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Madrid to Bilbao Trains

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Madrid to Bilbao Train Tickets & Timetable

The Madrid to Bilbao route is primarily served by Alvia trains, which offer various train ticket options and seating classes, including Turista and Preferente. Departing from Madrid Chamartin station, the service makes stops at Segovia and Valladolid. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices and preferred seating. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately €35–85 (around $38–94 USD). For accurate timetable information, current ticket availability, and class fares, use the search page to find options and purchase tickets. Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Madrid to Bilbao departures, train times, and prices.

5Apr

Seats

Madrid

Bilbao

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Day trains

17:37

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

4h 51m

22:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04267

from

9774 USD

4h 51m, Direct

17:37

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

22:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

from

9774 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04267

First train

07:20

Last train

17:37

Travel duration

4h 49m

Daily departures

Departure station

Madrid

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Bilbao

Ticket price

$37

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to Bilbao

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Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Madrid to Bilbao route, ensuring a reliable and authorized booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online, and receive an electronic QR code if available from the local Rail Operator.

Secure Payment Options

Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital payment methods. Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy Madrid to Bilbao tickets.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed, and modify your Madrid to Bilbao Alvia tickets based on availability and the fare conditions.

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're here to ensure the easiest booking experience.

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Madrid to Bilbao Route Overview

The journey from Madrid to Bilbao connects the Spanish capital with the industrial and cultural heart of the Basque Country. Using the Alvia service, passengers travel on high-speed tracks for part of the journey before transitioning to conventional lines. The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, passing through the plains of Castile and the rugged mountains of the north. Travelers can choose between standard and first-class seating, both offering power outlets and large windows for viewing the changing Spanish landscape.

Travel time

4h 49m

Train type

Fastest trip

4h 47m

Longest trip

4h 51m

Available Ticket Classes

On the Madrid to Bilbao route, the primary classes are Turista (Standard) and Preferente (First Class). Turista provides comfortable seating and access to the cafeteria car. Preferente offers more space, larger seats, and sometimes includes meal service depending on the specific schedule and fare type.

from

$6516

Economy Class

from

$7223

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Alvia Trains. Traveling with Renfe includes specific rules for carry-on and larger items. Below are key points to know when bringing luggage aboard services to Bilbao:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring up to three pieces of hand luggage provided the total weight does not exceed 25 kg. The sum of the dimensions of the three items must not exceed 290 cm, ensuring there is space for everyone's belongings.

Storage Facilities

Alvia trains feature overhead racks for smaller bags and dedicated floor-level areas near the carriage doors for larger suitcases. These racks are designed to keep items secure while the train transitions between high-speed and regular tracks.

Special Items

Folded bicycles and items such as skis or musical instruments are permitted if they are properly encased. For non-folding bikes, restrictions apply based on the specific train type and occupancy, so checking availability in advance is required.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

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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!

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Madrid to Bilbao Map

Plan your trip between Madrid and Bilbao via the Northern corridor. The route departs from Madrid Chamartin, heading north through Segovia and Valladolid. From there, the train travels towards Burgos before entering the mountainous regions leading into the Basque Country. This path showcases the transition from the high plateau of central Spain to the green, hilly landscapes of the north. Use this map to understand the transport line connecting the capital to Bilbao-Abando station.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 49m

Price from

$30

Departures

Rating

Rail travel between Madrid and Bilbao offers a direct city-center connection, avoiding the time-consuming security lines and transfers associated with flying. Buses are the most budget-friendly option but take significantly longer to traverse the northern terrain. While flying has a shorter duration in the air, the combined time of airport transit makes the train a competitive and less stressful alternative for many travelers.

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 49m

$37-$100

Bus

Apprx.

4h 45m

$25-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$45-$180

Cities at Both Ends

Madrid, located in the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for the Plaza Mayor and its vast parklands like Retiro. From Madrid Chamartin, the train travels to Bilbao, a city that transformed from an industrial hub into a global design destination. Bilbao is renowned for the Santiago Cathedral and its distinct culinary scene featuring pintxos. Travelers depart from the capital's northern hub and arrive at the historic Bilbao-Abando station.

Madrid

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

FAQ about the Madrid - Bilbao Route

How fast is the high-speed train to Bilbao?

The Alvia trains serving this route reach speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed segments. The total travel time for the 400 km journey is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Which station does the train depart from in Madrid?

Trains destined for Bilbao depart from Madrid Chamartin station, located in the northern part of the city. It is well-connected to the city center via metro and suburban rail lines.

Is there a direct train from Madrid to Bilbao?

Yes, several direct Alvia services run daily between Madrid and Bilbao. These trains offer a direct connection without the need to transfer at intermediate stations like Valladolid or Miranda de Ebro.

How to book Madrid to Bilbao tickets online?

You can book tickets through the Rail Monsters website or mobile apps for iOS and Android. It is recommended to secure reservations at least 2 to 4 weeks before departure to find lower fares and ensure seat availability.

How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao?

A one-way train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao typically ranges from 45 USD to 110 USD depending on the class and how far in advance you book. Prices fluctuate based on seasonal demand and ticket flexibility.

Learn more information at our

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