Madrid
Direct trip to Bilbao traveling by bus, flights, train, carpooling
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How to get from Madrid to Bilbao?

Planning to travel to Madrid from Bilbao and looking for the best transportation options for your trip? We know that it is often difficult to choose the best way of transportation for a trip from Madrid to Bilbao, whether it is for price, time or convenience reasons. Vivanoda will help you to find all the transportation solutions to travel between Madrid and Bilbao, be it by plane, train, bus or carpool.

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

Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for a quick and convenient way to get from Madrid to Bilbao, we've got all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Madrid Bilbao trip.

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

Bus tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

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 tickets

If you like to travel more ecologically and economically, the Madrid Bilbao train is ideal and meets your expectations.

Madrid to Bilbao cheap flights

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

Carpooling Madrid Bilbao

Carpooling from Madrid to Bilbao is perfect if you want to travel to Bilbao in good company and reduce transportation costs. But there may be limited flexibility in terms of schedules and pickup points in either Madrid or Bilbao.

Whichever way you choose, our price comparison tool will help you find the Madrid to Bilbao transportation option that best suits your needs and budget.

Madrid Bilbao Travel Information

Departure city
Madrid
Spain
Destination city
Bilbao
Spain
Basque Country
Distance
199 mi
Direct connection
Yes, direct connection by bus, 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 transportation options like 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 in a few clicks the tickets between Madrid and Bilbao that best suit your needs. Vivanoda also displays all the special offers and promotions of different airlines like 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 different ways to travel between Madrid and Bilbao

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train from Madrid to Bilbao?
Speed Madrid to Bilbao trains are often much faster than buses or cars.
Accessibility The train stations in Madrid or Bilbao are located in the city center, making it easy to access other means of transportation to get to the city center.
Environmentally friendly The Madrid Bilbao train is considered a more environmentally friendly way to travel than flying or driving alone.
Flexibility Madrid Bilbao train schedules can be limited and it may be more difficult to change trains when needed.
Cost Madrid Bilbao train tickets can be more expensive than bus or carpool tickets, especially on high-speed trains.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bus trip from Madrid to Bilbao?
On-board services Modern buses that travel between Madrid and Bilbao are usually equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and toilets.
Flexibility Bus companies offer many schedule options for travel between Madrid and Bilbao, which can be convenient if you have specific time constraints.
Price The price of bus tickets from Madrid to Bilbao are often much cheaper than train or plane tickets to Bilbao (and sometimes cheaper than carpooling as well), making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
Travel time Buses from Madrid to Bilbao are mostly much slower than trains to Bilbao to cover the 199 mi distance of the trip.
Comfort Madrid-Bilbao buses can be less comfortable than trains, due to reduced legroom and suspension quality.
Advantages and disadvantages of a carpooling trip from Madrid to Bilbao?
Flexible Carpooling from Madrid to Bilbao is often more flexible than other modes of transportation.
Economical A carpool 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, because of his attitude or the way he drives.
Availability Finding availability for a carpool between Madrid and 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 of the car with the other passengers during the whole trip between Madrid and 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 travelers 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 from Madrid to Bilbao have a negative impact on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions, as flying is one of the most polluting modes of transportation.
Security Checks Travelers to Bilbao often have to arrive at Madrid airport early due to strict security checks.
Prices Airline tickets from Madrid to Bilbao can be more expensive than train or bus tickets, especially during busy periods (vacations, 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

Departure stations in Madrid

Madrid-Chamartin
Map

Departure airports in Madrid

Adolfo-Suárez de Madrid-Barajas
Map

Bilbao arrival bus 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 from Madrid to Bilbao

Have you decided to travel from Madrid to Bilbao and are looking for ways to save money on your travel ticket? We present you with 3 useful tips to save money on your trip. Whether you choose to take a bus, train, flights or carpooling, these tips will help you find the best rates for your Madrid to Bilbao trip.

  • 1. Be flexible on dates
    Madrid-Bilbao tickets are often cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. If you can afford to travel to Bilbao on weekdays instead of weekends, you could save money on your Madrid-Bilbao ticket. Furthermore, being flexible on dates can also help you find the best prices to Bilbao.
  • 2. Compare modes of transportation
    It may be a good idea to compare the different modes of transportation 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 bus can often be cheaper alternatives. Also consider the travel time and route to find the most economical solution that best suits your needs.
  • 3. Avoid rush hour traffic
    Madrid-Bilbao tickets are very often cheaper if you travel outside of rush hour. By avoiding these high demand times of the day, you could save money on your ticket. In addition, traveling to Bilbao during off-peak hours can allow you to enjoy a more comfortable trip.

Bus 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 bus departures to Bilbao, please specify your departure date and start a search on Vivanoda.

The duration of the bus trip between Madrid and Bilbao usually varies depending on the traffic conditions and possible stops along the way. Vivanoda will allow you to see in real time all the buses traveling 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 making a reservation. Most of the time, cancelling or changing your Madrid-Bilbao bus 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 the trip. In any case, breaks at freeway 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 transportation between Madrid and Bilbao.

Of course passengers can 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 and require you to pay a supplement. On the other hand, the size of the luggage should be reasonable due to the often limited space inside the trains.

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 train fares between Madrid and Bilbao, it is recommended to book in advance, be flexible with time schedules and compare train fares 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 outlets and free Wi-Fi for passengers. Power outlets are available in most cars, while the Wi-Fi connection may be unstable in some areas.

Train companies between Madrid and 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 greener option than other modes of transportation, 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 ride from Madrid to Bilbao depends on several factors, including the time of year, demand and supply, as well as the carpooling platform used. To get a very accurate estimation of the price and availability of a carpooling trip Madrid-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 trip. It is recommended that you book your ride 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 Madrid Bilbao trip to discuss these issues.

Carpooling is generally considered a safe option for traveling 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 being used. In general, a driver can offer between 1 and 4 seats.

Carpooling platform Madrid Bilbao

Blablacar
Blablacar
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