Route guide

Bologna → Bilbao

1151 km · Italy to Spain · Fastest: 4h by flight · Cheapest: €38+ by bus

How to travel from Bologna to Bilbao

There are 4 ways to travel between Bologna and Bilbao — compare duration, price and operators below.

🚄Train

€84–247

Duration: 9h 36m

via Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), Italo, Renfe (AVE)

~16 kg CO₂ per passenger

🚌Bus

€38–101

Duration: 16h 27m

via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus

~32 kg CO₂ per passenger

✈️Flight

€81–258

Duration: 4h 2m

via Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, Iberia, Vueling

~180 kg CO₂ per passenger

🚗Car

€138–253

Duration: 12h 47m

~196 kg CO₂ per passenger

Where they are on the map

Bologna and Bilbao highlighted among the 50 European cities we cover. Map is schematic, not to scale.

Travel tips for this route

At 1151 km it's a longer journey — overnight stay strongly recommended.
Both train and flight options exist. Trains often beat flights door-to-door under 600 km once you count airport overhead.
This route crosses from Italy into Spain. Check passport/ID requirements with your operator before booking.
Long-distance coaches (FlixBus and similar) are typically 30–50% cheaper than train, but 2–3× slower.

Bologna to Bilbao — every option in detail

Bologna to Bilbao by train

Trains link Bologna (Italy) and Bilbao (Spain) through the European rail network. Most journeys take around 9h 36m including one or two connections at major hubs.

Operators on this corridor include Trenitalia (Frecciarossa), Italo, Renfe (AVE).

Train fares are dynamic — typical range is €84 to €247. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

Climate footprint: about 16 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 180 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~164 kg on this distance.

Bologna to Bilbao by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Bologna and Bilbao with a typical journey of 16h 27m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €38 when booked in advance, rising to €101 for last-minute travel.

Most modern coaches offer Wi-Fi, USB charging and reclining seats. Overnight services exist on longer corridors and can save a hotel night.

Bologna to Bilbao by flight

Flights between Bologna and Bilbao take around 2h in the air, but plan on roughly 4h 2m door-to-door once you add airport transfers, check-in and security.

Airlines on this route include Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, Iberia, Vueling.

Typical fare range is €81–258. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.

Climate footprint: approximately 180 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.

Bologna to Bilbao by car

The driving distance from Bologna to Bilbao is approximately 1324 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 12h 47m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €138–253 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.

Crossing the Italy–Spain border by car is straightforward within the Schengen Area; check current rules with the operator or border authority if either country is outside it.

Climate footprint: approximately 196 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Bologna and Bilbao is approximately 1151 kilometres. Direct or connecting trains link the two cities through the European rail network. Both cities have international airports with regular flight service. Long-distance coaches offer a budget-friendly alternative on this route. Estimates below reflect typical operator schedules and fare ranges; book in advance for the best prices.

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