Subscribe to receive top tips, train news and travel inspiration straight to your inbox
Bilbao to Madrid by train
-
Cheapest Price US$8.00
-
30 days in advance US$39.50
-
First train06:52
-
Last train17:45
-
Avg changes0
-
Fastest journey4hr 28m
-
Distance323 kilometres
-
Trains per day7
-
Avg. journey time4hr 53m
-
Train operators
Bilbao to Madrid train travel explained
Want to know how to get from Bilbao to Madrid by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!
The fastest trains from Bilbao to Madrid take around 4 hours and 28 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 323 kilometres.
On weekdays, the first train leaving Bilbao is scheduled to depart at around 06:52. The last departure is usually at around 17:35 . On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave Bilbao at around 06:52, with the last train leaving at around 17:45. On average, there are about 7 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 8 minutes.
Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from US$8.00.
We think any time is a great time to visit Madrid, as each season has its own unique charm. Nevertheless, please make sure you check the local weather and average seasonal temperatures at destination before deciding on your holiday.
For more tips to help you plan your journey, check out our help articles, or read our guide to Madrid.
Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Madrid?
Yes, there is a direct train from Bilbao to Madrid.
How long does it take to travel from Bilbao to Madrid?
The Bilbao to Madrid train travel takes about 4 hours and 28 minutes, no matter when you leave.
What are the Bilbao to Madrid train times and schedule?
If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Madrid leaving Bilbao at around 06:52 and the last train leaving at around 17:35 . At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Bilbao at around 06:52, with the final departure at 17:45.
Other journeys to Madrid View all journeys to Madrid
-
From Barcelona to Madrid From US$6.50
-
From Paris to Madrid From US$28.50
-
From Lisbon to Madrid From US$28.63
-
From London to Madrid From US$67.50
-
From Montpellier to Madrid From US$129.00
-
From Perpignan to Madrid From US$78.00
-
From Lyon to Madrid From US$90.00
-
From Girona to Madrid From US$12.50
-
From Valencia to Madrid From US$11.00
-
From Córdoba to Madrid From US$8.00
-
From Ronda to Madrid From US$89.00
-
From Granada to Madrid From US$8.00
Other journeys from Madrid
-
From Madrid to Barcelona From US$6.50
-
From Madrid to Valencia From US$6.50
-
From Madrid to Córdoba From US$11.00
-
From Madrid to Ronda From US$8.00
-
From Madrid to Granada From US$8.00
-
From Madrid to Santiago de Compostela From US$12.50
-
From Madrid to Almería From US$24.50
-
From Madrid to Seville From US$16.00
-
From Madrid to Málaga-María Zambrano From US$11.00
-
From Madrid to Toledo From US$16.65
-
From Madrid to Salamanca From US$22.00
-
From Madrid to Cáceres From US$8.00
Other journeys from Bilbao-Abando
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Barcelona From US$8.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Burgos Rosa de Lima From US$8.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Miranda de Ebro From US$7.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Palencia From US$32.50
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Zaragoza From US$32.50
-
From Bilbao-Abando to San Sebastián/Donostia From US$33.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Logroño From US$19.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Valladolid From US$8.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Castejon de Ebro From US$25.50
-
From Bilbao-Abando to León From US$32.00
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Santander From US$46.50
-
From Bilbao-Abando to Seville From US$91.00
Alvia
Direct Alvia trains from Bilbao to Madrid operate on this route. The first half of the journey is slow but scenic: once past Valladolid your train joins a new high-speed line that skirts Segovia and then tunnels under the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains to reach Madrid.
If the timings of the direct Alvia trains from Bilbao to Madrid do not suit your plans, you may find additional options requiring one change of train at either Zaragoza or Miranda de Ebro.
Bilbao-Abando to Madrid

The direct high-speed Alvia trains from Bilbao to Madrid leave from Abando station. That's handy as Abando is the principal hub for Bilbao's metro and suburban rail services. The trains stop five times along the way, including Burgos and Segovia. In Madrid, the trains terminate at Chamartin station, which is in the northern suburbs of the Spanish capital. Chamartin is well served by Madrid's efficient Cercanías (ie. local train) network.