Budapest to Bilbao by train
Train service is not regularly available on this corridor.
Consider flying instead, which connects Budapest and Bilbao via international airports.
How to travel from Budapest to Bilbao
There are 3 ways to travel between Budapest and Bilbao — compare duration, price and operators below.
🚄Train
Not practical for this route.
🚌Bus
€53–144Duration: 25h 20m
via FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, RegioJet
~50 kg CO2 per passenger
✈️Flight
€106–333Duration: 4h 52m
via Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Iberia, Vueling
~277 kg CO2 per passenger
🚗Car
€213–390Duration: 19h 42m
~301 kg CO2 per passenger
Where they are on the map
Travel tips for this route
- At 1773 km it's a longer journey — overnight stay strongly recommended.
- No practical train option — flying is your fastest choice. Book 3–6 weeks ahead for low-cost fares.
- This route crosses from Hungary 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.
Budapest to Bilbao — every option in detail
Budapest to Bilbao by bus
Long-distance coaches connect Budapest and Bilbao with a typical journey of 25h 20m. Buses are usually the slowest mode for this corridor but consistently the cheapest.
Operators include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, RegioJet.
Fares start from around €53 when booked in advance, rising to €144 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.
Budapest to Bilbao by flight
Flights between Budapest and Bilbao take around 2h in the air, but plan on roughly 4h 52m door-to-door once you add airport transfers, check-in and security.
Airlines on this route include Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Iberia, Vueling.
Typical fare range is €106–333. Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest base fares but charge separately for bags and seat selection.
Given the 1773 km distance, flying is the practical choice for most travellers on this route.
Climate footprint: approximately 277 kg CO₂ per passenger for this flight.
Budapest to Bilbao by car
The driving distance from Budapest to Bilbao is approximately 2039 km. At motorway speeds, plan on around 19h 42m of driving plus stops.
Fuel-only running cost is in the €213–390 range for a typical car. Toll roads may apply, especially in France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland — budget extra accordingly.
Crossing the Hungary–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 301 kg CO₂ per passenger assuming 1.5 occupants per car.
About this route
The distance between Budapest and Bilbao is approximately 1773 kilometres. 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel from Budapest to Bilbao?+
The fastest way is by flight, taking around 4h 52m on average. Slower options (such as bus or car) can take 2–3× longer depending on the route.
What is the cheapest way to get from Budapest to Bilbao?+
Bus is typically the cheapest option, with fares starting around €53. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.
Do I need to fly from Budapest to Bilbao?+
Flying is the most practical option for this 1773 km route. Both cities have international airports with regular service.
How far is Budapest from Bilbao?+
The straight-line distance is approximately 1773 kilometres (1101 miles). The actual travel distance by road or rail is usually 10–25% longer.
Is there a bus from Budapest to Bilbao?+
Yes. Long-distance coach operators run this route with fares from around €53. Journey time is approximately 25h 20m.
Trips from Budapest
See all routes from Budapest →Want to know more about travelling around Europe?