There are 8 ways to get from Venice to Bilbao by plane, train, bus or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Fly Venice to Bilbao
-
Fly from Venice (VCE) to Bilbao (BIO)
Cheapest option
Fly Venice to Biarritz, bus
-
Fly from Venice (VCE) to Biarritz (BIQ)
-
Take the bus from Biarritz - Airport to Bilbao
6 alternative options
Train to Bologna, fly to Bilbao
-
Take the train from Venezia S. Lucia to Bologna Centrale
-
Fly from Bologna (BLQ) to Bilbao (BIO)
Fly Venice to Santander, bus
-
Fly from Venice (VCE) to Santander (SDR)
-
Take the bus from Aeropuerto Santander-S.Ballest to Baracaldo/Barakaldo
Train
-
Take the train from Venezia S. Lucia to Milano Centrale
-
Take the train from Milano Centrale to Lyon Perrache
-
Take the train from Lyon Perrache to Barcelona-Sants
-
Take the train from Barcelona-Sants to Bilbao-Abando
Bus
-
Take the bus from Padova to Bilbao
Bus via Donostia / San Sebastián
-
Take the bus from Venice Mestre Train Station to San Sebastian Central Bus Station
-
Take the bus from Donostiako Autobus Geltokia to Bilboko Autobus Geltokia
Drive
-
Drive from Venice to Bilbao
Venice to Bilbao by train
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Spain from Italy
- Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Italy
Conditions of entry into Spain from Italy
- Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test as either a RT-PCR performed within 72 hours prior to arrival, or an Antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival
- Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test
- Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test (certificate needed)
- Health screen upon arrival
- Specific entry restrictions may apply for travel to Spain: Canary Islands
Show more details
- Entry is allowed for fully vaccinated travellers or those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months
- Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test as either a RT-PCR performed within 72 hours prior to arrival, or an Antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival
- Travellers with a certificate of vaccination are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test
- Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months are exempt from providing a negative COVID-19 test (certificate needed)
- Health screen upon arrival
- Specific entry restrictions may apply for travel to Spain: Canary Islands
Show less
Rules to follow in Spain
1.5m
Mandatory
Considerations leaving from Italy
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but conditions apply when entering Spain from Italy.
Explore options for future travelDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are mandatory
- There is a social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Bilbao is 112.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Bilbao is mandatory.
The social distance requirement in Bilbao is 1.5 metres.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 112.
No, but conditions apply when returning to Italy from Spain.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 16 May 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: European Union.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Venice to Bilbao is to bus via Donostia / San Sebastián which costs €60 - €95 and takes 28h 40m.
The fastest way to get from Venice to Bilbao is to fly which takes 5h 36m and costs €50 - €190.
No, there is no direct bus from Venice to Bilbao. However, there are services departing from Venezia and arriving at Bilboko Autobus Geltokia via Venice Mestre Train Station and Donostiako Autobus Geltokia. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 28h 40m.
No, there is no direct train from Venice to Bilbao. However, there are services departing from Venezia S. Lucia and arriving at Bilbao-Abando via Milano Centrale, Lyon Perrache and Barcelona-Sants. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 21h 14m.
The distance between Venice and Bilbao is 1235 km. The road distance is 1568.8 km.
The best way to get from Venice to Bilbao without a car is to train which takes 21h 14m and costs €150 - €340.
It takes approximately 5h 36m to get from Venice to Bilbao, including transfers.
Venice to Bilbao bus services, operated by Union Ivkoni, depart from Venice Mestre Train Station.
Venice to Bilbao train services, operated by Trenitalia Frecce, depart from Venezia S. Lucia station.
The best way to get from Venice to Bilbao is to fly which takes 5h 36m and costs €50 - €190. Alternatively, you can train, which costs €150 - €340 and takes 21h 14m, you could also bus, which costs €60 - €130 and takes 22h 7m.

- Distance: 1235.1 km
- Duration: 5h 36m
What companies run services between Venice, Italy and Bilbao, Spain?
Volotea, Vueling Airlines and five other airlines fly from Venice to Bilbao every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Venice to Bilbao via Milano Centrale, Lyon Perrache, and Barcelona-Sants in around 21h 14m.

