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Barcelona to Bilbao Trains

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Barcelona to Bilbao Train Tickets & Timetable

The Barcelona to Bilbao route is primarily served by Alvia trains, which offer Turista and Preferente classes. Departing from Barcelona Sants, the train makes stops at stations such as Zaragoza and Logroño. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices and ticket availability. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately €35–95 (around $38–105 USD). For accurate timetable information and current train times, use the search page to find options. Our online schedule provides departures and prices for all available Renfe services.
3Apr
1
Seats
Barcelona
Bilbao

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

08:50
BarcelonaBarcelona Sants
7h 3m
15:53
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
Direct
High-speed
Renfe ALVIA 00438
from
15915 USD
1
7h 3m, Direct
08:50
BarcelonaBarcelona Sants
15:53
BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto
from
15915 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
Renfe ALVIA 00438
day

First train

08:50
night

Last train

08:50
distance

Travel duration

7h 3m
daily-departure

Daily departures

1
departure-station

Departure station

Barcelona
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Bilbao
ticket-price

Ticket price

$42
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How to Book Train Tickets Online from Barcelona to Bilbao

1

Search

2

Add passengers

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4

Take the train

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations
We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed, and modify your Barcelona to Bilbao tickets based on availability and fare conditions.
Secure Payment Options
Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Our online ticket system offers secure transactions when you buy Barcelona to Bilbao tickets.
24/7 Human Customer Support
Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer your questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We are here to ensure the simplest booking experience for your Spanish rail journey.
Book Official Tickets Easily
Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Barcelona to Bilbao route, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive an electronic PDF ticket.

Why Book Barcelona to Bilbao Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Book your train tickets from Barcelona to Bilbao on Rail Monsters and benefit from a 24/7 customer support team, mobile apps for iOS and Android, compare train ticket prices across different sources, enjoy flexible bookings and cancellations, access real-time train information, and get one account to book train tickets worldwide.

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Barcelona to Bilbao Route Overview

The rail journey from Barcelona to Bilbao connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic coast. Using Alvia dual-gauge trains, travelers cross the Ebro Valley and the Rioja wine region. The trip takes roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, offering a direct link without the need for transfers in Madrid for most scheduled departures. Both standard and first-class seating are available on these long-distance services.
time-s

Travel time

7h 3m

train-s

Train type

fastest-s

Fastest trip

7h 3m

longest-s

Longest trip

7h 3m

Available Ticket Classes

On the Barcelona to Bilbao Alvia service, passengers can choose between Turista (Standard) and Preferente (First Class). Preferente usually includes wider seats and access to station lounges where available. Some services may offer Turista Plus seating as an intermediate option.
Business class
from
$9776
Business class
Economy Class
from
$9802
Economy Class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Luggage icon
Luggage Guidelines on Spanish Trains. Traveling on Alvia services includes specific rules for carry-on items. Below are key points for your journey between Barcelona and Bilbao:
Luggage Allowance
Passengers may bring up to three pieces of luggage. The total weight of all three items must not exceed 25 kg, and the sum of the dimensions of each item must be within 290 cm.
Storage Facilities
Trains feature overhead racks for smaller bags and large floor-level luggage areas at the end of each carriage for suitcases. Items must be stored within your sight and reach.
Special Items
Folded bicycles and musical instruments in cases are permitted if they meet size requirements. Larger sports equipment may require specific reservations or additional fees depending on train capacity.

Average rating & reviews

4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
Easy purchase and process
We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience
avatarDenise Harston
Thank you very much for your support
Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.
avatarMitja Bostner
Thank you, David!
Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1
avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-Adrian Nicoara
Very kind and helpful staff
Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!
avatarAllison Makhoul

Barcelona to Bilbao Map

Plan your trip from Barcelona to Bilbao via the Ebro corridor. The train departs Barcelona Sants and travels west through Zaragoza-Delicias, then continues through the La Rioja region, stopping at Logroño, before reaching Bilbao-Abando. This route utilizes a mix of high-speed tracks and conventional lines. Travelers can see the changes in terrain from the dry Catalan plains to the green, mountainous landscapes of the Basque Country. This transport link is essential for northern Spain travel.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

7h 3m

Price from

$42

Departures

23

Rating

The train offers a direct city-center connection, avoiding the time-consuming security lines of airports and the limited space of long-distance buses. While flying is faster in the air, the total travel time including transfers to El Prat and Bilbao airport is comparable to the rail journey. Buses are the most budget-friendly option but involve significantly longer travel times on the highway.
Greener choice

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

7h 3m

$42-$135

Bus

Apprx.

8h 15m

$42-$65

Flight

Apprx.

1h 15m

$45-$180

Cities at Both Ends

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, is renowned for Gaudis Sagrada Familia and the bustling Las Ramblas. From Barcelona Sants station, the train travels to Bilbao, a city transformed from an industrial port to a cultural hub. Bilbao is famous for the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum and the historic old town. Departing from the Mediterranean coast, you arrive in the heart of Basque culture and gastronomy.
Barcelona
Barcelona
A major city known for its art, architecture, and cultural sites.

FAQ about the Barcelona - Bilbao Route

Are there direct trains from Barcelona to Bilbao?

Yes, Renfe operates direct Alvia trains daily from Barcelona Sants to Bilbao-Abando. These services do not require a change of trains, although they make several intermediate stops in cities like Zaragoza and Logroño.

How to book tickets for the Barcelona to Bilbao route?

You can book tickets online through the Rail Monsters website or mobile apps for iOS and Android. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets at least several weeks in advance to ensure availability and more affordable rates.

How fast is the train between Barcelona and Bilbao?

The Alvia trains on this route reach speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). Because the route involves some sections of conventional tracks, the total journey time is usually between 6 hours 20 minutes and 6 hours 45 minutes.

How much is the train from Barcelona to Bilbao?

A one-way train ticket from Barcelona to Bilbao typically costs between €45 and €125 (48 USD - 135 USD). Prices vary based on how far in advance you book and the chosen class. Higher fares usually apply to last-minute bookings during peak seasons.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide

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