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How to travel from Bilbao to Munich by train

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

There are around 2 trains per day running between Bilbao and Munich, which usually take 29 hours 32 minutes to complete the 775 miles (1247 km) journey. It can take as little as 29 hours 26 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 Munich from Bilbao, you'll just need to make 4 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with TGV, ICE or Renfe, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Bilbao to Munich if you book in advance. 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 Munich from Bilbao

First train

07:00

Last train

17:35

Departure stationBilbao
Arrival stationMunich
Journey time

From 29h 26m

Distance

775 miles (1247 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

4 changes

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, Renfe, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs, Westbahn

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

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

How do I get from Bilbao to Munich?

You can travel from Bilbao to Munich by train in about 29 hours and 32 minutes. With around 2 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Bilbao to Munich?

On average, the train journey from Bilbao to Munich takes around 29 hours and 32 minutes, with 2 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

What is the fastest train from Bilbao to Munich?

The fastest trains from Bilbao to Munich can cover the distance of 775 miles (1247 km) in as little as 29 hours and 26 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Munich?

No, you can’t travel from Bilbao to Munich on a direct train, you’ll need to make at least 4 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Bilbao to Munich?

Check out the next trains departing from Bilbao to Munich for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0011:2629h 26m, 4 changes
16:3522:1329h 38m, 4 changes

Renfe, Alvia, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF trains from Bilbao to Munich

You can travel from Bilbao to Munich on Renfe, Alvia, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF 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.

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.

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.

PhotoJoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

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).

What TGV INOUI, ICE, Westbahn and Alvia classes are there from Bilbao to Munich?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, ICE, Westbahn and Alvia when travelling from Bilbao to Munich.

What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, ICE, Westbahn and Alvia?

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

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?

In general, there is no limit to your luggage on Westbahn trains. However, a member of staff is authorised to charge a €5 supplement for bulky luggage or starting from a third piece of luggage.

On Westbahn trains, you'll find a luggage rack in the lower deck of each carriage, so that you can secure your suitcase or bag with a metal band. You can unlock the corresponding lock by using a €1 coin which will be returned to you at the end of your journey.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

All Westbahn trains have a bar carriage (Westcafé) where you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks, salads, and sandwiches. You can then eat or drink in the bar carriage or take your drink or snack back to your seat. Alternatively, you can buy snacks or drinks from the self-service vending machines available on board.

If you’re travelling in Westbahn’s First Class, an at-seat catering service is available, meaning that your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Westbahn do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, they do have free WiFi - simply log into Westlan and use the internet uninterruptedly during your journey.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under the age of 6 travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children between the age of 6 and 15 pay €2 if they're with a full-paying adult or get a half-price ticket if they're travelling alone.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to pay a supplement of €4.90, €6.90 or €9.90 to take your bike on your Westbahn train, depending on your chosen route. If you don’t book your bike space online prior to departure, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of €5.10.

Please note that trains with high passenger demand don’t always allow space for bikes and bike reservations are excluded from specific train services. Folding bikes and e-scooters can be stored free of charge.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets can travel on all Westbahn trains free of charge, provided they’re in a carrier or cage. You’ll need to pay €2 for pets that are kept on a leash or are equipped with a muzzle.

Westbahn staff can refuse entry to any dangerous pets without a leash and muzzle. Pets and pet carriers must not occupy seats, otherwise a full-priced ticket will be charged. Registered guide and assistance dogs are excluded from this regulation.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Westbahn trains have step-free access. If you travel with a wheelchair or a stroller, we recommend using coach 400 in the middle of the train. This coach is designed for the needs of people with reduced mobility – it offers a wider aisle than the other coaches, two bookable wheelchair spaces, and access to a PRM toilet with baby-changing facilities. Please note that Westbahn’s wheelchair spaces cannot be reserved for strollers.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of luggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand luggage.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand luggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special luggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).

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

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 Munich starts at § 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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