Train Madrid - Bilbao prices from $25.25

04/20/2024
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Madrid to Bilbao by train

The journey from Madrid to Bilbao by train is 200.9 mi and takes 4 hr 54 min. There are 3 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:36 AM and the last at 5:38 PM. It is possible to travel from Madrid to Bilbao by train for as little as $25.25 or as much as $86.91. The best price for this journey is $25.25.

Lowest Price$25.25
Journey Duration4 hr 54 min
Connection per Day3
Lowest Price$25.25
Highest Price$86.91
First Departure6:36 AM
Last Departure5:38 PM
Distance200.9 mi
DepartureMadrid
ArrivalBilbao
CarriersAlsa, Renfe

Madrid to Bilbao Train Times

Departure date
Saturday, Apr 20, 2024

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from Madrid to Bilbao

Planning to travel from Madrid to Bilbao? Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start - but that's where Virail comes in. Our powerful search engine will explore all the options available for your trip, combing through more than 2000 transport companies all over the globe. All you have to do is enter your travel dates. In an instant, we'll show you a thorough list of possible routes, with all the information you need to make your decision. Choose from buses, trains, and more, connecting or direct, one-way or round trip - whatever you prefer. When you see your results, select your chosen option and Virail will redirect you to the provider's website, where you can complete your booking. Let us do the legwork for you, and you can just sit back and enjoy your trip.

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

On average, a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao will cost you $53.18. However, there may be cheaper alternatives available. Virail will show you the lowest prices available for your chosen travel dates, which could be as little as $25.25. If you are trying to stick to a budget, there are several ways you can seek out lower ticket prices. For example, if your travel dates are flexible, you might find that some days of the week are cheaper than others. Traveling during peak season will usually cost more, so avoid that if you want to save money. Even the time of day can affect the price of tickets sometimes. You can also look for an indirect route, which may be cheaper than a direct connection. Often, the cheapest train tickets can be found by booking well in advance. However, be mindful that many companies do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
On average, you can expect to spend around $53.18 for your train ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper train tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from Madrid to Bilbao.

How much time will it take to go from Madrid to Bilbao by train?

The journey between Madrid and Bilbao by train is approximately 200.9 mi. It will take you more or less 4 hr 54 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The journey between Madrid and Bilbao runs for about 200.9 mi and usually takes approximately 4 hr 54 min. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 4 hr 32 min. If you are trying to get from Madrid to Bilbao as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.

At what time of the day can I travel from Madrid to Bilbao?

If you prefer to travel early, you will usually find the first departure from Madrid to Bilbao leaving at 6:36 AM. Although things may change depending on the day, in general the last daily departure leaves at 5:38 PM.If you have some flexibility over the day on which you travel, you might find more options available to you. For example, some providers may only run early morning routes on weekdays, when people are traveling to work. You will often find fewer options available on weekends or public holidays. The first departure of the night from Madrid to Bilbao leaves at 6:36 AM, while the last journey sets out at 5:38 PM. These are according to the standard schedules for the route between Madrid and Bilbao. However, different providers' timetables can vary from day to day or month to month, so these particular departures may not be available every day. Some providers may change their schedules on public holidays and weekends, or during the summer months. Check your travel dates when making your booking.

Which stations can I use to travel from Madrid to Bilbao?

Depending on the type of transport, and the provider you decide to use for your journey, you will be able to depart Madrid from the following stations: MADRID (E),Madrid Barajas Airport,Madrid Méndez Alvaro,Madrid-Atocha,Madrid - Avenida de America,Madrid Puente de la Cea,MADRID BARAJAS aeropuerto T1,Madrid Chamartin. Arriving at Bilbao, your route will pass through all or some of the following stations: Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses,Bilbao - Kastrexana,Bilbao Abando. Not all transport providers serve every station, so check in advance to see exactly where your route takes you. You may need to use another form of transport to get from one station to another or to your final destination when you arrive in Bilbao.

How many daily journeys are there from Madrid to Bilbao?

The route from Madrid to Bilbao is served by providers including . From this list of transport providers, there are up to departures each day. However, this exact number will vary. On average, journeys depart from Madrid 3 times per day. This number includes all the transport providers that serve the route. When traveling from Madrid to Bilbao, you may choose to use an indirect route, involving connections. If you prefer not to do this, you will find an average of 2 direct journeys each day. However, indirect routes open up more possibilities for flexible travelers. On average, there are 1 journeys with one change or more each day. These numbers are all averages. They can slightly vary depending on the day of the week, the season of the year, local festivals, and other factors. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Madrid to Bilbao. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

Cheap train 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

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 $18.94 to $62.83 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 70% 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 $24.27 if you’re lucky, or $40.67 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $46.25.

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.

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

Madrid to Bilbao CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
22.63kg
Bus
24.25kg
Flight
64.67kg
Car
51.73kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Madrid to Bilbao by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Madrid and Bilbao are 22.63kg.
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 42.04kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 1.62kg compared to a bus and 29.1kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
A train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao is $53.18. 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 $25.25.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Madrid to Bilbao is $25.25. 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 200.9 mi.
How long does the train between Madrid and Bilbao take?
Madrid to Bilbao is on average 4 hr 54 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 4 hr 32 min.
Which companies operate from Madrid to Bilbao?
The train journey from Madrid to Bilbao is covered by 2 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Alsa, Renfe and Alvia.
How many train connections per day go from Madrid to Bilbao?
Madrid to Bilbao has 3 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 6:36 AM. 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 5:38 PM. 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 $25.25 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.
How many direct connections depart from Madrid to Bilbao?
There are on average 2 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 hr 32 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 22.63kg of CO2 emissions.

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