Trains from Bilbao

Bilbao has two main stations. Abando Indalecio Prieto (also called Bilbao-Abando) handles long-distance and medium-distance Renfe services, including trains to Madrid and Barcelona. Concordia station, right next door, serves FEVE narrow-gauge regional lines running along the Cantabrian coast to Santander and other northern towns. Both are centrally located in the Abando district, walkable to the old town.

Renfe operates direct trains between Bilbao-Abando and Madrid Chamartín. The journey typically takes around four to five hours. Services run throughout the day, though frequency is more limited than on Spain's busiest AVE corridors. Booking in advance through the Renfe website or app generally secures better fares. The route passes through the Castilian plateau with some decent scenery along the way.

Yes. Euskotren operates frequent commuter-style services between Bilbao and San Sebastián (Donostia) on the Basque regional rail network. The journey takes roughly two and a half hours and follows the coast through several Basque towns. Trains depart from Atxuri station in Bilbao's old town, not from Abando. It is an affordable and practical day-trip option with no reservation needed.

There is no direct rail link from Bilbao Airport to the city center. The standard connection is the Bizkaibus A3247 airport bus, which runs to the city center with frequent service. From there you can transfer to Metro Bilbao, tram, or Euskotren for onward travel. The bus ride into central Bilbao typically takes around twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.

Metro Bilbao is a modern rapid-transit system with three lines connecting the city center to neighborhoods along both banks of the estuary and out to the coast. It is clean, well-signed, and practical for reaching the Guggenheim area, Casco Viejo, and beach towns like Getxo and Plentzia. You can use a Barik contactless card for cheaper fares across metro, tram, and bus networks.

Bilbao-Abando station has luggage storage facilities available for travelers. If you are arriving early or have time between connections, this lets you explore the city center hands-free since the station is within walking distance of the old town and Guggenheim area. Check availability on arrival as capacity can vary. There are also independent luggage storage services in the city bookable online.

The FEVE narrow-gauge train from Bilbao Concordia to Santander follows the Cantabrian coast and is one of northern Spain's more scenic rail journeys. It takes roughly three hours, slower than driving but far more interesting. The line passes through green valleys, small coastal towns, and mountain foothills. It is a good option if you value the scenery over speed and want to see the rural Cantabrian landscape.