Bilbao to Madrid Trains

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Bilbao to Madrid Train Tickets & Timetable

Direct Bilbao to Madrid trains are Renfe Alvia services linking Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto with Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor. The route covers about 397 km by rail and normally runs via Miranda de Ebro, Burgos Rosa Manzano, and Valladolid-Campo Grande before joining the high-speed approach to Madrid. There are usually around 2 direct departures per day in one direction, with extra routings possible by changing trains at Miranda de Ebro or Valladolid. The fastest direct Alvia takes about 4 hours 28 minutes, while slower direct services can take close to 5 hours depending on stops and infrastructure work. One-way Alvia fares between Bilbao and Madrid start from about €25 ($27 USD) for advance Basico tickets and can rise to around €90 ($97 USD) for flexible or higher-demand fares. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead; book earlier for Easter Week, August holidays, Christmas/New Year, and Spanish long weekends.

13Jul

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

125 USD

4h 42m, Direct

06:53

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

11:35

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

from

125 USD

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

83 USD

4h 52m, Direct

17:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

22:20

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

from

83 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04366

First train

06:53

Last train

17:28

Travel duration

4h 42m

Daily departures

Departure station

Bilbao

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Madrid

Ticket price

$30

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Bilbao to Madrid

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After payment, Bilbao to Madrid train tickets are sent by email with the travel details for the selected Alvia service. Keep the e-ticket ready for inspection before boarding and during the trip.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Human support is available 24/7 by chat, email, or phone for Bilbao to Madrid timetable questions, ticket changes, and guidance on using e-tickets at Bilbao-Abando or Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Exchange and cancellation conditions on Bilbao to Madrid Alvia tickets depend on the Renfe fare family selected at booking. Basico fares are usually more restrictive, while Elige and Premium fares normally provide broader change options.

Secure Payment Options

Pay online for Bilbao to Madrid train tickets using major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other supported digital payment methods. Payments are processed with secure verification for Spanish long-distance rail bookings.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Bilbao to Madrid Alvia train operated by Renfe. Select a direct departure from Bilbao-Abando and receive the booking details needed for travel to Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.

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Bilbao to Madrid Route Overview

The Bilbao to Madrid route is a mixed classic-line and high-speed trip: Alvia trains leave the Basque Country on conventional tracks, then use faster sections south of Castilla y Leon toward Madrid. A distinctive part of this route is the change in landscape from the green Nervion valley and Basque hills to the broad Castilian plateau before the final run into the capital. Seat reservation is standard on Spanish long-distance Alvia trains, so passengers travel on the specific train and seat printed on the ticket. Direct trains are limited compared with Madrid-Barcelona or Madrid-Seville, so checking the date-specific timetable matters on this route.

Travel time

4h 42m

Train type

Renfe Alvia

Fastest trip

4h 35m

Longest trip

4h 52m

Available Ticket Classes

Renfe Alvia trains on the Bilbao to Madrid route usually offer Standard class seating under fare families such as Basico, Elige, and Premium, with conditions varying by ticket type. Some Alvia trainsets may include Comfort seating, sold through Elige Confort or Premium fares when available. Basico is the lowest fare family and is more restrictive for changes, while Elige and Premium add more flexible conditions and, depending on the fare, extra services. All seats on this route are reserved, and the assigned coach and seat appear on the ticket.

from

$50

Economy Class

from

$75

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Renfe Alvia trains have set rules for bags and special items on the Bilbao to Madrid route. Keep luggage within the permitted size and weight limits before arriving at the platform.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may take up to 3 pieces of luggage, with each item up to 25 kg and the total dimensions not exceeding 285 cm when length, width, and height are added. Bags must be carried by the passenger and fit in the train storage areas.

Storage Facilities

Alvia coaches provide overhead racks for smaller bags and luggage shelves near the ends of the car for larger suitcases. Keep aisles, vestibules, and door areas clear, especially on the reserved-seat sections between Bilbao, Burgos, Valladolid, and Madrid.

Special Items

Folded bicycles, scooters, skis, golf bags, and musical instruments are accepted when packed and kept within Renfe's luggage limits. Larger bicycles generally need to be folded or disassembled and carried in a cover for long-distance Alvia services.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

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4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

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Bilbao to Madrid Map

The Bilbao to Madrid Alvia route starts at Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto and heads south through the Basque interior toward Miranda de Ebro. It continues across Castilla y Leon, commonly serving Burgos Rosa Manzano and Valladolid-Campo Grande before the final approach to Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor. The line changes from mountain valleys and industrial towns near Bilbao to open plateau country south of Burgos and Valladolid.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 43m

Price from

$22

Departures

Rating

The Bilbao to Madrid train links central Bilbao-Abando with Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor without airport transfers. Buses between Bilbao and Madrid usually take about 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, often using Bilbao Intermodal and Madrid Avenida de America. Flights from Bilbao Airport to Madrid-Barajas take about 1 hour in the air, but airport access, security, boarding, and baggage time add significantly to the door-to-door trip. Rail produces lower emissions than flying on this domestic route and provides reserved seating from city station to city station.

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 42m

$30-$99

Bus

Apprx.

5h 0m

$25-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$45-$180

Bilbao to Madrid Train

Direct Bilbao to Madrid rail service is mainly provided by Alvia trains. Alvia is a variable-gauge long-distance service that can run on conventional Iberian-gauge lines and high-speed standard-gauge sections, reaching up to 250 km/h (155 mph) where the infrastructure permits. The fastest direct trains take about 4 hours 28 minutes, while services with more intermediate stops take close to 5 hours. Compared with AVE corridors from Madrid, this route has fewer daily departures because Bilbao is not yet connected to Madrid by a full end-to-end high-speed line. Seating is reserved, with Standard and, on selected trainsets or fares, Comfort options. Operator: Renfe.

Renfe Alvia

Renfe Alvia uses variable-gauge trains on long-distance routes across Spain.

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FAQ about the Bilbao - Madrid Route

How fast is the Bilbao to Madrid Alvia?

Alvia trains on this route can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on suitable high-speed sections, while running slower on conventional tracks near Bilbao and across parts of northern Spain. The mixed infrastructure explains why the trip takes longer than full AVE routes of similar distance.

How long is the train from Bilbao to Madrid?

The fastest direct Bilbao to Madrid Alvia train takes about 4 hours 28 minutes. Slower direct departures can take close to 5 hours depending on scheduled stops and the section of line used. The rail distance is about 397 km between Bilbao-Abando and Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.

How do I book Bilbao to Madrid train tickets?

Book Bilbao to Madrid train tickets on Rail Monsters by entering the travel date, choosing an Alvia departure, and selecting the available fare and seat option. Payment is completed online, and the e-ticket is sent by email. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead, and mobile apps for iOS and Android are available for managing the trip.

Does a rail pass cover Bilbao to Madrid trains?

Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on Renfe long-distance trains in Spain, including Bilbao to Madrid Alvia services, but a paid seat reservation is required before boarding. The Renfe Spain Pass can also be used on eligible long-distance Renfe trains subject to pass conditions and seat availability. Rail Monsters sells individual tickets for this route.

How much is the train from Bilbao to Madrid?

One-way Alvia fares from Bilbao to Madrid start from about €25 ($27 USD) for advance Basico tickets and can rise to around €90 ($97 USD) for flexible or high-demand fares. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability.

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