THE SHORT VERSION
Zurich to Bilbao at a glance.
- From
- Zurich Zürich
- To
- Bilbao
- Road distance
- About 1309 km
- Straight line
- 1006 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~13 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Bilbao to Zurich →
- Border
- Switzerland → Spain. Schengen: carry ID
Ready to travel from Zurich to Bilbao?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's main coach hub, with international routes to Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the Benelux countries. The coach station is at Sihlquai, near the main railway station.
- Zurich Sihlquai bus station · Carparkplatz Sihlquai
Near Zurich Hauptbahnhof.
Arriving in Bilbao
Ask the seller where the service ends in Bilbao. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
KEEP GOING
From Bilbao, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Bilbao
More buses from Zurich
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Zurich from Bilbao by road?+
About 1309 km by road (1006 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Zurich to Bilbao take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 13 h 45 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Zurich?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Zurich include Zurich Sihlquai bus station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Bilbao to Zurich?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Bilbao to Zurich guide.
Where does the bus from Zurich arrive in Bilbao?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Zurich to Bilbao?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Zurich to Bilbao bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Bilbao by bus?+
Direct buses from Bilbao include Madrid, Valencia, Porto, Seville, Lisbon and more. See all connections on our Bilbao bus page.
Do I need my passport on the bus from Zurich to Bilbao?+
Switzerland and Spain are both in the Schengen area, so there are usually no routine border checks. Carry your passport or national ID card anyway: spot checks happen and operators may ask for ID.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Zurich → Bilbao on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Zurich to Bilbao bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Zurich (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →