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Travelling from Copenhagen to Bilbao by train

Looking to travel from Copenhagen to Bilbao by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 44 hours 54 minutes to travel from Copenhagen to Bilbao by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 43 hours 31 minutes though. You'll usually find 5 trains per day running along the 1099 miles (1769 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 6 changes during the journey to Bilbao, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with TGV, ICE or SNCF on your way to Bilbao, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Copenhagen to Bilbao.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Bilbao by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Bilbao from Copenhagen

First train

00:50

Last train

17:50

Departure stationCopenhagen
Arrival stationBilbao
Journey time

From 43h 31m

Distance

1099 miles (1769 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

6 changes

Train and bus operators

DSB, Deutsche Bahn, BlaBlaCar Bus, SNCF

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

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

How do you get to Bilbao from Copenhagen?

To travel to Bilbao from Copenhagen, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 44 hours and 54 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 43 hours and 31 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Copenhagen to Bilbao?

Trains from Copenhagen to Bilbao take an average of 44 hours and 54 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 43 hours and 31 minutes. You'll usually find 5 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Copenhagen to Bilbao?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Copenhagen to Bilbao in as little as 43 hours and 31 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from TGV offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Copenhagen and Bilbao by train?

The quickest journey time between Copenhagen and Bilbao by train is 43 hours and 31 minutes.

DSB, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and TGV trains from Copenhagen to Bilbao

You can travel from Copenhagen to Bilbao on DSB, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and TGV 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.

Danish State Railways (DSB) is the largest Danish railway company. The Danish high-speed train is Eurocity, which operates two lines connecting Copenhagen to Hamburg and Hamburg to Flensburg. It offers two classes or levels of comfort – First Class and Second Class. DSB's long-distance trains are Intercity and IntercityLyn, in order of importance. The regional lines are operated by the R-tog trains, and the S-tog service gives its name to the trams that run through the old city of Copenhagen.

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).

PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.

What TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and DSB classes are there from Copenhagen to Bilbao?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and DSB when travelling from Copenhagen to Bilbao.

What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, Intercity (IC), ICE and DSB?

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

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?

You will find an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.

If you upgrade to First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.

Although the menu changes every three months, 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?

Currently, free WiFi is available on certain IC trains. Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all their IC trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

On IC trains, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Kids up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.

On board, you will find family and children areas which are bookable.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle on a IC train. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.

Bike storage spaces are usually 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?

With IC, you can travel with your pet. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an extra ticket and they can travel for free 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?

Deutsche Bahn offer the Mobility Service, where staff will help you board, disembark or change trains. Staff will also answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.

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?

On DSB trains, you can bring luggage onboard so long as you can carry it yourself. There are storage spaces above and under your seat, as well as in dedicated luggage racks.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Food and drink is not generally available to buy on DSB trains, so pick up some snacks at the station before you leave! The exception is if you have a First Class ticket, as you may be offered complimentary tea and coffee onboard.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

DSB trains are equipped with WiFi so you can surf the web during your journey. Some trains may also have plug sockets.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

You can take a pushchair with you on DSB Intercity trains free of charge, but you must get a free Pram ticket to reserve a place. On regional trains and S-trains, you don't need a reservation for your pushchair.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can travel with a bicycle on DSB trains if you buy a bicycle reservation (currently it costs 20 DKK). You can buy a bike ticket at a ticket machine, at a 7-Eleven at Danish train stations, or on the DSB app. On S-trains, you don't need a reservation; it's free to take your bike onboard. Folding bikes and scooters are allowed on trains free of charge.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small dogs and animals can travel on DSB trains for free if they're kept in a carrier not exceeding 100 x 60 x 30cm during the journey. The carrier can be stowed in dedicated luggage storage areas, such as above your seat, or on your lap. Larger dogs need a child's ticket to travel, and must be kept on the floor and on a lead during your journey. You can buy a ticket for your dog online or at a 7-Eleven at Danish train stations. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are always allowed on board for free.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

You can pre-book assistance on the DSB website or by calling DSB Customer Service. You need to book at least 12 hours before your train departs. Some trains have step-free access, while others can have ramps attached for wheelchair users. If you need a wheelchair space, you'll need to book a free space at least 12 hours before your train departs by calling DSB Customer Service. If you have a disability or are accompanying a disabled person, you can get a reduced price train ticket.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

On many DSB trains, it's possible to reserve a seat for a small fee. If you're travelling in a busy period, you may want to make a reservation to guarantee yourself a seat.

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

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 Copenhagen to Bilbao 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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