Coach Travel in Spain
In contrast to many other European countries, Spain has a comprehensive
national network of coach services. So you can get just about anywhere in Spain
by coach and bus, and twice as many Spaniards travel this way as by train. This
is because coach travel is not only generally cheaper than the train, it is
usually also quicker, particularly on medium-distance trips.
Practicalities
Getting a seat is not normally a problem, and for local journeys (e.g. Madrid
to Valladolid) you can just turn up and buy your ticket for the next service.
However, for longer distance trips and especially popular routes in peak season
(e.g. Madrid to the costas) it is advisable to book at least a day or two in
advance.
Return tickets represent better value than two singles. Also, If you are buying
long-distance tickets in advance, or by internet, remember to have your passport
handy as some operators ask to see proof of ID before allowing you to board.
Modern, Comfortable Travel
Don’t think that taking the coach has to mean compromising on comfort. In
Spain, the major operators offer modern and comfortable vehicles. For example,
ALSA, Spain’s leading coach company and part of the leading international
transport group National Express Group, operates a large national network and
has services to suit all budgets.
In addition to standard class, ALSA’s superior “eurobus” and “supra” vehicles
also operate on key routes. Supra coaches generally travel non-stop, and as well
as saving time, they are fully fitted with leather seats and have bags of extra
leg room. They also have on-board catering with hostess service included in the
ticket price – truly coach travel for the 21st century!
Up-to-date timetable and ticket information is available in Spanish and English
at www.alsa.es (or telephone
+34 902 422 242). Here you’ll find information on all ALSA routes, including
connections to seven of Spain’s main airports, such as Alicante-Altet,
Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona and Asturias (Oviedo) Airports.
Further Information
Travelling by coach in Spain is easy, comfortable and affordable. As there is
more than one coach station in large cities, it’s important to find out from
which station your coach leaves. You can save time by going direct to
www.movelia.es which has
information on most of the big operators in Spanish, English and German.
Useful Sites:
ALSA (+34 902 422 242;
www.alsa.es ) national services and several airport connections.
AutoRes (+34 902 020 999;
www.auto-res.net) for Madrid – Valencia services.
Continental-Auto (+34 902 330 400;
www.continental-auto.es)
for Madrid – Basque Country and Madrid – Granada services.
Movelia (www.movelia.es) for
information on all major operators.
Socibus (+34 902 229 292 ;
www.socibus.es) for Madrid – Seville services
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