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Trains from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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  3. Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao

How to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao by train

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

There are around 4 trains per day running between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao, which usually take 11 hours 35 minutes to complete the 284 miles (458 km) journey. It can take as little as 9 hours 32 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 Bilbao from Santiago de Compostela, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way.

You can save money on train tickets from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from $49.00. 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 Bilbao from Santiago de Compostela

It takes an average of 11h 35m to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao by train, over a distance of around 284 miles (458 km). There are normally 4 trains per day travelling from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao and tickets for this journey start from $49 when you book in advance.

First train

08:43

Last train

20:05

Departure stationSantiago de Compostela
Arrival stationBilbao
Journey time

From 9h 32m

Distance

284 miles (458 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From $49

Train and bus operators

ALSA

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao?

Want to know more about your journey from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

To travel to Bilbao from Santiago de Compostela, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 11 hours and 35 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 9 hours and 32 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao?

Trains from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao take an average of 11 hours and 35 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 9 hours and 32 minutes. You'll usually find 4 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao by train?

Train tickets from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao can start from $49 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao by train?

The quickest journey time between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao by train is 9 hours and 32 minutes.

What are the train times from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao?

Check out the next trains departing from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao for Tuesday 7th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:4317:159h 32m, 1 change
10:4821:2110h 33m, 1 change
10:5821:2110h 23m, 2 changes
19:0511:0015h 55m, 1 change

How do I find cheap train tickets from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao starts at $49§ 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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