How much does a train ticket cost from Madrid to Bilbao?

The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start from £19. The average price for this train route is around £37. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Madrid to Bilbao?

The average train journey time from Madrid to Bilbao is 4h 44m, covering a distance of 197 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 4h 40m and is operated by Renfe .

Which train operators serve the Madrid to Bilbao route?

Several major train operators run on this route with 1 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Madrid to Bilbao?

The earliest train from Madrid to Bilbao departs at 07:20. And the latest train departs at 17:37.

Train Madrid to Bilbao from £25

Next train departures

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 3 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 4 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 5 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 6 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 7 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	CheapestFastest
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 8 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 9 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	22:21	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 18:15 CET.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Madrid to Bilbao

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Bilbao. The journey takes about 4 hours and with fares starting at just £13, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

36carpool per day

4hAverage duration

201 milesDistance

14kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£34 - £148	Average duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£19 - £85	Average duration4h 44m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£13 - £44	Average duration4h	CO₂ emissions 14kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Madrid and Bilbao?

Madrid

A
Madrid-Chamartin
C. de la Hiedra, 5, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
B
Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Madrid Atocha railway station, Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
C
Madrid-Príncipe Pio
Príncipe Pío, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
D
Madrid-Barajas Airport
Visit page
E
Nuevos Ministerios
Estación de Nuevos Ministerios, 28046 Madrid, Spain

Bilbao

A
Estación Autobuses
Calle Gurtubay, 1 - 48013 Bilbao
Visit page

Train Companies

Renfe

4/5921 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

Based on 921 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at £19

ES train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Madrid to Bilbao by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

How much does a train ticket cost from Madrid to Bilbao?
The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start from £19. The average price for this train route is around £37. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Madrid to Bilbao?
The average train journey time from Madrid to Bilbao is 4h 44m, covering a distance of 197 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 4h 40m and is operated by Renfe.
Which train operators serve the Madrid to Bilbao route?
Several major train operators run on this route with 1 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Madrid to Bilbao?
The earliest train from Madrid to Bilbao departs at 07:20. And the latest train departs at 17:37.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

30/11

£100

01/12

£63

Today

£75

03/12

£56

04/12

£50

05/12

£63

06/12

£75

07/12

£56

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 4 Dec 2025 with a price of £50

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £50 to £100 for a train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £50, which is on 2025-12-04.