Trains from Bilbao to Berlin
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Travel from Bilbao to Berlin by train in 29 hours 48 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Bilbao to Berlin by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Bilbao to Berlin by train is 33 hours 53 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 29 hours 48 minutes. You'll usually find 3 trains per day traveling the 1587 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 5 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Berlin. You're likely to be traveling with TGV, Thalys or ICE to Berlin. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Bilbao to Berlin in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from $167.44. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Bilbao to Berlin by train
It takes an average of 33h 53m to travel from Bilbao to Berlin by train, over a distance of around 986 miles (1587 km). There are normally 3 trains per day traveling from Bilbao to Berlin and tickets for this journey start from $167.44 when you book in advance.
| First train | 07:00 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 17:35 |
| Departure station | Bilbao |
| Arrival station | Berlin |
| Journey time | 29h 48m |
| Distance | 1587 miles (986 km) |
| Frequency | 3 trains per day |
| Changes | 5 changes |
| Price | From $167.44 |
| Train and bus operators | Flixbus, Deutsche Bahn, Thalys, Renfe-SNCF, Renfe, ALSA, SNCF |
Renfe, Alvia, Renfe-SNCF and Deutsche Bahn trains from Bilbao to Berlin
Renfe
Alvia
Renfe-SNCF
Deutsche Bahn
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
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Renfe-SNCF trains are the result of a collaboration between France and Spain to bring the two countries together via a network of high-speed trains. There are two comfort classes – Turista (or Second Class) and Preferente (or First Class). Both classes have power sockets and comfortable seating. Luggage security checks are in force at all Spanish stations before boarding. It's also advisable to travel with your identity card for border control.
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The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Berlin
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Bilbao to Berlin by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Bilbao to Berlin
How long does the train from Bilbao to Berlin take?
The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Berlin is 33 hours and 53 minutes, with around 3 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Bilbao and Berlin by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bilbao to Berlin is 29 hours and 48 minutes.
How much does the train from Bilbao to Berlin cost?
Train tickets from Bilbao to Berlin can start from as little as $167.44 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Berlin?
No, there are no direct train services from Bilbao to Berlin. Travelling from Bilbao to Berlin by train will require a minimum of 5 changes.
What time does the first train from Bilbao to Berlin leave?
The first train from Bilbao to Berlin leaves at 07:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bilbao to Berlin leave?
The last train from Bilbao to Berlin leaves at 17:35. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Bilbao and Berlin by train?
Trains travelling from Bilbao to Berlin cover a distance of around 986 miles (1587 km) during the journey.