Bilbao to Barcelona

[Aloha From Kauai]

Can someone recommend either a: Speedy transportation options between the two cities, or b: transportation options that would allow the best way to see the countryside?
Is the route between the two worth being leisurely or better to get from point a, to point b in an expedient fashion?

Trying to maximize my exposure and engagement on a route I'm not likely going to travel again.

I'm grateful for the abundance of wisdom on this site!

 

[VNwalking]

Both/and.
There's a direct train every day at 15.20. It takes about 7 hours. Plenty of time to sit back and soak it all in.

Rome2rio

Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routes

www.rome2rio.com

 

[Former member 99290]

If you have time - using the same train route you could enjoy a stopover in Zaragoza - two short train rides either side.

 

[Vacajoe]

Zaragoza is an excellent city to visit - even for just one day! - due to its remarkable history. A train to and from there would be a nice trip.

 

[naplesdon]

I am flying in February for $100USD.

 

[Anthony Rocco]

Can someone recommend either a: Speedy transportation options between the two cities, or b: transportation options that would allow the best way to see the countryside?
Is the route between the two worth being leisurely or better to get from point a, to point b in an expedient fashion?
Trying to maximize my exposure and engagement on a route I'm not likely going to travel again.
I'm grateful for the abundance of wisdom on this site!

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

If you have time - using the same train route you could enjoy a stopover in Zaragoza - two short train rides either side.

I'll look into Zaragoza, thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

Both/and.
There's a direct train every day at 15.20. It takes about 7 hours. Plenty of time to sit back and soak it all in.

Rome2rio

Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routes

www.rome2rio.com

Thank you for this, having not been to Spain before, if you've ridden this or similar train before, was it comfortable? Access to a vending machine for something to drink. Are there layovers/extended stops? I've only been on one train in Europe, from Milan to Rome, so forgive me for my lack of reference. Thanks Much

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

I am flying in February for $100USD.

Thank you for sharing this, I was wondering about costs, I'm always so surprised at how less expensive internal flights are on that side of the pond compared to what's in U.S.

 

[VNwalking]

was it comfortable?

Yes!
With snack bar on board.
I haven't taken that one, but have had a number of enjoyable long journeys on Spanish trains. There may be stops in stations, but not long - maybe 5 minutes?
I'd take a train over flying any day. Besides the better carbon footprint and the lack of airport hassle, there is the experience of the landscape between points A and B.

 

[Vacajoe]

Spanish trains are comfortable and always on-time. Unlike flights, you do not have to show up 2.5 hours ahead of time after taking transit out of the city center to a remote airport. While 7 hours may seem like a long time, it usually isn’t that much longer than an airline flight when you add in all that extra travel and wait times. Plus the view of the countryside, small towns, church and castle ruins, etc. make it my preferred way to travel in Spain

 

[Kathar1na]

Are there layovers/extended stops?

Hi! Take the train. What @VNwalking says, including what she says about the CO2 footprint.

You can see the trajectory and times here: https://venta.renfe.com/vol/search.do?c=_kfTN . You may need to set the language to English, pick a date and price category and then scroll down to "Journey details". The stops last usually only 2-5 minutes, too short to leave the train during these stops.

This train does not have a buffet bar. I don't know what one can expect as to venting machines on these Alvia trains.

Somewhat surprisingly for me, you can apparently already purchase tickets for next year. An interesting option: you can purchase the adjacent seat for as little as €25.

 

[Aloha From Kauai]

Yes!
With snack bar on board.
I haven't taken that one, but have had a number of enjoyable long journeys on Spanish trains. There may be stops in stations, but not long - maybe 5 minutes?
I'd take a train over flying any day. Besides the better carbon footprint and the lack of airport hassle, there is the experience of the landscape between points A and B.

Mahalo Nui, agreed on all points!

 

[Former member 98859]

Aloha! Going against conventional wisdom, I'm going to suggest the bus (or, for you Da Bus). Starting with Rome to Rio, or whatever transport website you choose, you can link various lines (ALSA, Autobuses Jimenez) through various regions, towns, cities, whatever to get from point A to B. Not particularly fast, though directs can be very quick, a great way to see the countryside, meet locals and save some money (you can take as much food on board as you can carry, everybody does ...). Tell them you're from the islands, they'll be all over you with questions.

That said, it's a bus, bathroom breaks can be few and far between and the stations can be iffy (not as bad as most US bus stations I've been in), depends on your tolerance for that sort of thing. Bus employees and riders are very nice and helpful and you (probably) won't end up in some unexpected location. Another advantage is that many of the bus stations/stops are right in town and there's little or no walking, unlike some train station, especially the AVEs, which can be out of town because of their special track system.

If you decide this route is for you, take some music, reading, etc. The onboard movie/TV systems don't always work and are always in Spanish. Also, the more you pay, usually, the better bus you get, which can be as nice or nicer than corporate bus limos in the US. I can guarantee that it will be an adventure (or, for you, A Journey). Pomaikia'i

 

[Pilgrim Patricia]

I'd take the train rather than the bus, especially if there's an option to buy the adjacent seat for 25 Euros and thus have more space to myself (thinking of social distancing due to COVID-19). One benefit not mentioned about going by train versus bus or flying is that you can get up and walk from car to car and back, plus the WCs (toilets) are generally clean and often have one per car. Also your luggage is on the same car as you so is accessible if necessary during your trip, and you just grab it and go when you get to your destination.