Spain’s train travel is not just convenient—riding the rails is a destination in and of itself. One of the most satisfying train journeys is from Barcelona to Bilbao, a ride from the vibrant Mediterranean capital to the heart of the Basque nation in Spain.
During the journey, between stops, passengers along the route are treated to an interlude of comfort and new train riding and rolling north scenery that reveals a less visited Spain.
Bilbao to Barcelona Train Options
State-owned railway company Renfe is the main train operator along this route. There is no direct high-speed AVE from Barcelona to Bilbao, but Renfe does provide comfortable long-distance trains between the two cities.
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Travel Time: Around 6–7 hours, depending on the train.
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Departure Station: Barcelona Sants (city center).
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Arrival Station: Bilbao-Abando Indalecio Prieto (central Bilbao).
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Tickets: Prebooking alters the price, but regular seats cost €25–€60.
Tip: Prebooking online on Renfe’s website gives you the best fares.
The Scenic Northern Route
While Spain’s southern high-speed trains on the AVE have you zip through, the train trip from Barcelona to Bilbao transports you over rolling hills, green valleys, and northern Spanish countryside.
Highlights Along the Way:
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Catalonia’s Countryside: The journey starts with views of Catalonia’s rich plains and vineyard-covered countryside.
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Aragon’s Severe Landscape: The train clings to semi-arid ridges as you travel through Zaragoza before confronting them in a journey to greener northern provinces.
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Basque Mountains: As you approach Bilbao, landscape gives way to dense forests, winding rivers, and mountain scenery typical of the Basque Country.
It takes longer than air travel, but if you like watching Spain’s diverse landscape unfold before your eyes, the train is far more rewarding.
Why Not Just Fly?
Flights from Barcelona to Bilbao are approximately 1 hour and cheaper with budget airlines. But the train has advantages that flying can’t compete with:
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City-Center to City-Center: No airport changes.
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Comfort: Ample space to sprawl in seats, space to stand and walk, and eating on board.
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Scenery: A flight will have you level with clouds; the train has you level with Spain.
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Sustainability: Train travel releases only a fraction of the greenhouse gases released by flights.
Barcelona–Bilbao Train Travel Tips
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Advance Booking: Nearer departure, prices get higher.
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Snacks: Onboard catering is provided, but everyone carries local snacks.
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Seat Choice: Window seats on this trip have the most beautiful views of northern Spain’s countryside.
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Flexibility: To see more, consider dividing the journey in Zaragoza or Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Final Thoughts
The journey by train between Bilbao and Barcelona is more of a coastal sightseeing journey over Spain’s northern highways than a transfer. Not the most efficient route by any means, but an amiable, refreshing, and verdant means to be conveyed through Catalonia, Aragon, and the Basque region.
For the travelers who enjoy the journey as well as the destination, this trip is the perfect way to travel to Bilbao with stories and scenery to keep.
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