Is Bilbao Close to Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you may be wondering if Bilbao is close to Madrid. The answer is no, they are not particularly close. In fact, they are located on opposite sides of the country.

Distance between Bilbao and Madrid

Bilbao is located in the Basque Country, which is in the northern part of Spain. Madrid, on the other hand, is located in the center of the country. The distance between Bilbao and Madrid is approximately 395 kilometers (245 miles) by road.

How to get from Bilbao to Madrid

There are several ways to travel from Bilbao to Madrid. The fastest way is by plane, but this can also be the most expensive option. Alternatively, you can take a train or a bus.

By Plane: There are several airlines that operate flights between Bilbao and Madrid. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By Train: Renfe operates several trains per day between Bilbao and Madrid. The journey takes around 6 hours.

By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services between Bilbao and Madrid. The journey takes around 5 hours.

What to see in Bilbao

While Bilbao may not be close to Madrid, it’s still worth visiting if you have the time. Here are some of the top attractions:

Guggenheim Museum: This iconic museum was designed by architect Frank Gehry and features an impressive collection of contemporary art.

Casco Viejo: This historic district features narrow streets lined with colorful buildings and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: This museum houses an extensive collection of Spanish art from the Gothic period to present day.

The Bottom Line

While Bilbao and Madrid are not close to each other, they are both worth visiting if you have the time. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art or historic architecture, both cities have plenty to offer. Just be sure to plan your travel accordingly to make the most of your time in Spain!