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Bilbao, Basque Country to Barcelona, Catalonia from $34: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Bilbao, Spain
to
Barcelona, Spain

How to Get from Bilbao to Barcelona: 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.

$34 RideshareBest price
472.1 kmDistance
3h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Bilbao to Barcelona 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
Vueling Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  22m
Estimated price
$28-135
Recommended
route map
Distance: 472.1 km
Duration: 3h 22m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
$34-34
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
4h  1m
Estimated price
$36-215
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
10h  10m
Estimated price
$40-63
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
6h  34m
Estimated price
$43-96
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
7h  30m
Estimated price
$50-80
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
7h 
Estimated price
$55-80
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  43m
Estimated price
$110-170

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $36 $32 $32 $36 $50 $38 $51
Train $43 $29 $39 $46 $62 $57 $65
Fly $29 $28 $28 $34 $30 $34 $43

Traveling From Bilbao to Barcelona

The journey from Bilbao to Barcelona offers a fascinating contrast between Bilbao's rich Basque heritage and Barcelona's vibrant Catalan culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

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

Gothic Quarter
• Charming medieval streets to explore and discover.
• Home to stunning Gothic architecture and historical sites.
Gràcia
• Known for its bohemian vibe and local artistic flair.
• Vibrant plazas filled with cafes, shops, and street performers.
Eixample
• Features unique modernist architecture, including Gaudí’s works.
• Great shopping options and a lively dining scene.

Best Times To Visit Barcelona's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Barcelona's attractions.

Sagrada Família
Visit early on weekdays to avoid long queues and enjoy peace.
Park Güell
Go in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and great lighting.
La Rambla
Visit during weekday mornings to experience a livelier, less crowded atmosphere.

Barcelona Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Barcelona experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Visiting during spring or fall provides pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

In Barcelona, don't miss trying the vibrant and flavorful tapas at Bar El Xampanyet, where the lively atmosphere showcases the city's passion for communal dining. Unlike Bilbao's focus on hearty Basque dishes, Barcelona's culinary scene emphasizes lighter fare and creative use of fresh, local ingredients, providing a refreshing contrast to your dining adventures.

Bilbao - Barcelona operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
vueling.com

Plane from Bilbao (BIO) to Barcelona (BCN)

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$26-150
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
renfe.com

Train from Bilbao-Abando to Zaragoza-Delicias

Average Duration
4h 29m
Estimated price
$30-45

Train from Zaragoza-Delicias to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$28-40

Train from Bilbao-Abando to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
7h
Estimated price
$55-80
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
alsa.es

Bus from Bilbao to Barcelona Sants Bus

Average Duration
7h 30m
Estimated price
$50-80

Bus from Bilbao to Aeropuerto Santander-S.Ballest

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$8-12
Contact phone
+34 945 18 20 60
Website
alavabus.eus

Bus from Bilbao / Bilbo to Pamplona / Iruña

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$9-13
Contact phone
+34 900 92 91 92
Website
monbus.es

