Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:13 PM CEST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Bilbao to Madrid
We recommend taking the train
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Madrid. The journey takes about 4 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just $28, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Users have shared positive experiences with the service, highlighting smooth and comfortable journeys. The availability of entertainment options like movies, audiobooks, and podcasts at each seat is appreciated. Additionally, communication from drivers in English about arrival times has been noted as helpful for passengers.
ALSA Bilbao Madrid recent customer reviews
The ALSA Bilbao to Madrid airport bus I was scheduled to take at 01:00 on december 23 2025 did not arrive and/or announce itself. I was waiting at the intermodal bus station since 20:00 the previous evening and watching all of the other buses arrive and announce which gate and destination. There were no staff to help and the other ALSA bus drivers claimed to not know anything about the other bus. When I inquired about getting on the next airport bus at 02:00 the bus driver would not speak with me until boarding time and was not interested in helping. Even when other passengers verified my story (they had seen me waiting) the bus driver only sold me another ticket at 1.5x the price of my original ticket.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Daudi B.
The journey was just as it should be,smooth and comfortable!! Don’t forget to take your headphones cause there are displays in each seat, full of movies, audiobooks and podcasts!! Amazing!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christina K.
It would have been good to know the bus was stopping for 25 mins during the journey. I appreciated the stop
Based on 1033 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the staff and the temperature but often complained with the wifi. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at $28
Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Bilbao to Madrid by bus or 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 a ticket from Bilbao to Madrid?
The cheapest tickets from Bilbao to Madrid start from $28. The average price for this route is around $48. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the ride from Bilbao to Madrid?
The average trip duration from Bilbao to Madrid is 4h 42m, covering a distance of 197 miles (317 km). The quickest vehicle can get you there in 4h 5m and is operated by ALSA.
Which companies service the Bilbao to Madrid route?
Several major companies operate on this route with 15 trips available per day, including services from ALSA, FlixBus, Renfe.
What is the earliest and latest departure time from Bilbao to Madrid?
The earliest trip departs from Bilbao to Madrid at 1:00am. And the latest trip departs at 11:30pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the trip from Bilbao to Madrid?
A trip from Bilbao to Madrid generates an estimated 7.914837500000001 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best company from Bilbao to Madrid?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated company on this route is ALSA, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 62458 reviews.
Which company has the best Wi-Fi from Bilbao to Madrid?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the company ALSA has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.5.
Which company has the most timely service from Bilbao to Madrid?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely company on this route is ALSA, with a punctuality rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Which company has the cleanest vehicles from Bilbao to Madrid?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the company with the cleanest vehicles on this route is ALSA, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses and trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
07/11
$46
07/12
$46
Today
$63
07/14
$40
07/15
$46
07/16
$46
07/17
$46
07/18
$46
The cheapest trip from Bilbao to Madrid was searched and found on Jul 14, 2026 with a price of $40
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus and train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $40 to $120 for a bus or train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $40 which is on 2026-07-14.
Usually Renfe will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.