How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?

The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao start at $40. The average price for this train route is around $67. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Madrid to Bilbao?

The average train trip from Madrid to Bilbao takes 4h 47m and covers 317 km. The quickest 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 serve 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 7:20am. The latest train departs at 5:37pm.

Train Madrid to Bilbao from $35

Next train departures

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	10:21pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 44m	10:21pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 40m	12:00pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Cheapest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	Fastest
Train	7:20am	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 47m	12:07pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags
Train	5:37pm	Madrid-Chamartin	4h 51m	10:28pm	Bilbao-Abando	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:30 PM CET.

Compare 3 ways to go 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 $24, 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 Price$61 - $269	Average Duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$40 - $170	Average Duration4h 47m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$24 - $80	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 WiFi. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at $40

ES train and bus 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 schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary 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 at $40. The average price for this train route is around $67. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Madrid to Bilbao?
The average train trip from Madrid to Bilbao takes 4h 47m and covers 317 km. The quickest 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 serve 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 7:20am. The latest train departs at 5:37pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12-09

$102

12-10

$68

Today

$121

12-12

$69

12-13

$69

12-14

$91

12-15

$69

12-16

$47

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on Dec 16, 2025 with a price of $47

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 $47 to $121 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 $47 which is on 2025-12-16.