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Madrid to Bilbao from $24: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Bilbao, Spain

How to Get from Madrid to Bilbao: 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.

$24 RideshareBest price
325 kmDistance
3h 12m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid 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.

Company
Alsa
Bus
Average Duration
4h  25m
Estimated price
$30-50
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
5h  35m
Estimated price
$23-40
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 325 km
Duration: 3h 12m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$24-24
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$33-145
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
5h  48m
Estimated price
$42-62
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  13m
Estimated price
$51-246
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  15m
Estimated price
$56-224
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  52m
Estimated price
$70-110

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $28 $35 $33 $32 $39 $39 $39
Train $19 $18 $19 $24 $47 $37 $62
Fly $49 $46 $51 $41 $74 $41 $74
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Bilbao

The journey from Madrid to Bilbao offers a striking contrast, with Madrid's vibrant city life and rich history giving way to Bilbao's modern architecture and stunning Basque landscapes.

Best Neighbourhoods in Bilbao

Bilbao boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Casco Viejo
• Historic charm with narrow, cobblestone streets.
• Vibrant tapas bars and local shops.
Abando
• Central hub with modern architecture and shopping.
• Access to Bilbao's main train station.
Ensanche
• Elegant area with upscale dining and luxury boutiques.
• Beautiful parks for leisurely strolls.

Best Times To Visit Bilbao's Attractions

Timing your visits to Bilbao's top attractions can enhance your experience and help you avoid crowds.

Guggenheim Museum
Visit early in the morning for a serene experience and fewer visitors.
Casco Viejo
Explore this historic area on weekdays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Late afternoons are ideal for fewer crowds and a more relaxed visit.

Bilbao Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Bilbao experiences a maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an inviting destination throughout the year. Late spring and early fall are ideal times to visit, as pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in Bilbao

Experience the rich flavors of Basque cuisine at Restaurante Azurmendi, where dishes like 'bacalao al pil-pil' showcase local ingredients in a stunning setting. Unlike Madrid's tapas-centric dining, Bilbao offers a more refined culinary adventure that highlights the essence of its unique gastronomic culture.

Madrid - Bilbao operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Bilbao, 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 Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano to Bilbao

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
$30-50

Bus from Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano to Haro

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$16-28

Bus from Haro to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-12

Bus from Santander E.A. to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$8-13

Bus from San Sebastian to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$8-13
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Bilbao-Abando

Average Duration
4h 37m
Estimated price
$40-60
Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$35-280

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Santander (SDR)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$45-340

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to San Sebastian (EAS)

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$45-360
Website
aireuropa.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$35-200
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
blablacar.com

Other from Madrid to Bilbao

Average Duration
4h 47m
Estimated price
$24-24
Contact phone
+34 900 202 777
Website
jimenezmovilidad.es

Other from Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano to Haro

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$16-28
Contact phone
+34 945 18 20 60
Website
alavabus.eus

Other from Haro to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-12
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Other from Santander to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$11-16

Other from San Sebastian / Donostia to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$11-16

