Trains from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha
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Travelling from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by train
Looking to travel from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 6 hours 7 minutes to travel from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 4 hours 28 minutes though. You'll usually find 7 trains per day running along the 201 miles (324 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Madrid Atocha.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha start from £52.17 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Madrid Atocha by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by train
It takes an average of 6h 7m to travel from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by train, over a distance of around 201 miles (324 km). There are normally 7 trains per day travelling from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha and tickets for this journey start from £52.17 when you book in advance.
| First train | 07:00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 17:35 | |
| Departure station | Bilbao | |
| Arrival station | Madrid Atocha | |
| Journey time | From 4h 28m | |
| Distance | 201 miles (324 km) | |
| Frequency | 7 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £52.17 | |
| Train and bus operators |
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha take?
The average journey time by train between Bilbao and Madrid Atocha is 6 hours and 7 minutes, with around 7 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Bilbao and Madrid Atocha by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha is 4 hours and 28 minutes.
How much does the train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha cost?
Train ticket prices from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha can start from as little as £52.17 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha without having to change trains. There are 2 direct trains from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha leave?
The first train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha leaves at 07:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha leave?
The last train from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha leaves at 17:35. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Bilbao and Madrid Atocha by train?
Trains travelling from Bilbao to Madrid Atocha cover a distance of around 201 miles (324 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Madrid Atocha to Bilbao.