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

The average train ticket price from Madrid to Bilbao is £35. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the train trip from Madrid to Bilbao?

A train trip between Madrid and Bilbao is around 4h 44m, although the fastest train will take about 4h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 201 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Madrid and Bilbao?

The number of trains from Madrid to Bilbao can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Madrid to Bilbao by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to Bilbao?

When taking the train from Madrid to Bilbao, you can travel comfortably and safely with Renfe.

What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Madrid to Bilbao?

Trains travelling between Madrid and Bilbao leave from Madrid-Chamartin or Madrid Puerta De Atocha and arrive at Estación Autobuses.

Train Madrid to Bilbao from £16

Next train departures

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

Next departures from Madrid to Bilbao on 24 November
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 25 November
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 26 November
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 27 November
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 28 November
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 18:38 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£40 - £142	Average duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£19 - £104	Average duration4h 44m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£13 - £45	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

4/5916 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

Based on 916 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

How much does a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao cost?
The average train ticket price from Madrid to Bilbao is £35. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Madrid to Bilbao?
A train trip between Madrid and Bilbao is around 4h 44m, although the fastest train will take about 4h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 201 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Madrid and Bilbao?
The number of trains from Madrid to Bilbao can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Madrid to Bilbao by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Madrid to Bilbao?
When taking the train from Madrid to Bilbao, you can travel comfortably and safely with Renfe.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Madrid to Bilbao?
Trains travelling between Madrid and Bilbao leave from Madrid-Chamartin or Madrid Puerta De Atocha and arrive at Estación Autobuses.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

19/11

£88

20/11

£92

Today

£91

22/11

£62

23/11

£87

24/11

£50

25/11

£25

26/11

£32

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 25 Nov 2025 with a price of £25

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 £25 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 £25, which is on 2025-11-25.