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London, Greater London to Bilbao, Basque Country from $96: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
London, United Kingdom
to
Bilbao, Spain

How to Get from London 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.

$96 by busBest price
945.3 kmDistance
5h 8m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from London 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
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  8m
Estimated price
$54-278
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar Bus
Bus
Average Duration
23h 
Estimated price
$96-141
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 945.3 km
Duration: 5h 8m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
12h  56m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  9m
Estimated price
$117-302
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  12m
Estimated price
$144-367
Company
various
Train
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
36h  30m
Estimated price
$152-583
Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
25h  36m
Estimated price
$175-501
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
18h  44m
Estimated price
$187-466
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
10h  59m
Estimated price
$264-594

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $53 $53 $52 $56 $56 $54 $59
Fly $44 $52 $36 $54 $78 $49 $47
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From London to Bilbao

Your journey from London to Bilbao will take you from the bustling streets of a diverse metropolis to the vibrant Basque culture, where contemporary art meets rich culinary traditions.

Best Neighbourhoods in Bilbao

Bilbao offers diverse neighborhoods that each bring their own charm and character.

Casco Viejo
• Old town rich in history and architecture.
• Bustling shops and traditional pintxos bars.
Abando
• Home to cultural landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum.
• Trendy cafes and upscale boutiques line the streets.
Bilbao La Vieja
• Vibrant artistic community with street art and galleries.
• Known for its lively nightlife and unique bars.

Best Times To Visit Bilbao's Attractions

Consider these tips to maximize your experience at Bilbao's highlights.

Guggenheim Museum
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Casco Viejo
Explore on weekday mornings to savor the local vibe without rush.
Ribera Market
Go on weekday afternoons for a more relaxed shopping experience.

Bilbao Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Bilbao experiences a mild oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. The best times to visit are spring and early fall, when you can enjoy outdoor activities without the extremes of heat or cold.

Dining Recommendation in Bilbao

Try 'pintxos' at Cafe Bar Bilbao, where small plates bursting with flavor showcase the region's fresh ingredients and creativity, providing a casual yet lively atmosphere that contrasts with London's formal dining scene. This unique experience of hopping from bar to bar sampling diverse bites not only indulges your taste buds but also immerses you in the local culture.

London - Bilbao operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+44 3451 27 29 20
Website
https://www.southernrailway.com/

Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$12-18
Contact phone
+44 345 850 1530
Website
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/

Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$19-27
Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186
Website
https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Paris Nord

Average Duration
2h 24m
Estimated price
$130-380

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Lille Europe

Average Duration
1h 24m
Estimated price
$95-340
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf.com/en

Train from Massy Tgv to Bayonne

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$120-200
Contact phone
0345 6000 650
Website
https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

Train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$40-95
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from London Gatwick to Bilbao

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$55-300
Website
https://www.vueling.com

Plane from London Gatwick to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$40-320
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk/

Bus from London Victoria to Paris - Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport

Average Duration
8h 30m
Estimated price
$35-55

Bus from Paris - Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport to Bilbao

Average Duration
13h 30m
Estimated price
$60-90
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Lille to Bilbao

Average Duration
16h 20m
Estimated price
$90-130

Bus from Santander to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$11-16
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Santander E.A. to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$8-13
Ferry
Contact phone
0330 159 7000
Website
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

Ferry from Plymouth to Santander

Average Duration
20h 30m
Estimated price
$85-370

Ferry from Portsmouth International Port to Santander

Average Duration
31h 30m
Estimated price
$100-450
all-pages.transport_eurotunnel
Website
https://www.eurotunnel.com/

all-pages.transport_eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais-Fréthun

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
0-0

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

Traveling between London 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.

Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on Trenitalia's high-speed trains include a dining car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. If you choose Renfe, their services provide a meal service in First Class, while Economy passengers can purchase snacks and drinks from the onboard trolley service. Be mindful to check your train class and plan your meals accordingly.
• For your journey, Renfe and Trenitalia are the primary operators. Renfe offers Class options like Club Class (similar to First Class, with more amenities), Preferente (Comfortable seating with meal included), and Turista (Economy). You can book tickets at Renfe and Trenitalia for the best choices according to your preference.
• Once you arrive in Bilbao, you'll land at Bilbao Abando station. You can leave your luggage at the station's lockers for a couple of euros while you explore the city. The station has restrooms, but showers are not available. To reach the city center quickly, take the metro from the station; Line 1 (the Euskotren) offers direct access to key areas of the city, including the central Plaza Moyúa. Metro tickets can be purchased at kiosks inside the station.
🛫 The quickest flight from London Gatwick Airport to Bilbao Airport is a direct flight, taking only 1 hour and 50 minutes with options from EasyJet and Vueling Airlines. 🌍 The journey from London to Bilbao by plane typically lasts around 7 hours and 9 minutes, providing ample time for travelers to relax or plan their adventures in Spain. 💸 Prices for flights between Bilbao and London can vary, ranging from £92 to £239, offering options to suit different budgets for a convenient and enjoyable trip.
Departure Point
London Gatwick Airport
Arrival Point
Bilbao Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flights with EasyJet or Vueling Airlines, as they offer the most convenient direct flights from London Gatwick to Bilbao, ensuring you maximize your time in Spain.
• Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport, follow the clear signage for baggage claim and customs, and expect a smooth transition, but remember that baggage claim can take a bit longer during peak hours; plan accordingly to catch your transport.
• Taxi fares from Bilbao Airport to the city center typically range from €20 to €30, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes; alternatively, check out the local bus service (Line A3247) for a budget-friendly option costing around €3.
🚌 Traveling from London to Bilbao by bus is an adventurous journey with transfers along the way. The route takes approximately 23 hours, with services departing from London Victoria and arriving via Paris - Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport. 🛤️ Route options vary in terms of duration and transfers, with one route taking 22 hours and 15 minutes, another 23 hours and 15 minutes, and a third 23 hours and 30 minutes. While the distances range from 1,254 km to 1,383 km, all routes involve transfers in Paris before reaching Bilbao. 💰 The prices for bus tickets between London and Bilbao can range from £76 to £111. Travelers can choose from different agencies such as FlixBus and BlaBlaBus to embark on this long but exciting bus journey through Western Europe.
Departure Point
London Victoria station
Arrival Point
Bilbao station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from London to Bilbao.

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The distance between London and Bilbao is approximately 588 miles. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: By train and plane, it takes about 4 hours and 52 minutes. By plane alone, it takes approximately 6 hours and 33 minutes. Finally, by bus, the travel time is about 20 hours and 30 minutes.
For the most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation from London to Bilbao the best option is to take a train to London Gatwick and then fly. This option costs around £40-£222 and takes approximately 4 hours and 52 minutes. This is both the cheapest and quickest way to reach Bilbao from London, providing a convenient travel experience.
The prices for buses between London and Bilbao vary from £159 to £246. It is advisable to check with different bus companies for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Prices may also vary depending on the time of year and the availability of tickets. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best possible price.
To travel from London to Bilbao without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus. The journey typically takes around 10 hours and 35 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £198 to £476. You can take a train from London to St. Pancras International station, then transfer to a bus that will take you to Bilbao. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your destination without having to worry about driving.
Yes, there is a direct link between London and Bilbao by bus. The bus services are operated by ALSA and depart twice daily from Londres Victoria Coach Station in London, and arrive at Bilbao station in Bilbao. The journey takes approximately 20 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight from London Gatwick Airport to Bilbao Airport typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. The cost of a flight between Bilbao and London can vary from £92 to £246. It is advisable to check for any discounted fares or special deals to get the best price for your flight.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Bilbao with approximately 1287+ hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at £40 per night. Visitors can select from a range of accommodations, including budget hotels, luxury resorts, and boutique guesthouses, depending on their preferences and budget. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the desired choice and ensure availability during your stay.