Flying into Bilbao for May 24 start at Irun - Returning via Train

[Rajy62]

I am flying into Bilbao and plan to start from Irun on May 24th. My return flight is also from Bilbao. There are four scheduled bus services daily from santiago compostela to Bilbao. But prefer taking the train. Apparently one can take the RENFE train from sdc to Ourense-empalme and then directly to Bilbao.

Has anyone taken this train route. I can't seem to clearly see the route/schedule from their website; http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/horarios.html

 

[whariwharangi]

adif operates the train stations and they have a useful map.
http://www.adif.es/AdifWeb/estacionesMapa.jsp?i=es_ES

Renfe does operate trains from Santiago to Bilbao. I looked for 15 May and found 1 train requiring transfer at Ourense. 10 hours.

Another option is Santiago to Medina del Campo then Medina del Campo to Bilbao. It would take longer but there are more trains if you go this way.

3rd option. Renfe operates FEVE trains. These are narrow gauge trains that run along the coast starting at Ferrol. Its possible to link them together and arrive at Bilbao. Not sure how time efficient this would be.
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/mapas/index.html

 

[naplesdon]

There is one bus which is scheduled overnight, the ride is uncomfortable and crowded but it arrives early morning in Bilbao and takes less than 10 hours. The north coast of Spain is not very train friendly.

 

[Rajy62]

There is one bus which is scheduled overnight, the ride is uncomfortable and crowded but it arrives early morning in Bilbao and takes less than 10 hours. The north coast of Spain is not very train friendly.

I saw that bus schedule, i would probably take the early morning one at 5:30 AM, it takes about the same amount of time. The Renfe train actually runs inland (Sdc - Ourense, Penferrdo, Leon,Burgos ) to Bilbao and should offer goof scenary. There is a feve coast route but it will take several connection and require lot more time. Looks like the Renfe is fully booked after June 14th.

 

[whariwharangi]

I saw that bus schedule, i would probably take the early morning one at 5:30 AM, it takes about the same amount of time. The Renfe train actually runs inland (Sdc - Ourense, Penferrdo, Leon,Burgos ) to Bilbao and should offer goof scenary. There is a feve coast route but it will take several connection and require lot more time. Looks like the Renfe is fully booked after June 14th.

There probably a summer schedule upcoming. So no good information after 14 June. Usually its done only 4 weeks in advance for the less important routes. Check again in a week or so.

 

[Rajy62]

There probably a summer schedule upcoming. So no good information after 14 June. Usually its done only 4 weeks in advance for the less important routes. Check again in a week or so.

Great news, That explains why there wasn't any scheduled departures after June 14th. I will check before i leave.

 

[MKalcolm M]

I took the bus from Santiago to Santander overnight, leaving in the late afternoon and arriving very early in the morning, it was crowded but OK as a form of transport, and it saved paying for a bed for the night. I had a couple of days left before my flight home, so stayed on the bus for a few stops further East, then re-walked two days of the camino back to Santander. It was a nice way to end, but I enjoyed those two days so much, that if I had been true to my feelings I would have walked to Santiago all over again! Hope you have a great camino.

 

[Rajy62]

Why not check out a flight from La Coruña to Bilbo? Vueling has a direct flight from there and it only takes an hour.

Ondo Ibili !

I have a whole day to kill. If trains don't work of course flying is an option. But, i love trains and enjoy seeing the country this way also while relaxing in the train.

 

[VictoriaThomas]

Last year end of June I took the train from Santiago to Bilbao. I left Bilbao Renfe train station around 730am. Stopped and changed trains in Oursense, costs about $25 Arrived Bilbao early evening, 6ish. Was a great relaxing ride.

 

[wayfarer]

Have a great Camino and an enjoyable trip back.
Buen Camino.