How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?

The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start from R 487. The average price for this train route is around R 811. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure 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 47m, covering a distance of 317 km. The quickest train can get 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 R 424

Next train departures

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 12 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	CheapestFastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
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 13 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 14 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 16 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 18 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	22:28	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:05 PM 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 286, 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 743 - R 3 285	Average duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 487 - R 2 082	Average duration4h 47m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 286 - R 976	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

4/5926 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

Based on 926 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 R 487

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 differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?
The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start from R 487. The average price for this train route is around R 811. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure 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 47m, covering a distance of 317 km. The quickest train can get 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

09/12

R 1 249

10/12

R 833

Today

R 1 478

12/12

R 985

13/12

R 837

14/12

R 1 113

15/12

R 844

16/12

R 567

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 567

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 R 567 to R 1 493 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 R 567, which is on 2025-12-16.