RailcardsBusiness

No tickets in your basket.

Why not plan a trip?

My Bookings
Loading...
Loading...
SNCF
Trenitalia

Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe

Icon of trainline-phone-tickets.svg

Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone

Icon of trainline-safe-payments.svg

Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Travelling from Grenoble to Bilbao by train

If you're planning to travel from Grenoble to Bilbao, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Grenoble to Bilbao takes around 20 hours 26 minutes. There are normally 2 trains per day travelling from Grenoble to Bilbao.

You'll have to make 2 changes on your journey to Bilbao, as there are no direct trains.

Renfe and SNCF trains operate on this route.

Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

Trains to Bilbao from Grenoble

First train

05:59

Last train

15:29

Departure stationGrenoble
Arrival stationBilbao
Journey time

From 16h 29m

Distance

448 miles (721 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Flixbus, Renfe, SNCF

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

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

How do I get from Grenoble to Bilbao?

You can travel from Grenoble to Bilbao by train in about 20 hours and 26 minutes. With around 2 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Grenoble to Bilbao. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Grenoble to Bilbao?

On average, the train journey from Grenoble to Bilbao takes around 20 hours and 26 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 Grenoble to Bilbao?

The fastest trains from Grenoble to Bilbao can cover the distance of 448 miles (721 km) in as little as 16 hours and 29 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Grenoble to Bilbao?

No, you can’t travel from Grenoble to Bilbao on a direct train, you’ll need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Grenoble to Bilbao?

Check out the next trains departing from Grenoble to Bilbao for Tuesday 1st September 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
04:5921:2816h 29m, 4 changes
14:2914:5324h 24m, 2 changes

SNCF, Renfe and Alvia trains from Grenoble to Bilbao

You can travel from Grenoble to Bilbao on SNCF, Renfe and Alvia 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.

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).

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.

What Alvia classes are there from Grenoble to Bilbao?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Alvia when travelling from Grenoble to Bilbao.

What are the onboard services on Alvia?

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

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 Grenoble 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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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.

Looking for more ideas?

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.