Madrid to Bilbao Trains

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Madrid to Bilbao Train Tickets & Timetable

The Madrid to Bilbao train is operated by Renfe using Alvia long-distance services. Trains depart from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor and arrive at Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto, with regular intermediate stops including Segovia-Guiomar, Valladolid-Campo Grande, Burgos-Rosa Manzano, and Miranda de Ebro. The rail distance is about 395 km, combining the high-speed Madrid-Valladolid section with classic track through Castile and the Basque Country. Direct services usually run about 2 times daily in each direction. The fastest Madrid to Bilbao Alvia takes about 4 hours 32 minutes, while slower direct departures take around 4 hours 50 minutes to just over 5 hours. One-way Alvia fares between Madrid and Bilbao start from about €19 ($21 USD) for advance Basico fares and go up to around €75 ($82 USD) for flexible higher-tier 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 and New Year, and long weekends.

16Jul

Seats

Madrid

Bilbao

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

07:13

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

4h 54m

12:07

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04187

from

83 USD

4h 54m, Direct

07:13

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

12:07

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

from

83 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04187

Day trains

17:30

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

4h 58m

22:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04267

from

83 USD

4h 58m, Direct

17:30

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

22:28

BilbaoBilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto

from

83 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04267

First train

07:13

Last train

17:37

Travel duration

4h 49m

Daily departures

Departure station

Madrid

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Bilbao

Ticket price

$33

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to Bilbao

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Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Exchange and cancellation conditions for Madrid to Bilbao train tickets depend on the selected Renfe fare family, such as Basico, Elige, or Premium. Check the fare rules before payment if your plans may change.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Human support agents are available 24/7 for Madrid to Bilbao booking questions, schedule checks, exchange requests, and guidance on using e-tickets at Spanish long-distance stations.

Receive Your Tickets Instantly

After booking the Madrid to Bilbao Alvia, confirmation is sent by email. Most Renfe long-distance tickets are issued as e-tickets with a barcode for inspection before boarding and on the train.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Madrid to Bilbao train on Renfe Alvia services. Choose a departure from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto and receive ticket details online.

Secure Payment Options

Pay for Madrid to Bilbao Alvia tickets with major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and supported digital wallets. Online payments are processed with secure verification.

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Madrid to Bilbao Route Overview

This route is not a full high-speed corridor: the Alvia uses high-speed track north of Madrid and then continues on conventional lines through Burgos and Miranda de Ebro toward Bilbao. The distinctive part of the trip is the change from the open Castilian plateau to the greener valleys leading into the Basque Country before the train descends toward Bilbao. Seats on Renfe long-distance Alvia trains are reserved, so passengers travel on the train printed on the ticket rather than choosing any departure. Security screening and ticket checks are normally carried out before access to long-distance platforms at Madrid Chamartin.

Travel time

4h 49m

Train type

Renfe Alvia

Fastest trip

4h 47m

Longest trip

4h 58m

Available Ticket Classes

Madrid to Bilbao Alvia trains usually offer Standard and Comfort seating depending on the trainset and fare availability. Renfe fare families may include Basico, Elige, Elige Confort, and Premium, with differences in seat type, exchange rules, cancellation rules, and included extras. Basico is the lowest-priced fare with stricter conditions, while Elige and Premium offer more flexibility. All seats on this long-distance route are reserved, and the selected train and seat appear on the ticket.

from

$55

Economy Class

from

$75

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Renfe Alvia services between Madrid and Bilbao use long-distance trainsets with airline-style seats, overhead racks, and luggage spaces near car entrances. Keep your ticket available for station access and onboard inspection.

Luggage Allowance

Renfe long-distance passengers may normally carry up to 3 pieces of luggage, with a combined weight of up to 25 kg and total dimensions up to 285 cm across all pieces. Each item must fit in onboard racks or luggage areas without blocking aisles or doors.

Storage Facilities

Alvia trains have overhead racks for cabin bags and coats, plus larger luggage shelves at the ends of many cars. Standard medium suitcases usually fit in the vestibule racks; keep valuables with you at the seat.

Special Items

Folded bicycles, scooters, skis, golf bags, and musical instruments may travel if packed and within Renfe luggage limits. Fully assembled bicycles are generally restricted on long-distance Alvia services unless a specific bicycle space or accepted packing method applies.

Average rating & reviews

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4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

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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

The Madrid to Bilbao route starts at Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor, heads north on the high-speed line through Segovia-Guiomar to Valladolid-Campo Grande, then continues by classic rail via Burgos-Rosa Manzano and Miranda de Ebro. From Miranda, the line enters the Basque Country and approaches Bilbao through inland valleys before terminating at Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto near the city center.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 49m

Price from

$22

Departures

Rating

The Madrid to Bilbao train links Madrid Chamartin with Bilbao-Abando, so it avoids airport transfers at both ends. Buses between Madrid and Bilbao often take 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes from coach terminals, with lower starting fares but less space to move during the trip. Flights from Madrid-Barajas to Bilbao take about 1 hour in the air, but airport access, security, boarding, and baggage time often make the door-to-door trip similar to rail. Electric rail travel also produces lower emissions than flying on this domestic corridor.

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

$33-$92

Bus

Apprx.

5h 0m

$22-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$45-$180

Madrid to Bilbao Train

The direct Madrid to Bilbao service is Renfe Alvia, designed to run on both high-speed and conventional Spanish track. On the high-speed section north of Madrid, Alvia trainsets can run up to 250 km/h (155 mph), then reduce speed on the classic sections beyond Valladolid and Burgos. The fastest direct Alvia takes about 4 hours 32 minutes, with other departures taking closer to 5 hours depending on stops and pathing. Basico, Elige, Elige Confort, and Premium fares may appear for the same train, with seat type and flexibility varying by fare. Unlike Madrid-Barcelona or Madrid-Seville, this route does not have competing AVE, Iryo, or Ouigo Espana high-speed services. Operator: Renfe.

Renfe Alvia

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

Learn more

FAQ about the Madrid - Bilbao Route

How much is the train from Madrid to Bilbao?

One-way Madrid to Bilbao Alvia fares start from about €19 ($21 USD) for advance Basico tickets and can rise to around €75 ($82 USD) for flexible higher-tier fares. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability.

How fast is the Madrid to Bilbao Alvia?

Alvia trains on this route can run up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on the high-speed section between Madrid and Valladolid. Speeds are lower on the conventional railway through Burgos, Miranda de Ebro, and the approach to Bilbao.

How long is the train from Madrid to Bilbao?

The fastest direct Renfe Alvia from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto takes about 4 hours 32 minutes. Other direct departures usually take around 4 hours 50 minutes to just over 5 hours, depending on scheduled stops.

Does Eurail cover Madrid to Bilbao trains?

Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on Renfe long-distance Alvia trains between Madrid and Bilbao, but a paid seat reservation is required before boarding. Renfe Spain Pass can also be used on eligible long-distance trains with the required reservation. Rail Monsters sells individual tickets for this route.

How do I book Madrid to Bilbao train tickets?

Book Madrid to Bilbao train tickets on Rail Monsters by selecting your travel date, choosing an Alvia departure, and paying online. Rail Monsters provides mobile apps for iOS and Android and accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead, useful for Easter Week, August holidays, Christmas and New Year, and long weekends.

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