Buses
Spain has one of the best and cheapest long-distance bus networks in Europe. Buses reach places that no train goes to — especially in Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and rural regions.
Main Bus Companies
| Provider | Routes | Price Example |
|---|---|---|
| ALSA | Largest provider, nationwide. Particularly strong: Andalusia, Asturias, Northern Spain | Madrid → Granada 4h 30, from €12 |
| Avanza | Central and Western Spain: Madrid → Extremadura, Salamanca | Madrid → Salamanca 2h 30, from €14 |
| Monbus | Galicia: Santiago, Vigo, A Coruña | Santiago → Vigo 1h 30, from €8 |
| FlixBus | International and national routes, cheap base fare | Madrid → Barcelona from €15 |
| Socibus | Madrid → Andalusia (Cádiz, Jerez) | Madrid → Cádiz 6h, from €22 |
Advantages of the Bus
- Network Coverage: Buses also go to small villages that have no train station. For Andalusia's white villages, the Alpujarras, and rural northern Spain, the bus is often the only public transport.
- Price: Often 30–50% cheaper than the train. ALSA offers early bird prices ("Sólo ida web") with up to 50% discount.
- Comfort: The buses are modern, air-conditioned, with Wi-Fi and power outlets. On long distances, there are toilets on board.
- Flexibility: Tickets can often be exchanged or canceled until shortly before departure.
Important Bus Stations
- Madrid: Estación Sur (Méndez Álvaro) — central bus station for almost all long-distance buses. Directly at the Méndez Álvaro metro station (Line 6). Coordinates: [40.3922, -3.6873]
- Barcelona: Estació del Nord — near the Arc de Triomf. Coordinates: [41.3930, 2.1875]
- Seville: Estación de Autobuses Plaza de Armas — centrally located on the Guadalquivir. Coordinates: [37.3908, -6.0029]
- Granada: Estación de Autobuses — slightly outside, but well connected by city bus. Coordinates: [37.1740, -3.6072]
💡 Tipp
For the route Granada → Córdoba → Seville, the ALSA bus is often a better choice than the train — direct connections are more frequent, cheaper, and the bus stations are more centrally located than the train stations. Book tickets directly via alsa.com or the ALSA app.