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How to get from Madrid to Bilbao?

Are you planning to travel to Bilbao from Madrid and looking for the best transport options for your trip? We know that it is often difficult to choose the best way to travel from Madrid to Bilbao, whether it is for price, time or convenience reasons. Vivanoda will help you find all the transport solutions for travelling between Madrid and Bilbao, whether by plane, train, coach or carpool.

With detailed information on each mode of transport and on the transport companies (Renfe, FlixBus, ALSA, Blablabus or Iberia), you can easily compare fares, timetables and travel times, in order to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Whether you are a budget traveller or looking for a quick and convenient way to travel between Madrid and Bilbao, we have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Madrid Bilbao trip.

For your trip from Madrid to Bilbao, you have several transport options

Madrid to Bilbao bus

Buses are often the most economical choice for travel from Madrid to Bilbao, offering direct travel options or with intermediate stops.

Madrid to Bilbao train

If you like to travel in a more environmentally friendly and economical way, the Madrid Bilbao train is ideal and meets your expectations.

Flights Madrid Bilbao

Many flights connect Madrid to Bilbao every day, offering a quick and convenient option for travellers. If you are in a hurry, flying is the fastest way to get to Bilbao in record time.

Carpooling Madrid Bilbao

Carpooling between Madrid and Bilbao is perfect if you want to travel to Bilbao in good company and reduce transport costs. But there can be limited flexibility in terms of timetables and pick-up points in either Madrid or Bilbao.

Whichever option you choose, our price comparison tool will help you find the most suitable Madrid to Bilbao transport option for your needs and budget.

Travel information for Madrid Bilbao

City of departure
Madrid
Spain
Destination city
Bilbao
Spain
Basque Country
Distance
199 mi
Direct connection
Yes, direct connection by coach, flights, train and carpooling
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Plan your trip from Madrid to Bilbao easily with Vivanoda

Plan your trip from Madrid to Bilbao easily with Vivanoda

With Vivanoda you can easily compare all available modes of transport, such as flights, trains, buses and carpools, according to your preferences and budget. You can also filter the results by price, travel time, schedule and comfort options. Thanks to its ease of use and clarity, Vivanoda allows you to find the tickets between Madrid and Bilbao that best suit your needs in a few clicks. Vivanoda also displays all the special offers and promotions of different airlines such as Renfe, FlixBus, ALSA, Blablabus or Iberia to help you save on your tickets. So don't hesitate and use Vivanoda now to prepare your trip between Madrid and Bilbao with peace of mind!

Comparison of the modes of transport between Madrid and Bilbao

Advantages and disadvantages of travelling by train from Madrid to Bilbao?
Speed Madrid to Bilbao trains are often much faster than buses or cars.
Accessibility Train stations in Madrid or Bilbao are located in the city centre, making it easy to use other means of transport to reach the city centre.
Environmentally friendly The Madrid-Bilbao train is considered to be a more environmentally friendly means of transport than flying or driving alone.
Flexibility Madrid Bilbao train times may be limited and it may be more difficult to change trains if necessary.
Cost Madrid Bilbao train tickets can be more expensive than coach or carpool tickets, especially on high-speed trains.
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling by coach from Madrid to Bilbao?
On-board services Modern buses between Madrid and Bilbao are usually equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power points and toilets.
Flexibility Bus companies offer a variety of timetable options for travel between Madrid and Bilbao, which can be convenient if you have specific time constraints.
Prices Coach tickets from Madrid to Bilbao are often much cheaper than train or plane tickets to Bilbao (and sometimes cheaper than carpooling), making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers.
Travel time Buses from Madrid to Bilbao are usually much slower than trains to Bilbao to cover the 199 mi distance.
Comfort Madrid-Bilbao buses can be less comfortable than trains, due to reduced legroom and the quality of the suspension.
Advantages and disadvantages of carpooling from Madrid to Bilbao?
Flexible Carpooling from Madrid to Bilbao is often more flexible than other modes of transport.
Economical Carpooling from Madrid to Bilbao is often the most economical way to travel.
Environmentally friendly By sharing a car with someone else you reduce the environmental impact of a trip from Madrid to Bilbao.
Feeling insecure It may happen that you feel unsafe in the car with the driver, due to his or her attitude or driving style.
Availability Finding availability for a carpool from Madrid to Bilbao can be tricky, especially if you plan ahead. Most carpools are only available a few days or weeks before departure.
Comfort You have to share the space in the car with other passengers during the whole journey from Madrid to Bilbao.
Advantages and disadvantages of flying from Madrid to Bilbao?
Choice of airlines There are many airlines operating flights from Madrid to Bilbao, both direct and with a stopover, giving travellers a wide choice.
Speed Flying between Madrid and Bilbao is the fastest way to travel the 199 mi between Madrid and Bilbao.
Environmental disadvantages Flights to Madrid Bilbao have a negative impact on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions, as flying is one of the most polluting modes of transport.
Security checks Travellers to Bilbao often have to arrive at Madrid airport early due to strict security checks.
Prices Air tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can be more expensive than train or coach tickets, especially during busy periods (holidays, weekends, etc.).

Where to start from in Madrid? Where do I arrive in Bilbao?

