If you are planning to get around Spain without a car, consider taking the bus, as Spain has one of the most highly-developed intercity bus networks in Europe. Apart from the new high-speed rail link from Madrid to Sevilla, most bus journeys take about the same time as trains, and some are even quicker. They are a lot more cost effective with the price of the fare being less than half that of the train.
Intercity buses in Spain are modern, clean and comfortable. They are well equipped with air conditioning and the latest movies (although they are dubbed into Spanish), but they do not have toilet facilities. If you are planning to go on a long distance trip, bear this in mind.
The Bus Station
All bus companies arrive and depart from the same bus station (centro de autobus) and tickets can be purchased either online at www.movelia.es or at the bus station’s ticket office. Remember for intercity journeys, seats are reserved so check your tickets for your seat number. You can’t sit just anywhere.
Local Buses
The local bus services in Spain run from around 6am until between 10pm and midnight, when a more expensive night system comes into operation. Most of the buses have few seats, opting instead for maximum standing room. Urban buses are quite slow although there are dedicated bus lanes in some cities making your journey quicker.
Most towns have a bus terminal (estacion de autobus), but if you choose to wait at a bus stop, the bus might not always stop unless you indicate for it to do so. Many city buses also require you to have the exact change.
Keep in mind that on Sundays and local holidays, schedules are drastically reduced. You are best to avoid travelling on these days.
Below are some common Spanish phrases and their English meanings which will assist you in your trip.
Is there a bus to…?
¿ Hay algún autobús que vaya a …?
Which bus goes to …?
¿Qué autobús va a …?
Where do I catch the bus to …?
¿dónde se coge el autobús para …?
We are going to …
Vamos a …
How much is it …?
¿Cuánto es …?
