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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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How to travel from Bilbao to Basel by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Bilbao to Basel? Look no further.

There are around 5 trains per day running between Bilbao and Basel, which usually take 26 hours 57 minutes to complete the 590 miles (949 km) journey. It can take as little as 26 hours 15 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Basel from Bilbao, you'll just need to make 3 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with TGV, AVE or Avlo, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Bilbao to Basel if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £167.07. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Basel from Bilbao

It takes an average of 26h 57m to travel from Bilbao to Basel by train, over a distance of around 590 miles (949 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Bilbao to Basel and tickets for this journey start from £167.07 when you book in advance.

First train

07:00

Last train

17:35

Departure stationBilbao
Arrival stationBasel
Journey time

From 26h 15m

Distance

590 miles (949 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Price

From £167.07

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, iryo, OUIGO, Renfe, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bilbao to Basel?

Want to know more about your journey from Bilbao to Basel? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Bilbao to Basel?

You can get from Bilbao to Basel by train in 26 hours and 57 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 26 hours and 15 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Bilbao to Basel take?

The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Basel is 26 hours and 57 minutes, with around 5 trains per day running on this route. 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.

How much does the train from Bilbao to Basel cost?

Train tickets from Bilbao to Basel can start from as little as £167.07 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Bilbao to Basel?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Bilbao to Basel. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from AVE, OUIGO, and iryo - take a look at the classes and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 26 hours and 15 minutes.

What are the train times from Bilbao to Basel?

Check out the next trains departing from Bilbao to Basel for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0008:5526h 55m, 9 changes
06:0009:0127h 1m, 8 changes
06:0009:0827h 8m, 4 changes
06:0009:2627h 26m, 3 changes
16:3518:5026h 15m, 4 changes

AVE, OUIGO, iryo and Renfe trains from Bilbao to Basel

You can travel from Bilbao to Basel on AVE, OUIGO, iryo and Renfe trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.

Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!

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.

What TGV INOUI, ICE, TGV Lyria and iryo classes are there from Bilbao to Basel?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, ICE, TGV Lyria and iryo when travelling from Bilbao to Basel.

What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, ICE, TGV Lyria and iryo?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bilbao to Basel.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.

All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.

Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.

Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.

You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:

Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Families can reserve two different areas on the train:

The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.

You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.

 

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.

Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

Iryo's luggage policy varies by class. With an Inicial ticket, you can take one carry-on bag measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm and one cabin suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. With a Singular (and Singular Only YOU) ticket, you can also take one large suitcase measuring 80 x 55 x 35 cm. The Infinita Bistró fare includes all of the above and also allows travel with one pet inside a carrier.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favourite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar carriage, which is usually near coach 2.

If you’re travelling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Children aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that children aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm. You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

There are seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Basel?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Bilbao to Basel starts at £167.07§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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