This article was updated on June 23rd, 2023.
So you decided to travel through Spain by bus? Congratulations – you’ve already neatly adapted to the local way of getting around! In fact, Spaniards prefer traveling by bus and train over other modes of transport. It’s the most convenient way to travel the country and it’s also one of the only ways to get to and from some of its towns.
What’s more, traveling by bus in Europe is the most affordable way to get around in the country. Here’s what you need to know when taking the bus in Spain:
1. Bus your way around the country
There’s a ton of Spanish towns that don’t have an airport or a train station. So, as you can imagine, the only way to get there is by bus! Among the myriad of Spanish bus providers, you will surely find one serving your route. And if you book online, it will save you the hassle of finding out which ones offer routes to your city. There are different companies you can book from, all of them on Busbud, so if you want to take an Alsa bus in Spain or any other bus from other companies, check out these links and compare prices and bus tickets all across the country
2. Main bus routes
It’s easy to visit all of Spain, along with neighboring countries – like Portugal, and France – with the bus. Even though the bus network covers the entire country, there are a few inter-city routes that are especially hot. Not surprisingly, most lead to Madrid!
- Bus from Madrid to Granada
- Bus from Granada to Madrid
- Bus from Vitoria to Bilbao
- Bus form Madrid to Almeria
- Bus from Madrid to Barcelona
- Bus from Madrid to Toledo
- Bus from Pamplona to Bilbao
- Bus from Zaragoza to Madrid
- Bus from Toledo to Madrid
- Bus from Valencia to Barcelona
- Bus from Madrid to Bilbao
- Bus from Barcelona to Madrid
3. Main bus companies
The following operators offer bus routes in Spain: ALSA, Agreda, Avanza, Bus Almeria Madrid BAM, Comes, Conda, Damas, Dainco, Hife, La Union, Samar, Socibus and Therpasa
The biggest and most-used bus operator in Spain is definitely ALSA. In short, the probability of finding the bus connection you need is exponentially high as ALSA serves all of the major cities. Founded in 1889, ALSA stands for quality service and punctuality and has a long tradition of innovation and excellence. It’s no wonder they’re the Spanish flagship among bus operators.
Two other large bus companies in Spain are Avanza and Samar. Both offer a diversity of routes across the country, providing efficient, comfortable, and reliable bus services.
4. WiFi is available on most buses
Yep, you read right! There is free WiFi available on most city routes in Spain. In case looking at the scenery seems too boring of a thing to do for hours on end, or in case you need to catch up on work during your vacation (we hope not!), you will get internet connection on the road. There’s no internet deprivation in Spain!
5. Ride with class
Much like in air travel, most buses offer several class options linked to different services and price ranges. What can you get? Depending on what you opt for, you’ll find everything from movies, to TV, and even a hostess! ALSA, for example, offers several class options that generally come with amenities like special waiting lounge, journals and magazines, entertainment (movies and music), and free earphones. Each class offers the following sets of perks:
- Premium
includes luggage control, special menus, touch-screens for entertainment (more than 30 channels, movies, music, games), free WiFi, USB + plugs, special assistance for children, the elderly and the disabled, baby seats and bottle warmer, space for pets, and door-to-door pickup service. Premium is available to and from Madrid on the following routes: Madrid – San Sebastian, Madrid – Logrono, Madrid – Granada, Madrid – Bilbao.
- Supra Economy
Free WiFi, additional travel security, free bottles of water, and animal transport.
- Supra+
Free WiFi, additional travel security, free bottles of water, animal transport, child care service, baggage control and service, catering & drinks, leather upholstered seats with leg rest, hostess to cater to your needs, and gifts for customers on weekends.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next bus ride through Spain!