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Timetable
Train route
Cheap Train Tickets

Madrid to Bilbao Train Prices and Times

Planning a journey from Madrid to Bilbao? Trip.com offers Renfe tickets for as low as QAR 155.02, with average prices for this route around QAR 173.79. We suggest exploring methods like split tickets to ensure you get the most affordable fares.
  • Fri, Jun 20
    From QAR 327.66
  • Sat, Jun 21
    From QAR 218.97
  • Sun, Jun 22
    From QAR 346.22
  • Mon, Jun 23
    From QAR 206.52
  • Tue, Jun 24
    From QAR 155.02
  • Wed, Jun 25
    From QAR 155.02
  • Thu, Jun 26
    From QAR 155.02
DepartureArrivalDurationOperator
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17:37
Madrid-Chamartín
22:21
Bilbao-Abando
4h 44m, Directrenfe
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Madrid to Bilbao Train Route Details

The train ticket from Madrid to Bilbao typically costs from QAR 155.02. The journey averages 4h 40m in travel time and covers an approximate distance of 202 miles. Intercit, renfe generally offers 4 trains per day on this route. For planning purposes, please refer to our train route table.

First train
First train
07:20
Last train
Last train
17:37
Departure station
Departure station
Arrival station
Arrival station
Journey time
Journey time
4h 40m
Distance
Distance
202 miles
Price
Price
From QAR 155.02
Train operators
Train operators
Intercit, renfe

Spanish train offers

Renfe offers a variety of discounts for AVE, AVE International, Avant, and Cercanías train passengers, granting special benefits across numerous routes. Availability is limited and depends on the route, time of travel, and specific conditions.
Spanish train offers

Renfe Young Persons Fare

Renfe provides young people aged 14 to 25 with up to 30% off train fares through the Más Renfe Joven Card, which costs €50. This card is valid for one year and cannot be transferred. It offers a 30% discount on AVE and AVE international trains, and a 25% discount on Avant, Cercanías, and Rodalies trains.

Advance booking

Advance bookings can provide discounts up to 70%. Popular routes are available for booking up to nine months in advance, while other routes offer cheaper prices the earlier you book. Trip.com has already indicated the lowest prices, making your travel planning easy.

Renfe Over-60s Fare

For those aged over 60, Renfe offers up to 40% discounts with the Tarjeta Dorada. The card costs €6 for one year, €12 for two years, and €15 for three years. Travelling on AVE and AVE international trains grants a 25% discount. On Avant trains, discounts are 25% on weekdays and 40% on weekends. All services provided with discounted tickets match those with full-price tickets, and the same rules apply for changes and refunds.

Renfe Children Fare

Children aged 4 to 13 receive a 40% discount on ticket fares with Renfe. They are entitled to choose seats on AVE, AVE International, and Avant trains, and can make changes or get refunds based on the ticket type, potentially incurring a fee. Children under four travel for free but do not have a reserved seat. Note that, on Cercanías trains, the free travel age limit without a seat is under six years old.

Renfe Group Fare

Groups of 4 to 9 people travelling on AVE or AVE International trains can receive an 8% discount. Groups of 10 to 25 people travelling on AVE, AVE International, Avant, and Cercanías trains can enjoy up to a 50% discount. For groups larger than 25 people, you can submit a quote for consideration. Please note that all Renfe group tickets are non-changeable. If cancellation is necessary, the entire booking must be cancelled according to the original ticket's terms and conditions, and a fee will apply.

Onboard Renfe trains from Madrid to Bilbao

Renfe's AVE trains offer four service types based on fare options, ensuring convenience for all passengers during their journey. Seating options include Standard for Básico and Elige Estándar tickets, and XL Comfort for Elige Confort and Prémium tickets.

Each AVE train comes with high-speed WiFi, power outlets, and baggage allowance of up to three bags. Standard seats are ideal for regular travelers or budget-conscious passengers, providing a quiet coach for rest, reading, or work. Onboard dining includes a cafeteria and a food trolley.

XL Comfort seats are designed for those who seek higher comfort, featuring wider seats and more legroom. Prémium ticket holders can also enjoy the Premium Menu at their seat and access to snacks and drinks in the station's waiting room.

Madrid to Bilbao Renfe ticket types

Choose from four fare types to travel from Madrid to Bilbao, listed by price from lowest to highest: Básico, Elige Estándar, Elige Confort, and Prémium. Each fare type offers different levels of refund and change services.

Madrid to Bilbao Renfe ticket types

Básico

For the most budget-friendly option on AVE trains, choose Básico, though it does not permit refunds or changes.

Elige Estándar

On AVE trains, the Elige Estándar fare costs slightly more than the Básico fare. This ticket type allows for 70% refunds, one free ticket change and includes many extra paid services.

Elige Confort

Elige Confort, which is marginally more expensive than Elige Estándar, features wider seats and allows for refunds and changes.

Prémium

The Prémium fare is the most costly, offering the benefit of unlimited free changes and refunds, and XL Confort Seating.

How to buy cheap Spanish train tickets

  • Book in Advance

    Book in Advance

    Booking 60–90 days in advance can get you cheaper Renfe train tickets, available for you to plan your itinerary.

  • Buy a Return Ticket

    Buy a Return Ticket

    A Return ticket includes both the outbound and return journeys, which is cheaper than buying two separate single tickets.

  • Consider Básico or Inicial Ticket Types

    Consider Básico or Inicial Ticket Types

    Renfe's Básico, iryo's Inicial or Ouigo trains, can give you the cheapest price accordingly.
  • Use Trip.com Discounts

    Use Trip.com Discounts

    Frequently offers promotions and discounts.

Why Book Train Tickets With Trip.com?

  • Best Price Promise

    Best Price Promise

    If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*

  • Authorized Ticket Vendor for Renfe

    Authorized Ticket Vendor for Renfe

    Renfe AVE, iryo, and Ouigo high-speed trains

  • No Booking Fees on the App

    No Booking Fees on the App

    Only pay for your train travel – no hidden fees on your Madrid to Bilbao journey

  • Cross-border Trains

    Cross-border Trains

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