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Taking the train from Milan to Bilbao in 31 hours 11 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Milan to Bilbao? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 34 hours 26 minutes to travel the 617 miles (993 km) from Milan to Bilbao by train, although you can get there in as little as 31 hours 11 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 4 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 4 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.
Train tickets from Milan to Bilbao start from £335.94 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Bilbao? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Milan to Bilbao by train
It takes an average of 34h 26m to travel from Milan to Bilbao by train, over a distance of around 617 miles (993 km). There are normally 4 trains per day travelling from Milan to Bilbao and tickets for this journey start from £335.94 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Milan to Bilbao
Want to know more about your journey from Milan to Bilbao? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Milan to Bilbao?
What's the distance between Milan and Bilbao by train?
Can you travel from Milan to Bilbao without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Bilbao from Milan?
What time is the first train from Milan to Bilbao?
What time is the last train from Milan to Bilbao?
How often do trains go from Milan to Bilbao?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Milan to Bilbao?
Is there a return trip from Milan to Bilbao?
Cheap train tickets from Milan to Bilbao
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan to Bilbao by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.