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Bilbao to Madrid Trains

Timetable

How to book

Why book with RM

Route overview

Classes

Luggage

Rating & reviews

Train Map

Comparison table

Cities

FAQ

Popular Routes

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Bilbao to Madrid Train Tickets & Timetable

The Bilbao to Madrid route offers various train ticket options, primarily served by Alvia trains. Departing from Bilbao Abando Station, these services reach Madrid Chamartin. 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 €35-85 (around $38-93 USD). For accurate timetable information, current departures, and prices, use the search page to find options. Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Bilbao to Madrid train times.

24Apr

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 35m

11:28

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04186

from

7777 USD

4h 35m, Direct

06:53

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

11:28

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

from

7777 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04186

Day trains

17:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

4h 45m

22:13

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04366

from

8888 USD

4h 45m, Direct

17:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

22:13

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

from

8888 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04366

First train

06:53

Last train

17:28

Travel duration

4h 40m

Daily departures

Departure station

Bilbao

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Madrid

Ticket price

$23

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Bilbao to Madrid

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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 trip to Madrid.

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 Bilbao to Madrid tickets.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Bilbao to Madrid route, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive an electronic ticket for your journey.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans and modify your Bilbao to Madrid train tickets based on availability and the specific fare conditions of your booking.

All Travel Classes

All travel classes are supported. You can choose any class offered by the rail supplier for your route, from standard Turista to premium options depending on the specific train service.

Why Book Bilbao to Madrid Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Bilbao to Madrid Route Overview

Traveling from Bilbao to Madrid by rail connects the Atlantic coast with central Spain. The primary service is the Alvia, which utilizes both traditional and high-speed tracks to complete the journey in about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. There are direct morning and afternoon departures. Passengers can choose between Turista and Turista Plus classes. This route is favored by those who prefer city-center arrivals over airport transfers.

Travel time

4h 40m

Train type

Fastest trip

4h 35m

Longest trip

4h 45m

Available Ticket Classes

On the Bilbao to Madrid route, travelers can typically choose between Turista (Standard) and Turista Plus (Premium). Turista Plus offers more spacious seating and additional legroom. Some services may also offer Preferente class depending on the specific train set used on the day of travel.

from

$4406

Economy Class

from

$5858

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Spanish Trains. Traveling from Bilbao to Madrid includes rules for carry-on and larger items. Below are key points for bringing luggage aboard Renfe services:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring up to three pieces of luggage. The total weight of the three items must not exceed 25 kg, and the sum of the dimensions of the largest item should not exceed 250 cm.

Storage Facilities

Alvia trains feature overhead racks for smaller bags and dedicated luggage areas at the ends of each carriage for larger suitcases. Keep your belongings within sight or in designated racks.

Special Items

Bicycles must be folded or disassembled and placed in a carrying case if they exceed standard dimensions. Musical instruments and sports gear are permitted if they fit within the size limits.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

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

Denise 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.

Mitja 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

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-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!

Allison Makhoul

Bilbao to Madrid Map

Plan your trip between Bilbao and Madrid using the national rail network. The route starts in the Basque Country and travels south through the provinces of Burgos and Segovia. The Alvia train utilizes the high-speed line for the final segment into Madrid. This transport link connects northern Spain to the capital via the Chamartin hub, allowing for easy onward travel within Spain.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 40m

Price from

$23

Departures

Rating

Rail travel between Bilbao and Madrid offers a balance of speed and center-to-center access. While planes are faster in the air, airport security and transit often make the total travel time similar to the train. Buses are the least expensive option but take significantly longer, often exceeding 6 hours. The train provides a more reliable schedule and more space for passengers than long-distance coaches.

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.

4h 40m

$23-$81

Bus

Apprx.

6h 15m

$32-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$45-$180

Cities at Both Ends

Bilbao is a hub of modern architecture and Basque gastronomy, famous for its riverside Guggenheim Museum. Departing from Bilbao Abando, the train heads to Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain known for its Golden Triangle of Art. Arriving at Madrid Chamartin, travelers are positioned near the city's financial district with quick access to central landmarks like Puerta del Sol. Both cities offer distinct cultural identities within the Spanish rail network.

Madrid

The capital of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

FAQ about the Bilbao - Madrid Route

How much is the train from Bilbao to Madrid?

A one-way train ticket from Bilbao to Madrid typically costs between 45 EUR and 110 EUR (49 USD - 120 USD). Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book and the chosen travel class. Tickets can be purchased on the Rail Monsters website.

How to book tickets for the Bilbao to Madrid route?

Tickets can be booked online via Rail Monsters or the mobile apps for iOS and Android. It is advisable to book at least a few weeks in advance to secure lower fares and guaranteed seating during busy periods.

How fast is the train between Bilbao and Madrid?

The Alvia trains on this route reach maximum speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed lines. The total journey time is usually under 5 hours, making it a viable alternative to other forms of transport.

What station does the train leave from in Bilbao?

Trains destined for Madrid depart from Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto, the city's central railway station located near the Casco Viejo district.

Learn more information at our

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