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Bilbao Train Tickets

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Trains from Bilbao

14Jul
1
Seats
Bilbao
Madrid

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:53
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
4h 42m
11:35
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
Direct
High-speed
Renfe Alvia 04186
from
83 USD
1
4h 42m, Direct
06:53
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
11:35
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
from
83 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
Renfe Alvia 04186

Day trains

17:28
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
4h 52m
22:20
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
Direct
High-speed
Renfe Alvia 04366
from
70 USD
1
4h 52m, Direct
17:28
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
22:20
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
from
70 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
Renfe Alvia 04366
Route image
day

First train

06:53
night

Last train

17:28
distance

Travel duration

4h 42m
daily-departure

Daily departures

2
departure-station

Departure station

Bilbao
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Madrid
ticket-price

Ticket price

from $30
fastest-s

Fastest trip

4h 35m
longest-s

Longest trip

4h 52m

Trains to Bilbao

Inbound long-distance trains arrive in Bilbao mainly at Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto. Renfe Alvia services from Madrid Chamartin reach Bilbao in around 4h40m to 5h, while long-distance trains from Barcelona arrive in about 6h30m to 7h depending on the routing. Trains from Miranda de Ebro arrive in around 1h45m, and services from Vitoria-Gasteiz take roughly 2h. Euskotren regional trains from San Sebastian reach Bilbao in about 2h35m to 2h45m at city Euskotren stations. Renfe Cercanias AM trains from Santander arrive at Bilbao-Concordia in around 3h, linking the city with the Cantabrian coast.

Visiting Bilbao

Bilbao is the main rail hub for Biscay and one of the key railway cities in Spain's northern network. The city has several passenger rail terminals serving different systems: Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto for Renfe long-distance and broad-gauge regional trains, Bilbao-Concordia for metric-gauge services, and Euskotren stations for Basque regional routes. Trains from Bilbao include Renfe Alvia and Intercity services on long-distance routes, Media Distancia and Cercanias services within northern Spain, Cercanias AM metric-gauge trains along the Cantabrian corridor, and Euskotren regional trains across the Basque Country. Bilbao-Abando is the main train station for intercity train tickets, while Bilbao-Concordia handles narrower-gauge regional rail. Rail routes from Bilbao run south toward Madrid, Miranda de Ebro, and the Spanish interior, east across the Basque Country toward San Sebastian, west along the Cantabrian coast toward Santander, and north through local Biscay rail corridors. Barcelona, Zaragoza, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Leon also appear in Bilbao rail planning through direct trains or onward connections. Book trains from and to Bilbao online at Rail Monsters.

Popular routes from Bilbao

From Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto, Renfe Alvia and Intercity services run south toward Miranda de Ebro, Madrid Chamartin, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and wider Spanish rail connections. Renfe regional services also link Bilbao with inland Basque and Castilian rail points, making Abando the main station for long-distance tickets from Bilbao. Regional routes use different Bilbao rail systems. Euskotren trains run east across the Basque Country toward San Sebastian and towns in Biscay and Gipuzkoa. Renfe Cercanias AM services from Bilbao-Concordia follow metric-gauge corridors west toward Santander and inland toward Leon, while local Renfe services handle shorter broad-gauge trips around the Bilbao metropolitan rail area.

Train Operators Serving Bilbao

Renfe operates Bilbao's main long-distance and broad-gauge regional rail services from Bilbao-Abando, including Alvia, Intercity, Media Distancia, and local Cercanias services. Renfe Cercanias AM runs metric-gauge regional trains from Bilbao-Concordia toward Cantabrian and inland northern routes. Euskotren operates Basque regional rail services from city stations including Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo and Matiko. Rail Monsters books individual tickets for these operators with the 6 to 12 month advance booking window for Bilbao services.
Renfe Alvia
Renfe Alvia
Renfe Alvia uses variable-gauge trains on long-distance routes across Spain.
Learn more
Background

Booking Bilbao Train Tickets Online - Options, Tips, and Reservations

Buying Train Tickets Online
Buy train tickets online for Bilbao with Rail Monsters by selecting departure dates, comparing Renfe Alvia, Intercity, Media Distancia, Cercanias AM, and Euskotren options, and completing an online reservation. Book your tickets for Bilbao train stations such as Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto, Bilbao-Concordia, and Euskotren city stops according to the route.
Types of Train Tickets Available
Bilbao services include regular tickets for regional trains, reserved seats on Renfe Alvia and Intercity services, and fare families such as Basico, Elige, and Premium where offered by Renfe. Cheap tickets and discount tickets may appear on advance long-distance services to and from Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Santander, and Leon.
Tips for Online Reservations
Online reservation services through Rail Monsters accept Bilbao train bookings 6 to 12 months ahead of travel, useful for Easter Week, August holidays, Christmas and New Year. Train prices on Renfe long-distance routes can vary by demand, while many regional fares are simpler; ticket counters remain available at Bilbao-Abando. With the Rail Monsters iOS and Android apps, you can book and manage train tickets on mobile.