- Website
- lufthansa.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 30m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €120 - €370
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 20m
- When
- Monday to Saturday
- Estimated price
- €120 - €370
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Frankfurt
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 31m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €150 - €700
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 27m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €150 - €700
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Munich
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 15m
- When
- Saturday
- Estimated price
- €300 - €850

- Website
- vueling.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 30m
- When
- Monday to Friday
- Estimated price
- €75 - €290
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €80 - €320
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 25m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €95 - €340
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €110 - €350
Flights from Venice to Santander via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €100 - €370

- Website
- iberia.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 30m
- When
- Monday to Friday
- Estimated price
- €75 - €290
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €80 - €320
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Barcelona
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 25m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €95 - €340
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 25m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €110 - €350
Flights from Venice to Santander via Madrid
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €100 - €370

- Website
- easyjet.com
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Lyon
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 50m
- When
- Monday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €65 - €200
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Nice
- Ave. Duration
- 5h
- When
- Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €65 - €200
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via London Gatwick
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 50m
- When
- Tuesday
- Estimated price
- €65 - €200
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Paris CDG
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 7m
- When
- Monday, Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €65 - €200

- Website
- klm.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €140 - €650
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Amsterdam Schiphol
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 17m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €170 - €650

- Website
- airfrance.com
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Paris CDG
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 15m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €160 - €1100
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Paris CDG
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 10m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- €95 - €390

- Website
- eurowings.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao via Dusseldorf
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 45m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- €120 - €490
Flights from Bologna to Bilbao via Dusseldorf
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 40m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- €170 - €360

- Website
- volotea.com
Flights from Venice to Bilbao
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- When
- Tuesday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- €28 - €140

- Website
- ryanair.com
Flights from Venice to Santander
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- When
- Monday and Friday
- Estimated price
- €45 - €170

- Website
- luxair.lu
Flights from Venice to Biarritz via Luxembourg
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 20m
- When
- Saturday
- Estimated price
- €550 - €2000

Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecce trains run on specialised tracks and have a greater level of service and comfort than InterCity and regional trains. There are three types of Frecce trains: Frecciarossa, (the fastest; connects major Italian cities); Frecciargento (mostly connect Rome to other Italian cities); and Frecciabianca (the slowest Frecce trains). Frecciarossa trains offer four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Standard, Premium, Business and Executive. All Frecce tickets include a seat reservation and must be purchased before boarding the train.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Venezia S. Lucia to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 33m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €15 - €55
- Website
- Trenitalia Frecce
- Super Economy
- €15 - €21
- Base Standard
- €30 - €45
- Base Premium
- €35 - €55
Train from Venezia S. Lucia to Milano Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 27m
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours
- Estimated price
- €22 - €75
- Website
- Trenitalia Frecce
- Super Economy
- €22 - €30
- Base Standard
- €40 - €60
- Base Premium
- €50 - €75

The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Venezia S. Lucia to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 10m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €11 - €22
- Website
- Trenitalia
- 1st Class
- €20 - €22
Train from Milano Centrale to Lyon Perrache
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 19m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- €29 - €60
- Website
- Trenitalia
- 1st Class
- €53 - €58
Frequently asked questions

Private train company Italotreno operates high-speed trains in Italy on the same tracks as Trenitalia. The routes service 21 stations across the country, including popular routes Milan-Florence, Rome-Venice and Bologna-Naples. Choose from four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Smart, Comfort, Prima and Club Executive. Italo also operates Italobus – an integrated train-bus service that takes passengers from the main train stations to other Italian cities.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 060708
- Website
- italotreno.it
Train from Venezia Santa Lucia Station to Bologna Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 34m
- Frequency
- 4 times a day
- Estimated price
- €15 - €45
- Website
- Italo Treno
- Smart Economy
- €17 - €24
- Smart Low Cost
- €15 - €21
- Smart Flex
- €30 - €45

The primary train operator in Italy, Trenitalia was created in the year 2000. Trenitalia offers national rail connections in Italy as well as international connections to Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. The company operates regional and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed trains called Frecce that travel on specialised tracks on speeds of up to 360km/h. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +39 06 68475475
- Website
- trenitalia.com
Train from Venezia S. Lucia to Milano Centrale
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 37m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €60 - €140
- Website
- Trenitalia Eurocity
- 2nd Class
- €60 - €80
- 1st Class
- €100 - €140

