Bilbao, in the Spanish Basque Country, is worth a visit. Bilbao is home to the Guggenheim Museum, one of the largest modern art museums in Spain (rivaled only by the Reina Sofía in Madrid). Even if you don’t like modern art, the Frank Gehry-designed building is worth seeing. There are many ways to get to Bilbao traveling by train, bus, car and plane.
The Old Quarter of Bilbao is the oldest part of the city, dating from the late 14th century. You can enjoy walking through its Siete Calles (Siete Calles). There are shops to browse, gourmet food vendors, boutiques, and Spanish bakeries. When you need a pick up, visit a local bar and try the sparkling wine (Txakoli). If you want to explore regional wines a little more, take a tour of nearby Rioja.
By bus
There are regular buses throughout the day that travel between Madrid and Bilbao. The trip lasts five hours. The train journey is of a similar duration but is more expensive (and less frequent), but the train station in Bilbao is more central than the bus station, which makes your transfers much easier.
Buses from Madrid to Bilbao leave from the Avenida de América bus station. You can find more information about the bus and train stations in Madrid and the bus and train stations in Bilbao to help you plan your trip.
You can book most bus tickets in Spain online at no additional cost. Just pay with a credit card and print the e-ticket.
By train
There are two trains a day from Bilbao to Madrid, and the trip takes five hours. The bus is cheaper but a little less convenient. Trains from Madrid to Bilbao leave from the Chamartin train station.
By car
It takes 4 hours to drive the 400 kilometers from Madrid to Bilbao, following the A-1, AP-1 and AP-68 highways. Please note that AP roads in Spain are toll roads.
Consider a stop in Burgos to end the long journey.
By plane
There are regular flights from Madrid to Bilbao and they can be very cheap if booked in advance. Airlines such as Vueling, Iberia, Renfe and KLM make this trip. Bilbao airport (BIO) is located 12 kilometers from Bilbao, in the municipality of Loiu.
