$50 Cheap Flights from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO) at a glance

Travel between Madrid (MAD) and Bilbao (BIO) with a selection of airlines on this efficient domestic route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to discover the flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you delve into Bilbao’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Check out essential information for flights departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Bilbao Airport (BIO).

• Fastest flight duration: around 1 hour non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 200 miles (320 km)
• Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $40–$235, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Bilbao Airport (BIO)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for non-stop flights from Madrid to Bilbao. This selection allows you to easily compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes, helping you to craft the ideal itinerary for your journey.

• Air Europa: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, covering about 52% of departures for this route. One-way ticket prices typically fall between $45 and $265, with a total travel time of 1 hour.
• Iberia: Another full-service option, Iberia offers direct flights and represents around 48% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally range from $40 to $285, with the total journey lasting 1 hour.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Madrid to Bilbao by upgrading to business class, available through both Air Europa and Iberia for this route.

Best time to fly from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Madrid to Bilbao are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Bilbao reach up to 67.8°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 48.6°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $88. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: March usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $88, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: February typically offers an average one-way fare of around $90.
• Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Madrid to Bilbao, with approximately 14 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to find the best prices for flights from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Madrid to Bilbao is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, often offer lower prices and are the most popular times to fly. Additionally, Sunday flights generally provide cheaper options, while Saturday remains the most sought-after travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Bilbao Airport from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Bilbao welcomes travelers from Madrid with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Bilbao city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from Bilbao Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Bilbao efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bilbao, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Bilbao Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Bilbao Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Bilbao Airport, several key transport options are just a short drive away. Santutxu Station (a metro station) is located about 6.3 miles from the airport, while both Bilbao Seaport (a seaport) and Bilbao (YJI-Bilbao-Abando Train Station) (a train station) are approximately 6.7 miles away by car, providing convenient access to various destinations.

Madrid to Bilbao Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Madrid to Bilbao

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Madrid to Bilbao are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Madrid to Bilbao with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Madrid to Bilbao

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Madrid to Bilbao: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Madrid to Bilbao

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Madrid to Bilbao in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $50 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Madrid to Bilbao flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Madrid to Bilbao airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.