Rome2Rio

How to get fromMadrid to Bilboaby plane, bus, car, car ferry or train

Find Transport to Bilboa

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Madrid to Bilboa by plane, bus, car, car ferry, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly to Dublin Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Dublin Airport (DUB)plane plane MAD - DUB
    2. Take the bus from Red Cow Luas to Carlow Bus Stationbus bus
    8h 50m
    €63–177

  2. Drive, car ferry

    1. Drive from Madrid to Bilbaocar car
    2. Take the car ferry from Bilbao to Rosslare Harbourcarferry car ferry
    3. Drive from Rosslare Harbour to Bilboacar car
    34h 31m
    €125–666

  3. Fly to Shannon Airport, train

    1. Fly from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Shannon Airport (SNN)plane plane MAD - SNN
    2. Take the train from Limerick to Kildaretrain train
    3. Take the train from Kildare to Carlowtrain train
    10h 21m
    €96–260

  4. Fly to Cork Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Cork Airport (ORK)plane plane MAD - ORK
    2. Take the bus from Cork Bus Station to Waterford Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Waterford Bus Station to Carlow Bus Stationbus bus
    13h 26m
    €83–265

  5. Fly to Belfast International Airport, train, bus

    1. Fly from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Belfast International Airport (BFS)plane plane MAD - BFS
    2. Take the train from Belfast Great Central to Dublin Connollytrain train
    3. Take the bus from Heuston Station to Carlow Bus Stationbus bus
    13h 59m
    €93–181

  6. Train, car ferry, bus

    1. Take the train from Madrid Chamartín to Bilbao-Abandotrain train Alv
    2. Take the car ferry from Bilbao to Rosslare Harbourcarferry car ferry
    3. Take the bus from Rosslare Europort to Bunclodybus bus 132
    38h 15m
    €162–702

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Dublin Airport (DUB) flights

Calendar40Weekly Planes
Duration3h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket€42Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Madrid, Spain and Bilboa, Ireland?

There is no direct connection from Madrid to Bilboa. However, you can take the train to Madrid-Aeropuerto T4, walk to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) airport, fly to Dublin Airport (DUB), walk to Dublin Airport Zone 16, take the line 726 bus to Red Cow Luas, take the bus to Carlow Bus Station, walk to Carlow Fairgreen, then take the line 487 bus to Bilboa. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Madrid to Bilboa via Bilbao and Rosslare Harbour in around 34h 31m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around Ireland

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Trips from Madrid

Trips to Bilboa

Popular routes