How much is the bus ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?

The cheapest bus tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start at R 751. The average price for this route is around R 889. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the bus journey from Madrid to Bilbao?

The average bus journey time from Madrid to Bilbao is 4h 45m, covering a distance of 313 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 3h 55m and is operated by ALSA .

Which bus companies service the Madrid to Bilbao route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 22 buses available per day, including services from ALSA , FlixBus , Renfe .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madrid to Bilbao?

The earliest bus departs from Madrid to Bilbao at 02:00. And the latest bus departs at 22:15.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madrid to Bilbao?

A bus trip from Madrid to Bilbao produces an estimated 8 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

What is the best bus company from Madrid to Bilbao?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is ALSA , with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 60868 reviews.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Madrid to Bilbao?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company ALSA has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.5.

Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Madrid to Bilbao?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is ALSA , with a punctuality rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Madrid to Bilbao?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is ALSA , with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Bus Madrid to Bilbao from R 709 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 9 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	11:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 55m	15:55	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	20:45	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	00:40	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	11:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	4h 40m	15:55	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	18h 20m	15:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	14:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	18:45	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 10 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	09:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	13:25	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	09:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	4h 10m	13:25	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 11 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	09:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	13:25	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	09:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	13:25	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 12 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	08:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	12:45	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 13 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 14 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	08:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	12:45	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 16 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	07:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	02:15	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	02:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	06:10	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	20:50	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	18h 15m	15:05	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	09:00	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	13:25	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:16 AM 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 R 289, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

34carpool per day

4hAverage duration

323 kmDistance

14kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 751 - R 3 318	Average duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 492 - R 2 103	Average duration4h 47m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 289 - R 986	Average duration4h	CO₂ emissions 14kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in Madrid and Bilbao?

Stops in Madrid

A
Madrid-Barajas Airport
Visit page
B
Avenida de América Metro
Avenida de América, 9, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
C
Estación Sur
Mendez Alvaro, 83, , Madrid, 28045, Spain
Visit page
D
Moncloa
Plaza Moncloa, 671, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
E
Madrid Interc. Plaza Castilla
Madrid Interc. Plaza Castilla, 28046 Madrid, Spain
F
Ronda de Valencia 6
Ronda de Valencia 6, 28012 Madrid, Spain

Stops in Bilbao

A
Estación Autobuses
Calle Gurtubay, 1 - 48013 Bilbao
Visit page
B
Zorroza, Abaro Estrata
Abaro Estrata, 2, 48013 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Visit page
C
Basurtu Kastrexana Errepidea
Basurtu Kastrexana Errepidea, 48013 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
D
Buenos Aires Kalea, 2
Buenos Aires Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
E
Hotel Carlton
Federico Moyúa Plaza 11, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia Spain
F
Bilbao-Abando Geltokia
Bilbao-Abando Geltokia, 48003 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Compare bus companies

ALSA

4.5/560 888 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4.4

Cleanliness4.7

WiFi3.5

Users have reported a positive experience with the bus service, highlighting its efficiency and punctuality. The buses were described as clean and comfortable, consistently arriving on time without any issues during their journeys. This reliable performance has been appreciated by travelers who value timely and smooth travel experiences.

ALSA Madrid Bilbao recent customer reviews

Very efficient service, everything ran to time, with no issues at all throughout the return trip.

Manish P.

28 May 2025

Bus driver did not know the way! at intermediate stop in Burgos and final at Bilbao he passed the station, had passengers yelling instructions to him! Would also be nice to let passengers know in advance, like during booking if busses have bathrooms. This one did not. Difficult for old bladders...

James M.

17 July 2022

Very organized. On time. Safe driving. The break in the middle was fantastic to get something eat and drink. Although this wouldn't have been necessary if there had been drinking water in the bus, and we were allowed to eat snacks. The conductor was a little grumpy, and refused to let us eat on the bus or even put our handbags on the floor. Otherwise good trip. We all arrived safe and sound.

Kerry C.

6 February 2020

FlixBus

3.5/511 559 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

WiFi2.7

Renfe

4/5924 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

ES Bus Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Rede Expressos, Trenitalia

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Madrid to Bilbao by bus

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

How much is the bus ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
The cheapest bus tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start at R 751. The average price for this route is around R 889. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Madrid to Bilbao?
The average bus journey time from Madrid to Bilbao is 4h 45m, covering a distance of 313 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 3h 55m and is operated by ALSA.
Which bus companies service the Madrid to Bilbao route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 22 buses available per day, including services from ALSA, FlixBus, Renfe.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Madrid to Bilbao?
The earliest bus departs from Madrid to Bilbao at 02:00. And the latest bus departs at 22:15.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Madrid to Bilbao?
A bus trip from Madrid to Bilbao produces an estimated 8 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Madrid to Bilbao?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is ALSA, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 60868 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Madrid to Bilbao?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company ALSA has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.5.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Madrid to Bilbao?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is ALSA, with a punctuality rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Madrid to Bilbao?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is ALSA, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

07/12

R 789

08/12

R 2 290

Today

R 789

10/12

R 790

11/12

R 789

12/12

R 790

13/12

R 790

14/12

R 790

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 07 Dec 2025 with a price of R 789

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

You can expect to pay from R 789 to R 2 355 for a bus ticket from Madrid to Bilbao based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 789, which is on 2025-12-11.