Trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Settle in for a peaceful ride on the five-hour train from Bilbao to Madrid. With so much going on in the city, day and night, you’ll be glad you preserved your energy.
From sport to shops, cafes to culture – Madrid has it all, and within easy reach of the train station, too. If you’re one of the many visitors making the pilgrimage for the football, the stadium is just 20 minutes away by public transport.
The reliable Renfe service offers a choice of four trains a day, operating from 06:30 to 17:00. Upgrade your ticket to Clase Confort and you’ll enjoy all the perks of a premium carriage, including at-seat table service on board. There’s also a generous luggage allowance of up to three items, without any extra charge.
Once you’re ready to book or to find out more, consult our helpful information below including FAQs.
Bilbao to Madrid by train
Renfe and Alvia trains from Bilbao to Madrid
Renfe
Alvia
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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Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid
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 Madrid 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from Bilbao to Madrid take?
The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Madrid is 6 hours and 54 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 Madrid by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bilbao to Madrid is 6 hours and 40 minutes.
How much does the train from Bilbao to Madrid cost?
Train ticket prices from Bilbao to Madrid can start from as little as €15.25 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Madrid?
No, there are no direct train services from Bilbao to Madrid. Travelling from Bilbao to Madrid by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Bilbao to Madrid leave?
The first train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 12:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bilbao to Madrid leave?
The last train from Bilbao to Madrid leaves at 15:20. 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 Madrid by train?
Trains travelling from Bilbao to Madrid cover a distance of around 201 miles (323 km) during the journey.