Trains from Bologna to Bilbao
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Take the train from Bologna to Bilbao in 32 hours 25 minutes
If you want to travel from Bologna to Bilbao by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Bologna to Bilbao by train to take around 37 hours 48 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 32 hours 25 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 7 trains per day running on this route, which spans 1151 km. You'll have to make 6 changes along the way on your journey to Bilbao. TGV, Frecciarossa or Renfe 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 Bologna to Bilbao start from $332.28 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!
Bologna to Bilbao by train
It takes an average of 37h 48m to travel from Bologna to Bilbao by train, over a distance of around 715 miles (1151 km). There are normally 7 trains per day traveling from Bologna to Bilbao and tickets for this journey start from $332.28 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:06 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 19:36 |
| Departure station | Bologna |
| Arrival station | Bilbao |
| Journey time | 32h 25m |
| Distance | 1151 miles (715 km) |
| Frequency | 7 trains per day |
| Changes | 6 changes |
| Price | From $332.28 |
| Train and bus operators | Flixbus, Itabus, Trenitalia, SNCF, Renfe-SNCF, Renfe, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA |
Frecciarossa, Trenitalia, SNCF and Renfe-SNCF trains from Bologna to Bilbao
Frecciarossa
Trenitalia
SNCF
Renfe-SNCF
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
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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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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Cheap train tickets from Bologna to Bilbao
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 Bologna to Bilbao 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 Bologna to Bilbao
How long does the train from Bologna to Bilbao take?
The average journey time by train between Bologna and Bilbao is 37 hours and 48 minutes, with around 7 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 Bologna and Bilbao by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bologna to Bilbao is 32 hours and 25 minutes.
How much does the train from Bologna to Bilbao cost?
Train tickets from Bologna to Bilbao can start from as little as $332.28 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 Bologna to Bilbao?
No, there are no direct train services from Bologna to Bilbao. Travelling from Bologna to Bilbao by train will require a minimum of 6 changes.
What time does the first train from Bologna to Bilbao leave?
The first train from Bologna to Bilbao leaves at 05:06. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bologna to Bilbao leave?
The last train from Bologna to Bilbao leaves at 19:36. 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 Bologna and Bilbao by train?
Trains travelling from Bologna to Bilbao cover a distance of around 715 miles (1151 km) during the journey.