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Take the train from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in 27 hours 24 minutes

If you want to travel from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train to take around 27 hours 41 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 27 hours 24 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 2 trains per day running on this route, which spans 724 miles (1165 km). You’ll have to make 3 changes along the way on your journey to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf. Eurostar, TGV or AVE are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

You can save money on train tickets from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Trains to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Bilbao Abando

First train

07:00

Last train

17:35

Departure stationBilbao Abando
Arrival stationFrankfurt (Main) Hbf
Journey time

From 27h 24m

Distance

724 miles (1165 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar, Flixbus, iryo, Renfe, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

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

How do you get to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Bilbao Abando?

To travel to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf from Bilbao Abando, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 27 hours and 41 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 27 hours and 24 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

Trains from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf take an average of 27 hours and 41 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 27 hours and 24 minutes. You'll usually find 2 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 Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in as little as 27 hours and 24 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from AVE and iryo offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Bilbao Abando and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train?

The quickest journey time between Bilbao Abando and Frankfurt (Main) Hbf by train is 27 hours and 24 minutes.

What are the train times from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

Check out the next trains departing from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0009:5927h 59m, 3 changes
16:3519:5927h 24m, 3 changes

AVE, iryo, Renfe and Alvia trains from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

You can travel from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf on AVE, iryo, 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.

AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.

Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!

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 Eurostar, TGV INOUI, ICE and iryo classes are there from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, TGV INOUI, ICE and iryo when travelling from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

What are the onboard services on Eurostar, TGV INOUI, ICE and iryo?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

Although there's no weight limit for your luggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.

Each bag must be clearly labelled and must be no longer than 85 cm (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 75 x 53 x 30 cm (for trains in Europe).

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Are you travelling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard café-bar in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're travelling in Eurostar Plus, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat.

Travel in Eurostar Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.

For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury snacks.
In Eurostar Premier on European routes, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU plug sockets at your seat so you can charge your devices while travelling.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, buying a child ticket guarantees them their own seat.

You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Currently, only certain Eurostar trains running between London and Brussels can transport fully assembled bikes - contact Eurostar for more information. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 85 cm long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard luggage.

For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bicycles are also allowed and count towards standard luggage limits.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

The rules around travelling with your pets depend on whether you're travelling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:

Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:

  • Pets are not permitted on board.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.

Trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 45 x 30 x 25 cm).
  • If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around £26), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
  • Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in the contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.

If you're travelling to/from the United Kingdom:

  • Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
  • If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Eurostar Plus or Eurostar Premier - you'll only pay for a Eurostar Standard ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.

If you're travelling on red trains in the rest of Europe:

  • Wheelchair users travel in Eurostar Premier on routes in Europe.
  • Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 70 cm long and 120 cm high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 150 cm in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any luggage must not exceed 300 kg.
  • Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:

Liquids:

  • There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey, but large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're travelling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.

Sports equipment:

  • You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 120 x 35 x 35 cm.
  • You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 85 cm long.
  • Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
  • Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 75 mm long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
  • You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
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?

Iryo's luggage policy varies by class. With an Inicial ticket, you can take one carry-on bag measuring 36 x 27 x 15 cm and one cabin suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 25 cm. With a Singular (and Singular Only YOU) ticket, you can also take one large suitcase measuring 80 x 55 x 35 cm. The Infinita Bistró fare includes all of the above and also allows travel with one pet inside a carrier.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

iryo offers different menus with high-quality products in all classes. You can buy your favourite meal from their onboard restaurant/bar carriage, which is usually near coach 2.

If you’re travelling in the Infinita Bistró Class, you can enjoy the Infinita Bistró food service – your meal will be served straight to your seat. Please note that you’ll need to book your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

You can enjoy free WiFi in all classes on iryo trains, as well as an onboard entertainment platform providing a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news and Spotify.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children aged 0-3 travel for free on all iryo trains. Children aged 4-13 get a discounted ticket while those aged 14-18 need to pay the full price. Please note that children aged under 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can take your bike on board iryo trains for free if it’s folded and does not exceed 90 x 120 x 40cm. Also, your bike must travel without the pedals and with the handlebar rotated 90 degrees.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

iryo allows pets that do not exceed 10kg in weight, as long as they travel inside a carrier with a maximum size of 60 x 35 x 35cm. You'll need to buy a ticket for your pet in advance. In addition, guide dogs can travel at no additional cost.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

There are seats for people with reduced mobility on iryo trains. Step-free access is also available both when boarding and when getting off the train.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bilbao Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?

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 Abando to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf 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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