36am and the last at 7:38pm. It is possible to travel from Madrid to Bilbao by train for as little as $15.81 or as much as $96.66. The best price for this journey is $15.81.

Best Price $15.81
Journey Duration 4 h 31 min
Connection per Day 6
Lowest Price $15.81
Highest Price $96.66
First Departure 7:36am
Last Departure 7:38pm
Distance 200.7 mi
Departure Madrid
Arrival Bilbao
Carriers Renfe, Alvia,

Madrid to Bilbao Train Times

    Dec 07
    $37.87
    11°
    Dec 08
    $44.18
    11°
    Dec 09
    $31.56
    10°
    Dec 10
    $51.93
    14°
    Dec 11
    $38.59
    15°
    Dec 12
    $25.25
    15°
    Dec 13
    $25.25
    16°
    Dec 14
    $25.25
    16°
    Dec 15
    $25.25
    14°
    Dec 16
    $50.39
    14°
    Dec 17
    $56.81
    12°
    Dec 18
    $15.81
    12°
    Dec 19
    $15.81
    12°
    Dec 20
    $15.81
    10°
    Dec 21
    $15.81
    11°
Departure date
Thursday,Dec 07 2023
11°

Your journey from Madrid to Bilbao with Virail

Do you know the best way to get from Madrid to Bilbao? No? Don't worry, Virail knows. Our search tool uses data from thousands of travel providers to show you all the available routes for your chosen travel dates. Whether you want to travel by train, bus, plane, or carpool, we can help. Filter your results to suit your personal needs: decide whether you want a one-way or round trip ticket, look for a direct journey or one with connections, and choose the time of day that you prefer to travel. Take a look at all the information and find the transport option that's right for you. When you've selected your ideal journey, Virail will transfer you to the website of your chosen travel provider, where you can complete your booking. Your adventure is waiting - let Virail help you today.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Madrid to Bilbao?

When you're traveling from Madrid to Bilbao, you can expect to pay an average of approximately $52.91. You might be able to find prices as low as $5.13, but it all depends on how you travel. Some forms of transport are cheaper than others, and prices will vary according to time of day, day of the week, season, and other factors. For the cheapest train tickets, make your reservation well in advance. If you can, travel at an off-peak time, as train ticket prices will often be reduced. You might also be able to save money by booking a connecting journey, rather than a direct route. Be sure to check the conditions of the ticket before booking, as sometimes cheaper train tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Use Virail to check your options before booking, to ensure that you find the lowest price for your journey.

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Compare prices and tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

 
Dec 07
Thursday
11°
$37.87
$36.69
$37.98
$25.66
Dec 08
Friday
11°
$44.18
$36.69
$37.98
$28.74
Dec 09
Saturday
10°
$31.56
$32.33
$43.11
$24.63
Dec 10
Sunday
14°
$51.93
$36.69
$133.43
$29.76
Dec 11
Monday
15°
$38.59
$36.69
$100.07
More
Dec 12
Tuesday
15°
$25.25
$36.69
$66.71
More
Dec 13
Wednesday
16°
$25.25
$36.69
$66.71
More
Cheap tickets from Madrid to Bilbao
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Madrid to Bilbao.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

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Best time to book Madrid to Bilbao travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

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Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $16 to $63 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 75% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

The cheapest Madrid - Bilbao train tickets can be found for as low as $44 if you’re lucky, or $57 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $73.

Find the best day to travel to Bilbao by train

When travelling to Bilbao by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Alsa, founded in 1923, is a prominent Spanish bus company that operates national and international routes. The company has grown to become one of the largest bus companies in Europe. Alsa provides a comprehensive range of services, including regular and express routes, luxury buses, and sleeper buses. Alsa, dedicated to sustainability, reduces its carbon footprint by using alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies.

Alvia, operated by Renfe, is a high-speed train service in Spain. With speeds of up to 250 km/h, Alvia trains, slightly slower than the 300 km/h maximum AVE trains reach, offer comfort and amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They seamlessly connect regional stations to major cities, ensuring efficient travel. The three train models available are Class 120, Class 130, and Class 730.

Services on board Alsa from Madrid to Bilbao
Compare services on board when travelling from Madrid to Bilbao by train.
Facilities Alsa
WiFi
Luggage
Bicycle

Madrid to Bilbao CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
2.1kg
Bus
14.0kg
Flight
559.9kg
Car
54.0kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Madrid to Bilbao by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Madrid and Bilbao are 2.1kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Madrid and Bilbao? By taking the train between Madrid and Bilbao you will save 557.8kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 11.9kg compared to a bus and 51.9kg compared to a car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
A train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is $67.20. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $15.81.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Madrid to Bilbao is $15.81. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Madrid and Bilbao by train?
Madrid to Bilbao is 200.7 mi.
How long does the train between Madrid and Bilbao take?
Madrid to Bilbao is on average 6 h 13 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 4 h 31 min.
Which companies operate from Madrid to Bilbao?
The train journey from Madrid to Bilbao is covered by 6 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Renfe, Alvia, Renfe - Intercity, Renfe - Media Distancia, Renfe AVANT, Alsa.
How many train connections per day go from Madrid to Bilbao?
Madrid to Bilbao has 6 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Madrid to Bilbao leave?
The earliest train from Madrid to Bilbao departs at 7:36am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Madrid to Bilbao depart?
The latest train from Madrid to Bilbao departs at 7:38pm. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Madrid to Bilbao in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $15.81 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
From which stations can I leave from Madrid to Bilbao?
There are 5 station(s) that you can depart from Madrid to go to Bilbao. You can go from Madrid-chamartin-clara Campoamor, Madrid-puerta De Atocha, Madrid Chamartín Train Station, Estación De Madrid-chamartín and Madrid, Madrid Chamartin and you can arrive at Bilbao-abando Indalecio Prieto, Bilbao-abando, Bilbao-concordia, Madrid Chamartín Train Station and Bilbao-abando, Bilbao Abando.
How many direct connections depart from Madrid to Bilbao?
There are on average 3 direct connection(s) from Madrid to go to Bilbao.
What's the fastest journey time between Madrid to Bilbao by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Madrid and Bilbao is 4 h 31 min.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Bilbao?
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Bilbao.
What are the CO2 emissions for Madrid to Bilbao by train?
The train journey from Madrid to Bilbao creates 2.1kg of CO2 emissions.

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