Barcelona to Bilbao from $34: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Barcelona to Bilbao: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$34 RideshareBest price
472.3 kmDistance
3h 25m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Barcelona to Bilbao with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $32 | $36 | $32 | $43 | $55 | $43 | $55 |
| Train | $48 | $43 | $40 | $46 | $54 | $57 | $62 |
| Fly | $29 | $29 | $29 | $29 | $43 | $39 | $35 |
Traveling From Barcelona to Bilbao
The journey from Barcelona to Bilbao reveals a fascinating spectrum of experiences, from the vibrant art and architecture of Catalonia to the rich culinary traditions and stunning landscapes of the Basque Country.
Best Neighbourhoods in Bilbao
Bilbao offers diverse neighborhoods, each rich in culture and charm.
Casco Viejo
• Charming old town with narrow, winding streets.
• Home to local shops and traditional tapas bars.
Abando
• Bustling area with modern architecture and shops.
• Features the iconic Guggenheim Museum nearby.
Getxo
• Coastal district with beautiful beaches and cliffs.
• Ideal for a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Best Times To Visit Bilbao's Attractions
Timing your visits to Bilbao's attractions can elevate your experience significantly.
Guggenheim Museum
Visit early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Casco Viejo
Explore during weekdays to enjoy a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.
Ribera Market
Go in the morning for fresh produce and to avoid busy lunchtime crowds.
Bilbao Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Bilbao enjoys a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. Spring and early autumn offer the best conditions for exploring the city, as the weather is pleasantly mild and outdoor activities become more enjoyable.
Dining in Bilbao: A Culinary Gem
Try bacalao al pil-pil at Restaurante Café Iruña, a local favorite that showcases the rich flavors of Basque cuisine, distinct from Barcelona's Catalan dishes. The warm atmosphere, paired with fresh seafood and local ingredients, creates a dining experience that immerses you in Bilbao's culinary heritage.
Barcelona - Bilbao operators
Explore transport companies operating between Barcelona and Bilbao, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
iberia.com
Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$26-150Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO) via Madrid
Average Duration
3h 25mEstimated price
$70-280Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO) via Palma Mallorca
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$26-150Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Santander (SDR)
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$30-250Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Santander (SDR) via Madrid
Average Duration
3h 37mEstimated price
$75-480Website
vueling.com
Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$26-150Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO) via Madrid
Average Duration
3h 25mEstimated price
$70-280Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO) via Palma Mallorca
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$26-150Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Santander (SDR)
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$30-250Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Santander (SDR) via Madrid
Average Duration
3h 40mEstimated price
$75-480Website
aireuropa.com
Plane from Barcelona (BCN) to Bilbao (BIO) via Palma Mallorca
Average Duration
3h 25mEstimated price
$60-280Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20Website
renfe.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Bilbao-Abando
Average Duration
6h 51mEstimated price
$55-80Contact phone
+34 910 207 007Website
alsa.es
Bus from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord to Bilbao
Average Duration
8hEstimated price
$50-80Bus from Santander E.A. to Bilbao
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$8-13Contact phone
+34 900 92 91 92Website
monbus.es
Bus from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord to Pamplona
Average Duration
6h 10mEstimated price
$30-45Contact phone
+34 945 18 20 60Website
alavabus.eus
Bus from Pamplona / Iruña to Bilbao / Bilbo
Average Duration
2hEstimated price
$9-13Website
blablacar.com
Rideshare from Barcelona to Bilbao
Average Duration
7h 4mEstimated price
$34-34Drive from Barcelona to Bilbao
Average Duration
5h 43mEstimated price
$110-170Barcelona to Bilbao: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Barcelona and Bilbao offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Barcelona to Bilbao, covering a scenic distance of 613.2 km through diverse Spanish landscapes.
💰 Explore budget-friendly options for your journey, with car travel costs ranging from €101 to €157.