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

Traveling between Madrid 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 enchanting road trip from Madrid to Bilbao spanning 397.5 km, promising beautiful landscapes and cultural delights along the way. 💸 Discover cost-effective travel options ranging from €65 to €101 to enjoy the journey to Bilbao from Madrid by car. Explore carpooling services like Blablacar for convenient, eco-friendly rides between Madrid and Bilbao, ideal for non-drivers or those seeking a hassle-free alternative to public transportation.
Average price
€65 - €101
Useful tips for car travellers
• Keep an eye out for gas stations along the A1 and AP-68 highways, as they are the main routes connecting Madrid to Bilbao; fuel prices are currently around €1.50 per liter.
• When you arrive in Bilbao, be aware of restricted traffic zones in the city center, and plan to park in public garages such as 'Euskalduna' or 'Abando,' where daily rates range from €15 to €25.
• Familiarize yourself with the local driving regulations, especially the speed limits (120 km/h on highways) and parking norms; use tools like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation and to avoid unexpectedly high tolls on the AP-68.
🚂 Starting from Estación de Sol Cercanías, travelers can embark on a scenic journey towards Bilbao, navigating through Madrid-Chamartin station. With a total travel time of 5 hours and 48 minutes, this route offers a delightful train experience. 🌄 The train ride from Madrid to Bilbao covers a distance of 604 km, passing through picturesque landscapes and diverse terrains. 💰 Ticket prices for the Madrid to Bilbao train range from €39 to €57, offering an affordable and efficient way to travel between these vibrant Spanish cities. With Renfe Viajeros as the operating agency, passengers can expect a smooth and enjoyable trip, reaching Bilbao-Abando station in approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes.
Departure Point
Madrid-Chamartin station
Arrival Point
Bilbao-Abando station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: When traveling from Madrid to Bilbao, you can expect good catering services on Renfe trains. They offer a cafeteria service where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Additionally, if you're in the First Class or Business Class, you may have access to meal service that includes complimentary drinks and snacks.
• Seating Options: Renfe operates this route with different classes of seats. The options include Turista (Economy), Preferente (First Class), and Business Class. In Turista, seats are standard and comfortable enough for the journey. In Preferente, you'll enjoy wider seats with extra legroom and additional service. Business Class generally offers spacious seating in a quieter atmosphere with more amenities.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Bilbao Abando (the main train station), you can easily navigate to the city center. There are luggage lockers available for you to store your bags if you want to explore the city unencumbered. The station also has restrooms available, but please note that showers are not provided. To get to the city center quickly, you can take the metro from the station, which is directly connected and operates a frequent service.
🛫 The quickest flight from Madrid to Bilbao Airport is a direct one, taking just 1 hour with airlines like Air Europa and Iberia. 🌆 Once in Bilbao, you'll have traveled a total of 3 hours and 12 minutes from Madrid by plane, making it a convenient option for a quick getaway. 💸 Prices for flights between Madrid and Bilbao can vary from €30 to €134, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Bilbao Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight during off-peak hours, as Madrid to Bilbao is a popular route, and flights can be significantly cheaper, often falling between €30 - €130.
• Upon arriving at Bilbao Airport (BIO), take a moment to enjoy the art installations and modern architecture; the airport has a compact layout, making it easy to navigate from arrivals to transport links.
• Expect to pay approximately €20-€25 for a taxi from Bilbao Airport to the city center; alternatively, you can check out the Bizkaibus service for a more economical transfer option at around €3.
🚌 Traveling from Madrid to Bilbao by bus is a convenient and comfortable option. The direct bus service operated by ALSA offers hourly departures, making it easy to plan your journey. The total travel time is approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. 🌆 The bus departs from Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station in Madrid and arrives at Bilbao station in Bilbao. With a distance of 324 km between the two cities, you can enjoy a scenic ride through the Spanish landscape. ALSA provides reliable and efficient transportation services for this route. 💰 Prices for the bus ticket between Madrid and Bilbao range from €28 to €46, offering an affordable way to travel between these two vibrant cities in Spain.
Departure Point
Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station
Arrival Point
Bilbao station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Purchase your bus ticket in advance online through the ALSA website (alsa.ma) to secure a good seat and avoid any last-minute price hikes.
• Bring snacks and drinks for your 4h 25m journey, as while the bus is comfortable, the time may feel longer if you're hungry; a few local treats from Madrid can make it more enjoyable.
• Upon arriving at Bilbao bus station, familiarize yourself with the station layout by checking the station map here to quickly find public transportation options like trams and buses to the city center.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Bilbao.

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The distance between Madrid and Bilbao is approximately 325.1 km by air or road. If you choose to travel by train, it will take you around 6 hours and 2 minutes to reach Bilbao from Madrid. However, if you prefer the convenience of flying, the flight time is approximately 3 hours. For those who enjoy a scenic road trip, driving from Madrid to Bilbao will take you about 3 hours and 52 minutes by car. Alternatively, a bus journey between the two cities typically takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Madrid to Bilbao would be to rideshare, with a cost of approximately €22 and a travel time of around 4 hours and 47 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the quickest option would be to fly, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours. Although the flight may be slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from €27 to €128, it would significantly reduce travel time compared to other modes of transportation.
The price range for a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao typically costs €38 to €57, while a bus ticket from Bilbao to Madrid can range from €50 to €78.
To travel from Madrid to Bilbao without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service for rideshare options. This is a convenient option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Madrid and Bilbao is approximately 397.5 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes to drive. Prices for car rides from Madrid to Bilbao can range from €64 to €101.
To travel from Madrid to Bilbao without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket prices range from €50 to €78. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 6 hours and 2 minutes and costs between €37 and €60. Another option is to fly, with a flight duration of about 3 hours and ticket prices ranging from €27 to €128.
Yes, there is a direct link between Madrid and Bilbao by bus. The ALSA bus service operates twice daily, departing from Madrid and arriving in Bilbao, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. However, there is no direct train connection between the two cities. Traveling by train from Madrid to Bilbao requires a transfer and takes approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes.
The flight between Madrid and Bilbao typically takes around 1 hour. The price of a flight ticket can vary from €30 to €124, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Bilbao. With over 1287 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices start at €47 per night, ensuring that there are options available for those looking for more affordable stays.