railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Train journey Bilbao to Valencia

Self-guided 7-day rail trip from Bilbao to Valencia via Madrid

Train journey Bilbao to Valencia, a rail journey with railtour suisse

Railtour Suisse operates this self-guided rail tour across Spain, running 7 days and 6 nights from Bilbao to Valencia by way of Madrid. Travelers make their own way to Bilbao on day 1, then spend two nights in each city before continuing by train: a roughly 5-hour long-distance train to Madrid on day 3, and the AVE high-speed train to Valencia, under 2 hours, on day 5. Days combine city walking, such as Bilbao's Casco Viejo old town and Madrid's Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, with sightseeing stops like the Guggenheim Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid and Valencia Cathedral. Meals along the way include pintxos in a Basque cafe, tapas at Mercado de San Miguel and paella in Valencia. Because it is self-guided with only two rail legs, this trip suits independent travelers comfortable arranging their own city time between short, scheduled train journeys.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided tour: travelers make their own way to Bilbao at the start and arrange their own return or onward travel at the end, with no escort on the rail journeys or in the cities.
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence; confirm exact travel dates and seasonal availability with Railtour Suisse before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Bilbao

    Arrival in Bilbao

    Make your own way to Bilbao. After arrival, transfer to your hotel. Start your exploration in the historic "Casco Viejo". Enjoy a coffee and fresh pintxos in a traditional Basque café. Narrow streets and lively squares create an authentic first impression of the city. Overnight in Bilbao for 2 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao

    After breakfast, visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. This architectural icon defines Bilbao's modern identity. Discover contemporary art, striking exhibitions and the building's iconic titanium façade. Later, head up to Monte Artxanda. A historic funicular takes you to the top. Enjoy sweeping views over the city, the river and green hills.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Madrid

    Bilbao to Madrid

    Continue by modern long-distance train to Madrid. During the 5-hour journey, villages, historic towns and changing landscapes pass by your window. On arrival in Spain's capital, grand boulevards and vibrant squares set the tone. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Madrid for 2 nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Explore the historic centre on foot. See Puerta del Sol, elegant Plaza Mayor and the lively old town streets. Street performers, small boutiques and historic façades shape the atmosphere. Enjoy Spanish specialities in a traditional restaurant or try tapas at Mercado de San Miguel. End the day with a classic flamenco evening.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Valencia

    Madrid to Valencia

    After breakfast, visit the impressive Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Europe's largest royal residences, and the nearby Almudena Cathedral. Then head to the station and board the AVE high-speed train. In under 2 hours, you reach the Mediterranean coast. Welcome to Valencia. Sandy beaches, the scent of paella and a relaxed lifestyle await. Overnight in Valencia for 2 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Valencia

    Valencia

    Start the day in a café in the historic old town. Walk through narrow streets around Valencia Cathedral. Highlights include La Lonja de la Seda and the vibrant Mercado Central. Valencia is the home of paella, so enjoy this iconic dish in a local restaurant. Later, visit the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, known for its striking architecture, aquarium and science museum.

  7. Day 7

    Departure or onward journey

    Take time to enjoy the long sandy beaches such as Playa de la Malvarrosa. Go for a walk or pause by the sea. Breathe in the Mediterranean atmosphere one last time. Individual return or onward journey.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A historic funicular climbs Monte Artxanda for views over Bilbao, the river and green hills, on the same day as a visit to the Guggenheim Museum's titanium facade.
  • Day 3The long-distance train from Bilbao to Madrid takes about 5 hours, passing villages, historic towns and changing landscapes along the way.
  • Day 5After visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid and Almudena Cathedral, travelers board the AVE high-speed train, reaching Valencia's Mediterranean coast in under 2 hours.
  • Day 6The futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, with its aquarium and science museum, follows a morning walk through Valencia's old town near the cathedral and La Lonja de la Seda.
  • Day 7The trip closes with time on Valencia's long sandy beaches, such as Playa de la Malvarrosa, before an individual return or onward journey.

Included

  • 2nd class train journey from Bilbao to Valencia
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast: 2 nights in Bilbao, Hotel NH Deusto***; 2 nights in Madrid, Libre Madrid Palacio Real***; 2 nights in Valencia, Hotel Zenit Valencia****

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. A 2nd class long-distance train from Bilbao to Madrid and a 2nd class AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Valencia are included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is a self-guided tour. Travelers make their own way to Bilbao at the start and arrange their own return or onward journey at the end.
Which trains are used?
A long-distance train for the roughly 5-hour Bilbao to Madrid leg, and the AVE high-speed train for the under-2-hour Madrid to Valencia leg, both in 2nd class.
What hotels are included?
Two nights each at Hotel NH Deusto (3-star) in Bilbao, Libre Madrid Palacio Real (3-star) in Madrid, and Hotel Zenit Valencia (4-star) in Valencia, all in a standard double room with breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
The days include walking tours of old towns in Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia, and a funicular ride up to Monte Artxanda in Bilbao.
What is not included?
The evidence lists 2nd class train travel and hotel accommodation with breakfast as included. Other meals, such as lunch and dinner, are not listed as included.

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