Bus
travel in Spain is sometimes considered
more extensive than the train system as
it serves both remote towns and villages
as well as the major routes. Bus travel
can also be cheaper than the train and somewhat
shorter. However it is always best to compare
the cost and timetable with a railway ticket.
Most cities have one station where buses
arrive and depart and these will have an
information desk. Otherwise tourist offices
should be able to assist with timetable
information but will not sell tickets.
INTERNATIONAL
BUSES
Eurolines is the largest network of international
buses in Europe and they operate through
major towns in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid,
Malaga). They also work affiliately with
local lines such as Linebus and Julia Via.
Eurolines Peninsular and Enatcar are also
agents for Eurolines and along with many
smaller bus operators provide an extensive
choice of international bus routes.
People under 26 years are around 10% less
than the adult full fare. There are several
circular explorer routes and passes available.
Individual tickets are available on all
routes with a number of circuits available
allowing the traveller to travel along a
pre-determined circular route taking in
various destinations along the way. These
passes are supplemented by the more flexible
Eurolines pass. The Eurolines pass is probably
the best travel deal in Europe allowing
unlimited travel between 46 destinations
in 26 countries on the Eurolines network.
This pass is great value particularly during
summer when it is a cheaper travel option
than the equivalent Busabout pass.
Busabout
is another pass option for travellers and
will also book accommodation for you in
advance. However most of these are camping
sites outside major towns. Eurobus also
operates providing a hop on and off service.
Busabout buses serve the following Spanish
destinations: Barcelona, Bilbao, Costa del
Sol, Granada, La Linea, Madrid, Salamanca,
San Sebastian, Seville, Tarifa and Valencia.
LOCAL BUSES
There are many different companies operating
throughout Spain so you are best to check
out the local companies and what connections
exist if you are not following a straightforward
route. Most private bus lines have a ticket
office or allow you to pay when you board.
CITY BUSES
For city buses you usually buy your ticket
from a machine or newsstand and stamp it
on board in validating machines. You can
sometimes get tickets from the driver. Buses
going to the airport can differ from this
system.
PAYING
Some bus companies will require pre payment
before boarding the bus, others allow you
to pay onboard. Check for each bus you take.
Most tourist offices provide paying information
and timetables.
USEFUL LINKS
Spanish bus companies include:
ALSA
- 31 routes in Galicia and northern Spain
Autocars Costa Azul http://www.ctv.es/USERS/costazul/home3.htm
- regular services between Alicante-Cartagena,
Murcia-Torrevieja, Dolores-Alicante and
Cartagena-Barcelona.
Other useful links:
Eurolines www.eurolines.com
Services within Europe. Tickets available
online.
Greyhound Lines
Bus fares, schedules and ticket information. www.greyhound.com
Bus Éireann
Home
Irish National bus company providing local
bus services, Expressway long distance intercity
services, Eurolines services with destinations
in Britain and abroad. www.buseireann.ie
The Bus Station
Bus, coach, tram, trolleybus and transit links all over the world
www.busstation.net
BusWeb
Index of links to bus, coach, and motorcoach
related web sites. www.busweb.com
Europe
Bus Transportation
summarizes bus charter, tour, and transportation
companies serving countries in Eastern and
Western Europe.
