Barcelona to Bilbao by Train Journey
Planning to travel from Barcelona to Bilbao?
Before you rush to book a flight, hold on a second — there's another option that might actually make your journey smoother, greener, and more enjoyable: the train.
Yup, we're talking about skipping airport chaos and enjoying a long, scenic ride across the Spanish countryside.
Sounds boring?
Not even close.
Whether you're someone who likes to relax and watch the world pass by, or someone who needs to get work done on the go, train travel between these two major Spanish cities comes with some solid perks.
We're not just talking about saving a bit of time here and there — we're talking about a totally different travel experience.
Let's dive into 7 good reasons why you might want to ditch the plane and hop on a train instead.
Table of Contents
- 1. Central Station Access
- 2. Comfortable Travel Experience
- 3. Beautiful Scenery
- 4. Easier Boarding Process
- 5. Baggage Allowance Perks
- 6. Eco-Friendly Travel
- 7. Use the Time Well
- Sources & References
- Images Sources & Attributions
1. Central Station Access
One of the best things about taking the train is that you start and end your trip right in the middle of everything.
Barcelona Sants and Bilbao Abando train stations are smack in the center of their cities.
That means no extra taxis, buses, or airport shuttles.
Just show up, hop on, and roll out.
If you've ever flown into an airport far outside the city (hello, Barcelona El Prat), you know how annoying and expensive that extra leg of the journey can be.
You either waste time figuring out public transport or end up spending €40+ on a cab.
Train stations cut that whole mess out.
You're already where you need to be when you arrive.
You walk out of the station, and boom — cafés, shops, tourist spots, and your hotel are likely all within a short walk or metro ride.
And the same goes for departure.
You don't need to leave super early just to beat traffic or go through security.
Train stations are made for convenience.
Benefits at a glance:No airport shuttle drama
Cheaper transport before/after your ride
Closer to hotels, restaurants, and landmarks
Less time pressure before departure
2. Comfortable Travel Experience
Plane seats can feel like you're stuck in a sardine can, especially if you're on a budget flight.
Trains?
Totally different story.
The average Renfe train seat gives you much more room — like, actual space to cross your legs or use your laptop without elbowing your neighbor.
And then there's the freedom to move.
Want to stretch your legs?
You can just get up and walk.
Head to the café car.
Look out the window from a different spot.
No seatbelt signs or turbulence here.
There's also usually a calmer vibe.
No takeoff.
No landing.
No ear-popping.
No announcements every 5 minutes interrupting your movie.
You just… relax.
Honestly, if you're going to be sitting for 6-7 hours, this is the way to do it.
3. Beautiful Scenery
Let's face it: flying gives you… clouds.
White clouds.
Grey clouds.
More clouds.
Train travel, though?
You actually see Spain.
And it's not just endless fields — we're talking vineyards, valleys, mountains, and rivers.
As you go from Catalonia to the Basque Country, the view keeps changing.
It feels like a slow-moving postcard.
You'll pass through the Ebro Valley, go near Zaragoza, and eventually climb into the rolling hills of northern Spain.
It's peaceful, and kind of magical.
If you like taking photos or just staring out the window with music on, this journey is gold.
This isn't just a commute — it's a mini road trip you don't have to drive.
4. Easier Boarding Process
Airports = stress.
You've got to get there hours early, stand in a line to check your bag, stand in another line for security, remove your belt, take out your laptop, get body scanned, maybe get pulled aside, then rush to your gate.
And all that before you even take off.
Trains are like the chill cousin of flying.
Show up 20-30 minutes before departure, scan your ticket, do a quick bag check (usually), and walk straight onto the platform.
You don't have to worry about liquids, laptops, or whether your charger counts as a "personal item." It's way more relaxed, and the whole process feels like boarding a metro train, just with luggage.
You can also:
Keep your water bottle (no emptying at security)
Skip the long queues
Avoid removing shoes, belts, and jackets
Avoid getting stuck behind 200 tourists in a single file
5. Baggage Allowance Perks
If you've flown with a low-cost airline, you know they'll charge you for everything.
Want to bring a carry-on and a small backpack?
That'll be €40 extra.
Checked bag?
Another fee.
Slightly overweight?
Hope you brought your credit card.
Trains are way less stingy with luggage.
With Renfe, you can usually bring multiple bags without worrying about weight or size, especially for domestic routes.
There's overhead space and racks at the ends of the cars.
Nobody is weighing your stuff with a frown.
This alone can save you a lot of money — and stress — if you're bringing more than just a tiny suitcase.
| Mode of Transport | Bags Included | Weight Limit | Size Restrictions | Extra Fee Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Renfe) | 2-3 | Generous | Flexible | Low |
| Budget Airlines | 1-2 | Strict | Very Strict | High |
| Full-service Air | 2 | Standard | Moderate | Medium |
A carry-on
A backpack or handbag
A suitcase (even large)
Extra stuff like jackets or shopping bags
6. Eco-Friendly Travel
Taking the train isn't just better for you, it's better for the planet.
Trains use a lot less energy per passenger than airplanes, especially over medium distances like this one.
Choosing the train is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.
If you're trying to travel more sustainably, this is a no-brainer.
It's guilt-free travel.
You're still going from A to B — but with fewer emissions, less fuel, and less noise pollution.
One person flying from Barcelona to Bilbao emits roughly 135 kg of CO₂.
The train alternative?
Closer to 15 kg.
| Transport Mode | CO₂ Emissions (kg per person) |
|---|---|
| Plane | ~135 kg |
| High-speed train | ~15 kg |
| Car (solo) | ~95 kg |
| Coach bus | ~30 kg |
7. Use the Time Well
Almost 7 hours on a train might sound long, but it's actually kind of great.
You're not stuck in a rush of takeoffs, landings, or security checks.
You just sit, relax, and do whatever you want.
Want to get work done?
Cool, you've got a tray table, WiFi (on some trains), and power outlets.
Want to read, watch a movie, or scroll TikTok for hours?
Also cool.
Nobody's going to stop you.
With fewer distractions and no pressure to "hurry up and wait," this is time you can actually enjoy — or use productively if you've got a laptop and a coffee.
There's something calming about having hours of uninterrupted space to just be.
Trains give you that.
So yeah — trains might not be the fastest option on paper.
But when you stack up everything else — the convenience, comfort, views, chill vibe, and eco-friendliness — they start to look like a pretty smart move.
Next time you're heading from Barcelona to Bilbao, skip the stress of flying.
Grab your bags, walk into the station, and let the train take it from there.
It's not just travel — it's a better way to go.
Sources & References
Images Sources & Attributions
All images used within this page have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. They are used here strictly for informational and illustrative purposes.
