Trains from Bilbao to Calais
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Take the train from Bilbao to Calais in 29 hours 8 minutes
If you want to travel from Bilbao to Calais by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Bilbao to Calais by train to take around 33 hours 17 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 29 hours 8 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 5 trains per day running on this route, which spans 928 km. You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Calais. TGV, Renfe or SNCF are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Bilbao to Calais start from $214.92 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Bilbao to Calais by train
It takes an average of 33h 17m to travel from Bilbao to Calais by train, over a distance of around 577 miles (928 km). There are normally 5 trains per day traveling from Bilbao to Calais and tickets for this journey start from $214.92 when you book in advance.
| First train | 15:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 17:35 | |
| Departure station | Bilbao | |
| Arrival station | Calais | |
| Journey time | From 29h 8m | |
| Distance | 577 miles (928 km) | |
| Frequency | 5 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From $214.92 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Renfe, Alvia, SNCF and TGV trains from Bilbao to Calais
Renfe
Alvia
SNCF
TGV
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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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
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TGV INOUI classes from Bilbao to Calais
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI when traveling from Bilbao to Calais.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Calais
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 Calais 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 Calais
How long does the train from Bilbao to Calais take?
The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Calais is 33 hours and 17 minutes, with around 5 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 Calais by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bilbao to Calais is 29 hours and 8 minutes.
How much does the train from Bilbao to Calais cost?
Train tickets from Bilbao to Calais can start from as little as $214.92 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 Calais?
No, there are no direct train services from Bilbao to Calais. Travelling from Bilbao to Calais by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Bilbao to Calais leave?
The first train from Bilbao to Calais leaves at 15:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bilbao to Calais leave?
The last train from Bilbao to Calais 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 Calais by train?
Trains travelling from Bilbao to Calais cover a distance of around 577 miles (928 km) during the journey.