Madrid departure bus stations

Madrid Sur
Map
Madrid America
Map
Madrid - Barajas Airport T4
Map

Madrid Departure Stations

Madrid-Chamartin
Map

Departure airports in Madrid

Adolfo-Suárez de Madrid-Barajas
Map

Bilbao arrival coach stations

Bilbao (Termibus station)
Map
Bilbao
Map

Bilbao Arrival Stations

Bilbao-Abando
Map

Bilbao Arrival Airports

Bilbao
Map
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3 tips for cheaper travel between Madrid and Bilbao

Have you decided to travel from Madrid to Bilbao and are looking for ways to save money on your travel ticket? Here are 3 handy tips to save money on your journey. Whether you choose to travel by coach, train, flights or carpooling, these tips will help you find the best fares for your Madrid to Bilbao trip.

  • 1. Be flexible on dates
    Madrid-Bilbao tickets are often cheaper during the week than at the weekend. If you can afford to travel to Bilbao during the week rather than at the weekend, you could save money on your Madrid-Bilbao ticket. Moreover, being flexible on dates can also help you find the best prices to Bilbao.
  • 2. Compare modes of transport
    It may be a good idea to compare the different modes of transport available to save money on your trip from Madrid to Bilbao. While flying or taking the train may seem like the quickest option to get to Bilbao, carpooling or taking the coach can often be cheaper alternatives. Also consider the length of the journey and the route to find the most economical solution that best suits your needs.
  • 3. Avoid peak times
    Madrid-Bilbao tickets are very often cheaper if you travel outside of rush hour. By avoiding these busy times of the day, you could save money on your travel ticket. In addition, travelling to Bilbao during off-peak hours can give you a more comfortable journey.

coach Madrid Bilbao

The frequency of departures to Madrid from Bilbao varies depending on the carrier, the time period and the day of the week. To get a complete overview of all coach departures to Bilbao, please specify your departure date and search on Vivanoda.

The duration of the bus journey between Madrid and Bilbao usually varies depending on traffic conditions and any stops along the way. Vivanoda will allow you to see in real time all the buses travelling to Bilbao for your travel date.

Cancellation and modification policies may vary depending on the bus company, so it is important to check the terms and conditions when booking. In most cases, cancelling or changing your Madrid-Bilbao coach ticket will incur additional costs.

Buses between Madrid and Bilbao usually offer on-board toilets for passengers, but it is always advisable to check with the carrier before travelling. In any case, breaks at motorway service stations are provided.

Most carriers allow you to book seats online for an Madrid-Bilbao bus. There is often a charge for this service.

Passengers are generally allowed to take luggage on the Madrid-Bilbao bus, but it is important to check the weight and size limits with the carrier. The number of pieces of luggage is also very often limited.

Bus companies Madrid Bilbao

FlixBus
FlixBus
ALSA
ALSA
Blablabus
Blablabus
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Trains Madrid Bilbao

There may be a price difference depending on the time of day you travel by train from Madrid to Bilbao. Tickets purchased during off-peak hours are cheaper than those purchased during peak hours. To get a detailed overview of all prices, Vivanoda compares all modes of transport between Madrid and Bilbao.

Passengers can of course take luggage with them on the train from Madrid to Bilbao. There is no weight limit, but some train companies limit the amount of luggage you can take with you and require you to pay a supplement. On the other hand, the size of the luggage should be reasonable, as space inside the train is often limited.

It is recommended to book your train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao at least a few weeks in advance to get the best price.

To get the best deals on train tickets between Madrid and Bilbao, it is recommended to book in advance, be flexible with the timetable and compare the ticket prices with Vivanoda.

Train tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can be refunded or exchanged but are usually more expensive. The cheapest tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Trains between Madrid and Bilbao are equipped with power sockets and free Wi-Fi for passengers. Power sockets are available in most carriages, while the Wi-Fi connection may be unstable in some areas.

Train companies from Madrid to Bilbao

Renfe
Renfe
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Flights Madrid Bilbao

Airlines Madrid Bilbao

Iberia
Iberia
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Carpool Madrid Bilbao

Carpooling is considered a more environmentally friendly option than other modes of transport, as it reduces CO2 emissions by reducing the number of cars on the road. However, this depends on the number of people sharing the same vehicle and the fuel consumption of the vehicle.

The average cost of a carpool from Madrid to Bilbao depends on a number of factors, including the time of year, demand and supply, and the carpooling platform used. To get a very accurate estimate of the price and availability of a carpooling trip from Madrid to Bilbao, start a search on Vivanoda by entering your travel dates.

It is possible to book a carpool at the last minute, but this depends on the availability of drivers and the demand for the journey. It is recommended to book your carpool in advance to guarantee your trip.

Carpool drivers often have restrictions on large luggage due to the limited space in the vehicle. It is therefore recommended that you contact the driver prior to your trip to Madrid Bilbao to discuss these issues.

Carpooling is generally considered to be a safe option for travelling between Madrid and Bilbao. However, it is important to check driver reviews and ratings before booking a trip. It is also recommended that you only share your personal details with people you trust.

The number of seats available in a carpool from Madrid to Bilbao depends on the driver and the type of vehicle used. In general, a driver can offer between 1 and 4 seats.

Carpooling platform Madrid Bilbao

Blablacar
Blablacar
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