Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:55 PM CEST.
Compare 2 ways to travel from Madrid to Bilbao
We recommend taking the bus
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Bilbao. The journey takes about 4 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just R 862, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Based on 972 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the temperature but often complained about the Wi-Fi. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at R 419
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 419. The average price for this train route is around R 893. 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 51m, covering a distance of 317 km. The quickest train can get you there in 4h 47m 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
30/03
R 685
31/03
R 1 266
Today
R 1 809
02/04
R 819
03/04
R 685
04/04
R 687
05/04
R 1 092
06/04
R 1 093
The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 30 Mar 2026 with a price of R 685
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 685 to R 1 812 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 685, which is on 2026-04-03.
The cheapest trip from Madrid to Bilbao was searched and found on 30 Mar 2026 with a price of R 685
