What is the travel distance from Madrid to Bilbao?

The distance between the two cities is 201 miles (324 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madrid to Bilbao?

The majority of buses traveling from Madrid to Bilbao start their journey at Avenida de América Metro and wind up at Estación Autobuses. These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, but you could find others that could be a better fit for your travel plans.

What are the best sights and things to do in Bilbao?

Once in Bilbao, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Climbing Pagasarri and Ganekogorta, The Bizkaia Bridge, Bilbao Maritime Museum, The Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Nueva - Plaza Barria.

Bus Madrid to Bilbao from $45 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00pm	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	11:45pm	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	8:45pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	12:40am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	7:15pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	4h 30m	11:45pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:30pm	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	12:40am	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	9:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	1:25pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	12:45pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	9:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	1:25pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 25
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	18h 20m	3:10pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 26
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	9:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	1:25pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	9:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 25m	1:25pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	9:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	4h 10m	1:25pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Next departures for Madrid to Bilbao on November 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	7:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 50m	11:50am	Estación Autobuses	Cheapest
Bus	2:15am	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	3h 55m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	Fastest
Bus	2:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 10m	6:10am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:50pm	Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, MAD T4	14h 25m	11:15am	Estación Autobuses	No tags
Bus	8:00am	Avenida de América Metro	4h 45m	12:45pm	Estación Autobuses	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:22 PM CET.

Compare 3 ways to go from Madrid to Bilbao

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as the good way to reach Bilbao. The journey takes about 4 hours and with fares starting at just $17, 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$51 - $181	Average Duration4h 45m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$24 - $133	Average Duration4h 44m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$17 - $57	Average Duration4h	CO₂ emissions 14kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in Madrid and Bilbao?

Stops in Madrid

A
Avenida de América Metro
Avenida de América, 9, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
B
Estación Sur
Mendez Alvaro, 83, , Madrid, 28045, Spain
Visit page
C
Madrid-Barajas Airport
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

4.5/560,802 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.

May 28, 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.

July 17, 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.

February 6, 2020

FlixBus

3.5/511,390 reviews

Staff4.2

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

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.

Renfe

4/5916 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

Wifi3.1

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Madrid to Bilbao by bus

What is the travel distance from Madrid to Bilbao?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Madrid to Bilbao?
What are the best sights and things to do in Bilbao?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

11/19

$53

11/20

$53

Today

$45

11/22

$45

11/23

$45

11/24

$45

11/25

$45

11/26

$45

The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on Nov 21, 2025 with a price of $45

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 $45 to $114 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 $45 which is on 2025-11-22.

Usually FlixBus 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.