How to get from Paris to Bilbao by bus, train, plane and car. There are direct buses from Paris to Bilbao but no direct train; however, the train is cheaper and quicker even when paying for a sleeper carriage, making your overall journey much more comfortable and economical, despite the need to change in Hendaye/Irun or Vitoria.

Paris to Bilbao by Train

There are no direct trains from Paris to Bilbao.

Instead you have two choices:

• Take a train from Paris to Hendaye/Irun and then take a bus to Bilbao (recommended).
• Take a train from Paris to Vitoria and then take the bus from Vitoria to Bilbao

The total cost should be about 60 euros. When I made this journey, for an extra ten euros I was able to get a first class couchette.

To book tickets for trains in Europe, visit Rail Europe.

Paris to Bilbao by Bus

The bus from Paris to Bilbao takes about 12 hours and costs under 70 euros. Book your ticket from ALSA.

Paris to Bilbao by Plane

There are frequent cheap flights from Paris to Bilbao. If booking far enough in advance, this will be your cheapest (and obviously quickest) option.
Book Cheap Flights from Paris to Bilbao

Paris to Bilbao by Car

The 900km journey from Paris to Bilbao takes about eight hours. Take the A10, A630, A63 and A8. Note that some of these roads are toll roads.
Read more about Renting a Car in Spain