We finish a Rick Steves tour in Bilbao and start another two days later in Lisbon. Are there any direct transportation options? Most of the air or train require going to Madrid (which we prefer not to do as the layovers are long). I did research that TAP air has a 7am departure from Bilbao arriving in Lisbon at 8:20am. It might be fun to go by train, but I can't seem to find much information. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Vueling VY2700 flies direct mid afternoon, or find your best connection thru Madrid Barajas.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
You're learning a fact that often surprises people: Although Spain and Portugal are "next to each other," the transit connections between them are pretty skimpy, and combining the two of them on a single trip is surprisingly difficult.
To find flights and see what is available for your specific travel date (not all flights are daily), try Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.com/
To see what the trains will be like (spoiler alert: not good), look at the Europe-wide schedules on German Rail: https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de//bin/query.exe/en
Posted by
Washington DC
27112 posts
If the Spanish tour ended in Galicia rather than the Basque Country, you 'd have a decent option or two. As it is, that early flight is probably best.
Posted by
OP
Leaburg, OR, USA
7 posts
Thanks to the responders. It appears that the early morning AirPortugal flight is probably the best option. The direct train option does not appear feasible as the trains go through Madrid first. We've already seen Madrid, so no need to go there. The reiseauskunft.bahn site is a good one for train information, so thanks for that reference.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
412 posts
"It might be fun to go by train"
Nope.
It would be a 20+ hour journey.
Multiple tickets.
€140+ per person
Renfe:
BILBAO (TODAS) A MEDINA DEL CAMPO 5.5 hours €27
MEDINA DEL CAMPO A SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 8 hours €38
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA A GUILLAREI 1 hour €15
GUILLAREI A VALENÇA DO MINHO 1/4 hour €2
Comboios de Portugal:
Valença do Minho a Lisboa 6 hours €40
P.S. Laura posting below is smarter than me.
P.P.S. You want to fly on Friday.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I agree with your decision not to take the train. However, the schedule for the fastest train connection recommended by DB is neither 20 hours nor via Madrid; it's 15.5 hours, including a long layover (under 3 hours most days but longer on Saturdays) at Miranda de Ebro, where you can connect to the night train that runs from San Sebastian to Lisbon. You can catch the same train at San Sebastian about 19:00 (assuming you return to S.S. by local bus) or at Miranda de Ebro at 21:00; price is about $80+sleeper fee, but can be less with advance purchase. (The direct train from Madrid to Lisbon is also an overnight.)