Bus from Pamplona to Estación de Autobuses Barcelona Nord

Average Duration
7h 10m
Estimated price
$30-50
Rideshare
Website
blablacar.com

Rideshare from Bilbao to Barcelona

Average Duration
7h 3m
Estimated price
$34-34
Drive

Drive from Bilbao to Barcelona

Average Duration
5h 43m
Estimated price
$110-170

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

Traveling between Bilbao and Barcelona 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 scenic road trip from Bilbao to Barcelona spanning 381 miles. The journey promises approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes of picturesque views as you drive through the heart of Spain. 💰 Prices for a car trip from Bilbao to Barcelona range from €101 to €157, making it an affordable and convenient travel option. Consider exploring carpooling services like Blablacar for cost-effective rideshare opportunities between these vibrant Spanish cities.
Average price
€101 - €157
Useful tips for car travellers
• As you travel from Bilbao to Barcelona, you'll mostly use the AP-68 and AP-7 highways; make sure to keep about €18-€25 for toll costs along these routes.
• Fuel prices along the way are approximately €1.60 to €1.80 per liter, and you can find reliable gas stations in towns like Logroño and Zaragoza, which are popular stopping points.
• Upon arriving in Barcelona, be aware of the 'Zona de Baixes Emissions' (Low Emission Zone) where access is restricted for vehicles not meeting environmental standards; parking in central areas ranges from €15 to €25 per day, depending on the location.
🚄 Traveling by train from Bilbao to Barcelona offers a convenient and scenic journey through Spain. Departing from Bilbao-Abando station, the direct train service operated by Renfe takes approximately 7 hours to reach Barcelona-Sants station. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between Bilbao and Barcelona can vary from €40 to €88, providing an affordable and efficient travel option for those looking to experience the cultural richness of both cities without the hassle of driving or flying.
Departure Point
Bilbao-Abando station
Arrival Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Bilbao to Barcelona, you can take the Renfe AVE service, which offers a catering service including a meal option and snacks available for purchase. Be sure to check their menu in advance for any daily specials, and pre-order your meal if possible to enjoy a hassle-free dining experience on board.
• The Renfe train service provides several seating options: First Class (Preferente), which offers larger seats and complimentary meals; Business Class (Club), with additional comfort and amenities; and Economy Class (Turista), which is budget-friendly. If you prefer more space and privacy, opt for First Class or Business Class.
• The main operators for the Bilbao to Barcelona route are Renfe, which you can find at renfe.com, and Ouigo, which offers lower-cost options available at ouigo.com Check both websites for schedule and pricing differences before you book.
🛫 Flying from Bilbao to Barcelona is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Vueling Airlines operates flights between the two cities. 🌍 The total travel time from Bilbao to Barcelona by plane is approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes. This allows you to reach your destination in a reasonable amount of time. 💸 Prices for flights between Barcelona and Bilbao typically range from €26 to €125, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget for this journey.
Departure Point
Bilbao Airport
Arrival Point
Barcelona Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When booking your flight from Bilbao to Barcelona with Vueling Airlines, consider checking their website for promotional fares, as prices can vary significantly, usually ranging from €25 to €121, especially if booked in advance.
• Upon arrival at Barcelona El Prat Airport, expect a lively atmosphere; to easily navigate, follow the signs to the Aerobus for a direct and efficient transfer to the city center, which typically departs every 5-10 minutes.
• From Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city center, taxi fares range from €30 to €40, depending on traffic, so consider using taxi apps like Uber or Cabify for convenience and transparency on pricing.
🚌 Departing from Bilbao, you can catch a direct bus to Barcelona Sants Bus station twice daily, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus trip from Bilbao to Barcelona typically range between €46 to €74, offering an economical option for those looking to explore the beautiful landscapes and culture of Spain.
Departure Point
Bilbao station
Arrival Point
Barcelona Sants Bus station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before boarding your bus, check current schedules on the ALSA website to ensure you're aware of any potential changes: alsa.es
• After arriving at Barcelona Sants Bus station, utilize the station’s amenities, such as the food court on the upper level, to refuel before exploring the city.
• The bus journey from Bilbao to Barcelona provides beautiful views of the Basque countryside and Catalonia, so have your camera ready to capture the scenic highlights along the way!

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Bilbao to Barcelona.

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The distance between Bilbao and Barcelona is approximately 293 miles by air and 381.5 miles by road. By train, it takes around 6 hours and 35 minutes to travel from Bilbao to Barcelona. Another option is to take a bus to Santander and then fly, which typically takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes. The quickest mode of transportation is by plane, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 16 minutes. It is also possible to drive by car, which takes approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes, or take a bus, which can take up to 8 hours and 25 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona is to rideshare, which costs €31 and takes approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes. However, if time-efficiency is a priority, then flying is the quickest option, taking only 3 hours and 16 minutes and costing between €25 and €127. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on the individual's budget and travel preferences.
When traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona the prices for a train ticket range from €39 to €86. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Barcelona and Bilbao vary from €82 to €127. These prices can change depending on factors such as the time of year, availability, and the class of travel chosen. It is recommended to check with the specific transportation companies for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To get from Bilbao to Barcelona without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service, which offers rideshare options between the two cities. This is a great option if you don't have a driver's license or prefer to avoid public transport. The driving distance between Bilbao and Barcelona is approximately 381 miles, and it takes around 5 hours and 43 minutes to drive. Prices for a car journey from Bilbao to Barcelona vary between €100 and €154.
There are several options for traveling from Bilbao to Barcelona without a car. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a flight, which takes approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes. Prices for flights range from €25 to €127. Another option is to take a train via Zaragoza, which takes around 6 hours and 35 minutes and costs between €36 and €86. Lastly, you can take a bus, which takes 8 hours and 25 minutes and costs €82 to €127.
Yes, there is a direct link between Bilbao and Barcelona. You can take a direct train from Bilbao-Abando to Barcelona-Sants, which operates once daily and takes approximately 7 hours. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs from Bilbao and arrives in Barcelona, with a travel time of around 8 hours and 25 minutes. Both options provide a convenient way to travel between the two cities without the need for transfers.
The flight between Bilbao and Barcelona typically takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from €26 to €123. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to secure the best price for the flight.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Barcelona. With over 1986 hotels available, you can find something to suit your budget and preferences. Prices start at €43 per night, making it accessible for a range of travelers. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, Barcelona offers a variety of options for a comfortable stay.

Trips to Barcelona