Average price
€101 - €157
Useful tips for car travellers
• On your route from Barcelona to Bilbao, plan your fuel stops wisely; gas stations are plentiful along the A-2 and AP-68 highways, with average prices around €1.55 per liter, so it’s smart to fill up in larger towns like Zaragoza to avoid higher prices in more rural areas.
• Be aware of the ‘Zona de Bajas Emisiones’ (low emissions zone) in Bilbao; if your vehicle doesn’t comply, you may face fines; parking in the city typically ranges from €15 to €30 per day, with options at underground lots like Parkibai or Saba providing safety and proximity to central attractions.
• When arriving in Bilbao, expect potential traffic around the city center, particularly during peak hours; using Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation can help you avoid congested routes and find the best parking available near your destination.
🚆 Traveling from Barcelona to Bilbao by train offers a convenient and scenic journey. The direct train service operated by Renfe Viajeros takes approximately 6 hours and 51 minutes, departing from Barcelona-Sants and arriving at Bilbao-Abando station.
🌄 For a more adventurous route, you can opt for a journey with a transfer. The total travel time is 6 hours and 22 minutes, covering a distance of 598 km. The transfer includes a stop at Zaragoza-Delicias station before continuing on to Bilbao-Abando station.
💰 Ticket prices for the Barcelona to Bilbao train vary from €51 to €74, offering a budget-friendly way to explore the stunning landscapes between these two vibrant Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Arrival Point
Bilbao-Abando station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on your train from Barcelona to Bilbao may vary by operator, but Renfe typically offers a catering service with a selection of snacks, light meals, and drinks available for purchase. Ensure you check the menu in advance to plan your meal during the journey.
• The train operators on this route include Renfe and Euskotren. Renfe provides various seating options, including Primera Clase (First Class) with larger seats and complimentary services, and Turista Clase (Economy Class) which is more budget-friendly but still comfortable. Check their respective sites, Renfe - renfe.com and Euskotren - euskotren.eus for additional details.
• Upon arrival at the Bilbao train station, Estación de Abando, you will find luggage lockers available for storing your bags securely if you want to explore the city without the hassle of carrying them. To navigate the station easily, look for the information desk for maps and guidance on local transport options.
🛫 Flying from Barcelona to Bilbao is a convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can choose from airlines like Air Europa, Iberia, and Vueling Airlines for this route.
✈️ The total travel time for a flight from Barcelona to Bilbao is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.
💸 Prices for flights between Barcelona and Bilbao can range from €26 to €125, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Barcelona Airport
Arrival Point
Bilbao Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book a direct flight with Vueling Airlines or Iberia for the most convenient option, as their schedules typically align with optimal travel times for business or leisure, minimizing transit delays.
• Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport, be prepared for an efficient but compact layout; follow the signs towards the exit and transport options, and consider downloading the Airport Guide app for real-time updates.
• Expect to pay approximately €30 to €35 for a taxi ride from Bilbao Airport to the city center; for a more budget-friendly option, check out the Bizkaibus public transportation line that runs to various points in the city.
🚌 Traveling from Barcelona to Bilbao by bus is a convenient option with services departing three times a day from Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord to Bilbao, taking approximately 8 hours.
🌟 The journey covers a distance of 638 km and involves one transfer. The first step involves taking the bus from Barcelona to Zamora, with a duration of about 7 hours 50 mins. The second step includes a shorter bus ride from Burgos to Bilbao, lasting around 1 hour 45 mins.
Departure Point
Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord station
Arrival Point
Bilbao station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, check the ALSA bus schedule for Barcelona to Bilbao at ALSA, as there are three daily departures, and it's best to arrive early to find a good seat for your 8-hour journey.
• Upon arrival at Bilbao's bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Bilbao), familiarize yourself with the station layout by reviewing this map of the station to quickly locate facilities, cafes, and transport connections.
• As you pack snacks for the journey, remember that there are limited food options on the bus; consider stopping by one of the bakeries or markets near Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord before boarding, like 'Forn Vila,' known for its delicious pastries.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Barcelona to Bilbao.
