Route guide

Genoa → Bilbao

961 km · Italy to Spain · Fastest: 4h by flight · Cheapest: €33+ by bus

How to travel from Genoa to Bilbao

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

🚄Train

€73–213

Duration: 8h

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

~13 kg CO₂ per passenger

🚌Bus

€33–87

Duration: 13h 43m

via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus

~27 kg CO₂ per passenger

✈️Flight

€73–235

Duration: 3h 47m

via Ryanair, easyJet, ITA Airways, Iberia, Vueling

~150 kg CO₂ per passenger

🚗Car

€115–211

Duration: 10h 40m

~163 kg CO₂ per passenger

Where they are on the map

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

Travel tips for this route

At 961 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.

Genoa to Bilbao — every option in detail

Genoa to Bilbao by train

Trains link Genoa (Italy) and Bilbao (Spain) through the European rail network. Most journeys take around 8h 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 €73 to €213. Advance-purchase tickets (1–2 months ahead) almost always beat walk-up prices.

Climate footprint: about 13 kg CO₂ per passenger by train vs roughly 150 kg by flight — taking the train saves ~137 kg on this distance.

Genoa to Bilbao by bus

Long-distance coaches connect Genoa and Bilbao with a typical journey of 13h 43m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.

Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.

Fares start from around €33 when booked in advance, rising to €87 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.

Genoa to Bilbao by flight

Flights between Genoa and Bilbao take around 1h in the air, but plan on roughly 3h 47m 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 €73–235. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.

Climate footprint: approximately 150 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.

Genoa to Bilbao by car

The driving distance from Genoa to Bilbao is approximately 1105 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 10h 40m of driving plus stops.

Fuel-only running cost is in the €115–211 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 163 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.

About this route

The distance between Genoa and Bilbao is approximately 961 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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