Trains from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal
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Travel from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal by train in 27 hours 22 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal by train is 28 hours 9 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 27 hours 22 minutes. Around 2 trains per day travel the 714 miles (1150 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 4 changes along the way to Utrecht Centraal. You're likely to be travelling with TGV, Thalys or Renfe to Utrecht Centraal. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Renfe, Alvia, SNCF and NS trains from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal
Renfe
Alvia
SNCF
NS
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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NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
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TGV INOUI, NS and Alvia classes from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, NS and Alvia when travelling from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal.
TGV INOUI
NS
Alvia
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy comfier seats, more legroom, an at-seat catering service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, NS and Alvia
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal.
TGV INOUI
NS
Alvia
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.
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.
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.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
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.
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.
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).
There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
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.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks.
On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal
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 Utrecht Centraal 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
Want to know more about your journey from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal take?
The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Utrecht Centraal is 28 hours and 9 minutes, with around 2 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 Utrecht Centraal by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal is 27 hours and 22 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal?
No, there are no direct train services from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal. Travelling from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal by train will require a minimum of 4 changes.
What time does the first train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal leave?
The first train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal leaves at 07:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal leave?
The last train from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal 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 Utrecht Centraal by train?
Trains travelling from Bilbao to Utrecht Centraal cover a distance of around 714 miles (1150 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Utrecht Centraal to Bilbao.