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Madrid to Bilbao by train
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Cheapest Price €6.86
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30 days in advance €59.55
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First train07:15
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Last train17:38
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Avg changes0
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Fastest journey4hr 32m
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Distance323 kilometres
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Trains per day5
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Avg. journey time4hr 56m
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Train operators
Travelling from Madrid to Bilbao by train
Want to know how to get from Madrid to Bilbao by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!
The fastest trains from Madrid to Bilbao take around 4 hours and 32 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 323 kilometres.
On weekdays, the first train leaving Madrid is scheduled to depart at around 07:15. The last departure is usually at around 17:38. This is the same as during the weekend. There are frequent services on this particular rail route. On average, there are about 5 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 40 minutes.
Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from €6.86.
We think any time is a great time to visit Bilbao, 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 Bilbao.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Bilbao?
Yes, there is a direct train from Madrid to Bilbao.
How long does it take to travel from Madrid to Bilbao?
The Madrid to Bilbao train travel takes about 4 hours and 32 minutes, no matter when you leave.
What are the Madrid to Bilbao train times and schedule?
If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Bilbao leaving Madrid at around 07:15 and the last train leaving at around 17:38. This is the same at the weekend.
Other journeys to Bilbao-Abando View all journeys to Bilbao-Abando
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From Barcelona to Bilbao-Abando From €53.56
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Alvia
Direct Alvia trains from Madrid to Bilbao run north from Madrid using a new high-speed line that tunnels under the Sierra de Guadarrama. Trains stay on the high-speed line to Valladolid, capital of Spain's Castilla y León region. Beyond Valladolid, the pace becomes much slower as the train winds around hills and through valleys on the way to the coastal city of Bilbao (known as Bilbo in the Basque language).
If the timings of the direct trains from Madrid to Bilbao do not suit your plans, there are additional options requiring one change of train at either Zaragoza or Miranda de Ebro.
Madrid to Bilbao-Abando
High-speed Alvia trains from Madrid to Bilbao leave from 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. In Bilbao, you'll arrive at Abando station - which is a hub for local metro and suburban rail services. The Alvia trains make five stops on the journey from Madrid to Bilbao. If you want a little extra comfort on the train, opt when you book for preferente rather than turista class.