Destinations from Bilbao

Rail service types from Bilbao stations Long-distance intercity services: Renfe Alvia and Intercity trains from Bilbao-Abando to Madrid, Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Miranda de Ebro. Regional broad-gauge services: Renfe regional trains from Bilbao-Abando toward Vitoria-Gasteiz and nearby northern Spain connections. Metric-gauge regional services: Renfe Cercanias AM from Bilbao-Concordia toward Santander and Leon. Basque regional services: Euskotren from Bilbao city stations toward San Sebastian, Durango, Eibar, and other Basque towns. Airport services: Bilbao Airport has no direct rail link, so passengers transfer to a city rail station before boarding trains.
Bilbao to Madrid
Bilbao to Madrid
Travel from Bilbao to Madrid by Alvia train and visit the Prado Museum or explore the historic Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace in the capital.

Frequency

2 times per day

Popular Trains

Renfe Alvia

Bilbao

Spain

Arrow
4h 42m

Madrid

Spain

Bilbao to Barcelona
Bilbao to Barcelona
Travel from Bilbao to Barcelona by Alvia train and visit the Sagrada Familia or explore the Gothic Quarter and the beaches of Barceloneta.

Frequency

1 times per day

Popular Trains

Renfe Alvia

Bilbao

Spain

Arrow
7h 11m

Barcelona

Spain

Bilbao Train Travel FAQ and Tips

What is the main train route from Bilbao?

The main long-distance rail route from Bilbao is the Renfe Alvia service from Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto to Madrid Chamartin, taking around 4h40m to 5h depending on the departure. Alvia trains use reserved seating and connect Bilbao with the Spanish capital through Miranda de Ebro and the northern interior. This route is the primary choice for intercity rail travel between Bilbao and Madrid.

How do I buy train tickets to and from Bilbao?

Train tickets to and from Bilbao can be bought at Rail Monsters by entering Bilbao as the departure or arrival city, selecting a travel date, and choosing from available Renfe or Euskotren services where listed. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead of travel for Bilbao services, useful for August holidays, Easter Week, and Christmas. Booking confirmation is sent by email after payment.

Do high-speed trains serve Bilbao?

Bilbao does not yet have a completed high-speed rail station on Spain's AVE network. Long-distance rail service is provided mainly by Renfe Alvia and Intercity trains from Bilbao-Abando, which use conventional lines and connect with wider Spanish rail corridors. Regional travel is handled by Renfe Media Distancia, Cercanias AM, and Euskotren services across Biscay and the Basque Country.

What are the main train stations in Bilbao?

Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto is the main Renfe station for long-distance Alvia and Intercity trains, as well as broad-gauge regional services. Bilbao-Concordia handles Renfe Cercanias AM metric-gauge trains toward Cantabrian and inland northern routes. Euskotren stations such as Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo and Matiko serve Basque regional trains, especially eastbound and within Biscay. Check the station name carefully before travel.

Should I reserve seats on trains from Bilbao?

Reserved seats are required on most Renfe Alvia and Intercity trains from Bilbao-Abando, including long-distance services toward Madrid and Barcelona. Regional Renfe, Cercanias AM, and Euskotren services generally use open seating and do not require a seat reservation. For long-distance routes, book ahead for Friday departures, Sunday returns, August holidays, Easter Week, and Christmas, when reserved trains can fill earlier.

What are the main train connections to and from Bilbao?

Bilbao connects with Madrid in around 4h40m to 5h by Renfe Alvia and Barcelona in about 6h30m to 7h by long-distance Renfe service. Regional and intercity links include Vitoria-Gasteiz in roughly 2h, Miranda de Ebro in around 1h45m, San Sebastian in about 2h35m to 2h45m by Euskotren, Santander in around 3h by Cercanias AM, and Leon in about 4h30m on metric-gauge services.

Is there a train from Bilbao Airport to the city?

Bilbao Airport does not have a direct railway station. Travelers using train services normally transfer between the airport and Bilbao city, then depart from Bilbao-Abando for Renfe long-distance routes, Bilbao-Concordia for Cercanias AM, or an Euskotren city station for Basque regional trains. For rail booking, use the relevant Bilbao station name rather than the airport name when searching.

Can I buy Bilbao train tickets at the last minute?

Last-minute regional tickets for Bilbao routes are often available close to departure, but long-distance Renfe Alvia and Intercity fares can rise or sell out on busy dates. Rail Monsters accepts Bilbao train bookings 6 to 12 months ahead of travel, which helps for Easter Week, August holidays, Christmas and New Year, and football or event weekends when trains from Bilbao-Abando are in higher demand.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide

RENFE

RENFE

RENFE operates passenger trains across Spain.

Popular Bilbao Train Routes

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