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Bilbao to Santander from $6: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Bilbao, Spain
to
Santander, Spain

How to Get from Bilbao to Santander: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$6 RideshareBest price
76.4 kmDistance
1h 10m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bilbao to Santander 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.

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
1h  30m
Estimated price
$8-19
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  29m
Estimated price
$6-6
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 76.4 km
Duration: 1h 10m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve
Train
Average Duration
3h  11m
Estimated price
$9-11
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  10m
Estimated price
$18-27

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $8 $8 $8 $8 $8 $8 $8
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Traveling From Bilbao to Santander

This journey connects vibrant urban life in Bilbao, with its rich culture and modern architecture, to the serene coastal charm of Santander, where stunning beaches and natural beauty await.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santander

Santander offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Centro
• Bustling shopping streets and lively atmosphere.
• Rich in history with beautiful architecture.
El Sardinero
• Home to stunning beaches and picturesque views.
• Renowned for upscale restaurants and hotels.
Puertochico
• Quaint waterfront area popular for seafood dining.
• Charming streets perfect for leisurely strolls.

Best Times To Visit Santander's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your Santander experience.

Playa del Sardinero
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Palacio de la Magdalena
Weekdays in spring offer a quieter visit, allowing for better exploration.
Centro Botín
Plan your visit during weekday mornings, ideal for avoiding busier tourist times.

Santander Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santander enjoys a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with rain being common throughout the year. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when you can enjoy pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city's attractions and coastal beauty.

Dining Recommendation in Santander

Journey to Casa Lita and savor their renowned 'anchovies from Santoña,' a dish that celebrates the region's rich fishing tradition and fresh local ingredients. Unlike Bilbao's vibrant pintxo bars, dining here immerses you in a relaxed coastal atmosphere, showcasing flavors that highlight the sea's bounty.

Bilbao - Santander operators

Explore transport companies operating between Bilbao and Santander, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Bilbao to Santander E.A.

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$8-13
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Bus from Bilbao to Santander

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$13-19
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Bilbao to Santander

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$11-16
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 912 320 320
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-am

Train from Bilbao to Santander

Average Duration
3h 11m
Estimated price
$9-11
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Bilbao to Santander

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$6-6

Bilbao to Santander: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Bilbao and Santander 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 a picturesque road trip from Bilbao to Santander, covering a distance of 101.4 km in just 1 hour and 10 minutes, winding through stunning Spanish scenery. 💰 Explore affordability as prices for driving from Bilbao to Santander range from €17 to €25, offering a budget-friendly way to experience the journey at your own pace.
Average price
€17 - €25
Useful tips for car travellers
• Make sure to fill up your tank in Bilbao since gas stations are less frequent along the A-67, and current prices per liter are around €1.55. Consider using apps like GasBuddy to find the best prices along the way.
• When you arrive in Santander, be aware of the Zona Azul parking system, which costs between €1.50 to €2.50 per day; it is essential to display a parking ticket on your dashboard to avoid fines.
• On your route via the A-67, keep an eye on speed limits—50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on non-urban roads, and 120 km/h on highways—to avoid fines; consult Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and to avoid road work detours.
🚆 Travel from Bilbao to Santander by train is convenient and efficient. The direct train service runs three times a day, taking approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete the journey. 🎫 Tickets for the Bilbao to Santander train can be purchased for prices ranging from €8 to €10.
Departure Point
Bilbao station
Arrival Point
Santander station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The trains between Bilbao and Santander offer a catering service that includes a variety of snacks and beverages. You can expect options ranging from sandwiches and pastries to drinks like coffee, water, and soft drinks. Look out for the onboard trolley service that typically operates during the journey.
Seating Options: For this route, Renfe operates trains offering diverse seating classes including: 'Turista' (Economy), 'Preferente' (First Class), and 'Club' (Business Class). Turista offers standard comfortable seats, while Preferente provides additional legroom and amenities such as welcome drinks. Club seats typically feature even more luxurious touches and priority boarding.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Santander train station, you will find luggage storage services available, allowing you to explore the city without your bags. Additionally, there are restroom facilities at the station, but no showers. The station layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate to buses and taxis.
🌅 The bus ride from Bilbao to Santander is a scenic route that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. 💰 Prices for the bus between Santander and Bilbao are affordable, ranging from €7 to €18 depending on the type of ticket and any discounts that may apply.
Departure Point
Bilbao station
Arrival Point
Santander E.A. station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to book your ticket in advance on the ALSA website (alsa.es) to secure the best prices, which can range from €7.2 to €17 depending on the time of booking.
• Arrive at Bilbao Bus Station early, especially during peak travel times, as it can get quite busy; allow time for any potential delays with boarding and check the display boards for your bus number.
• Upon arriving at Santander E.A. station, take note that the main exits lead you directly into the city via Avenida de los Castros, making it easy to catch public transport or explore nearby dining options such as 'La Pérgola' for some local cuisine.