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The distance between Barcelona and Bilbao is approximately 471.5 km by air and 613.3 km by road. Traveling by train takes around 6 hours and 51 minutes, while a flight can get you there in 3 hours and 14 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the journey typically takes about 5 hours and 43 minutes by car. Taking a bus is the longest option, with an average travel time of 8 hours and 15 minutes from Barcelona to Bilbao.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Barcelona to Bilbao would be to rideshare. This option costs €31 and takes approximately 7 hours and 4 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying would be the best choice. Although it can be more expensive, with costs ranging from €26 to €130, the travel time is significantly reduced to just 3 hours and 14 minutes.
The prices for a train journey from Barcelona to Bilbao range from €46 to €69. For a bus trip from Bilbao to Barcelona, the prices can vary between €83 and €130.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, a good option to travel from Barcelona to Bilbao is through Blablacar's carpooling service. This allows you to share rides with other travelers heading in the same direction. Driving from Barcelona to Bilbao takes approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes, covering a distance of 613.2 km. The prices for carpooling vary, but can range from €102 to €157.
The best way to travel from Barcelona to Bilbao without a car is by train, which takes approximately 6 hours and 51 minutes and costs between €46-€69. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes and costs between €26-€130. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes and costs between €83-€130.
Yes, there is a direct link between Barcelona and Bilbao by both train and bus. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and 51 minutes, and there is one train service per day. The bus journey takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes, with two services per day.
The flight between Barcelona and Bilbao typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from €26 to €125.
There are many accommodation options available near Bilbao. With over 1287 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at €47 per night.
Trips from Barcelona
- Barcelona to Madrid
- Barcelona to Rome
- Barcelona to Lisbon
- Barcelona to Marbella
- Barcelona to Nice
- Barcelona to Seville
- Barcelona to Andorra la Vella
- Barcelona to Granada
- Barcelona to Girona
- Barcelona to Toulouse
- Barcelona to Porto
- Barcelona to Lloret de Mar
- Barcelona to Alicante
- Barcelona to Marseille
- Barcelona to Montpellier
- Barcelona to Amsterdam
- Barcelona to Tarragona
- Barcelona to Valencia
- Barcelona to Zaragoza
- Barcelona to Perpignan
- Barcelona to Salou
- Barcelona to Calella
- Barcelona to Blanes
- Barcelona to Tossa de Mar
- Barcelona to Sitges
- Barcelona to Benidorm
- Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca
- Barcelona to Malaga
- Barcelona to London
- Barcelona to Almeria
- Barcelona to Cadiz
- Barcelona to Costa Brava
- Barcelona to Paris
- Barcelona to Ibiza Town
- Barcelona to Manchester
- Barcelona to Birmingham
- Barcelona to Andorra
- Barcelona to Edinburgh
- Barcelona to Luton (Bedfordshire)
- Barcelona to Bristol
Trips to Bilbao
- Madrid to Bilbao
- Pamplona to Bilbao
- Santander to Bilbao
- Bordeaux to Bilbao
- Porto to Bilbao
- Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
- Liverpool to Bilbao
- Zaragoza to Bilbao
- Burgos to Bilbao
- Malaga to Bilbao
- Seville to Bilbao
- Paris to Bilbao
- London to Bilbao
- Portsmouth to Bilbao
- Logrono to Bilbao
- Bristol to Bilbao
- Edinburgh to Bilbao
- Biarritz to Bilbao
- Rosslare Harbour to Bilbao
- Dublin to Bilbao
- Birmingham to Bilbao
- Glasgow to Bilbao
- Plymouth to Bilbao
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Bilbao
- Calais to Bilbao
- Granada to Bilbao
- Manchester to Bilbao
- Southampton to Bilbao
- Belfast to Bilbao
- Newcastle (Down) to Bilbao