- Phone
- +34 902 320 320
- comunicacion@renfe.es
- Website
- renfe-sncf.com
Train from Lyon Perrache to Barcelona-Sants
- Ave. Duration
- 4h 56m
- Frequency
- Once a week
- Estimated price
- €60 - €85
- Website
- renfe-sncf.com

Spain's excellent and extensive rail system connects cities across Spain and into neighbouring countries. Renfe's high-speed AVE trains can reach speeds of up to 350km/h, making travel between major cities very efficient. All medium- and long-distance trains require a seat reservation; ticket sales for these trains usually open 30-60 days before travel. Most Renfe trains have two classes: Turista (2nd class) and Preferente (1st class), although some AVE trains offer Turista Plus. There is free WiFi for Preferente passengers and for those with a +Renfe loyalty card.
Rome2rio's guide to Renfe Viajeros
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 91 232 03 20
- comunicacion@renfe.es
- Website
- renfe.com
Train from Barcelona-Sants to Bilbao-Abando
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 32m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €40 - €50
- Website
- Renfe Viajeros

A Spanish subsidiary of National Express, ALSA provides bus and coach services across Spain and neighbouring countries including Portugal, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Malta. Founded in 1923, ALSA values service and the customer experience. Buses are equipped with communal TV screens showing movies, individual behind-seat screens, ALSA radio, app for books and music, and free WiFi. ALSA services are accessible to people with disabilities, and guide dogs are welcome on all journeys. There are three types of tickets on offer (Frequent Traveller Pass, Share Pass and ALSA Pass), along with discounts for senior citizens, students and children.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +34 902 42 22 42
- alsa@alsa.es
- Website
- alsa.es
Bus from Aeropuerto Santander-S.Ballest to Baracaldo/Barakaldo
- Ave. Duration
- 50 min
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €9 - €13
- Website
- alsa.com

As the bus subsidiary of French railway SNCF, Ouibus offers eco-friendly coaches serving 35 French cities and 10 European cities at affordable fares. Ouibus journeys are safe and comfortable, with the four-star coaches offering power outlets, restrooms and WiFi. All Ouibus stations are located close to town centres for easy access to public transport. Getting on one of the 130 daily journeys is easy - electronic travel documents include your ticket and a personalised mini-guide with handy information.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 71 53 01 80
- Website
- blablacar.fr
Bus from Biarritz - Airport to Bilbao
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 20m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- €9 - €12
- Website
- Blablabus
Bus from San Sebastián to Bilbao
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- €8 - €10
- Website
- Blablabus

- Phone
- +4-0263-21.55.00
- Website
- tabitatour.ro
Bus from Padova to Bilbao
- Ave. Duration
- 20h 41m
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Estimated price
- €60 - €80
- Schedules at
- tabitatour.ro

- Phone
- 02/989 0000
- Website
- union-ivkoni.com
Bus from Venice Mestre Train Station to San Sebastian Central Bus Station
- Ave. Duration
- 26h
- Frequency
- Twice a week
- Estimated price
- €55 - €80
- Website
- Union Ivkoni

- Phone
- +34 (0) 900 12 14 00
- atencionaclientes@pesa.net
- Website
- pesa.net
Bus from Donostiako Autobus Geltokia to Bilboko Autobus Geltokia
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 14m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- €9 - €14
- Website
- Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.

One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from San Sebastian / Donostia to Bilbao
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 15m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- €8 - €10
- Website
- flixbus.co.uk
Frequently asked questions

- Phone
- +34 915 304 417
- socibus@socibus.es
- Website
- socibusventas.es
Bus from Donostia Urumea Pasealekua to Bilbao Intermodal
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 35m
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Estimated price
- €7 - €10
- Website
- Socibus
Want to know more about travelling around Spain
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.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
The quickest flight from Venice Airport to Bilbao Airport is the direct flight which takes 2h 20m.
Venice to Bilbao bus services, operated by Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., arrive at Bilboko Autobus Geltokia station.
Venice to Bilbao train services, operated by Renfe Viajeros, arrive at Bilbao-Abando station.
Yes, the driving distance between Venice to Bilbao is 1569 km. It takes approximately 14h 38m to drive from Venice to Bilbao.
Volotea, Air Dolomiti, Vueling Airlines and four other airlines offer flights from Venice Airport to Bilbao Airport.
There are 147+ hotels available in Bilbao. Prices start at €87 per night.
The best way to get from Venice to Venice Airport is to line 35 bus which takes 20 min and costs €11.