Exploring Spain: Paying For Bus Trips

how do you pay for buses in spain

If you're planning on taking the bus in Spain, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Spaniards prefer travelling by bus and train over other modes of transport – it's convenient and affordable, and for some towns, it's the only way to get there.

There are various bus companies operating in Spain, including ALSA, Avanza, and Samar, and you can book your tickets online. Buses are also equipped with free WiFi and entertainment options, and some even have hostesses!

When it comes to payment, it's best to buy your ticket before boarding the bus. You can purchase tickets from ticket offices or automatic machines at bus terminals, or from the driver when you board, but this will usually cost more. In some cities like Madrid, you can buy a Multi Card from ticket machines at metro stations, which you can load with single or 10-trip tickets. This card is valid for up to 10 years and can be shared with others. Individual tickets can also be purchased on the bus using cash or card.

So, whether you're a frequent traveller or an infrequent one, Spain's bus network has got you covered!

Characteristics Values
Frequency of buses Buses generally pass every 4 to 15 minutes, although frequency depends on the line and the time of day. On weekends and public holidays, they run from 7 am till 11 pm and tend to be slightly less frequent.
Bus companies ALSA, Agreda, Avanza, Bus Almeria Madrid BAM, Comes, Conda, Damas, Dainco, Hife, La Union, Samar, Socibus and Therpasa
Payment methods Cash, credit card (Visa, American Express or Mastercard), prepaid travel cards
Prepaid travel card options Monthly pass, reloadable travel card, 10-trip ticket
Cost of a single journey €1.50-€2
Cost of a 10-trip ticket €6.10 (50% discount available until 31 December 2024)
Cost of a monthly pass Depends on the city

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Monthly passes for frequent travellers

If you're a frequent traveller in Spain, it's worth considering a monthly metro and/or bus card. This is an especially good option if you plan to use the bus or metro daily. The details of this option vary from city to city, but you can generally expect to pay a flat fee for unlimited monthly usage of either the metro or bus, or a combination of both. For example, in Madrid, you can buy a ten-journey ticket for 18.30 euros, which can also include access to bus travel. In Barcelona, a T-mes pass gives you a month of unlimited travel for €54 for one zone.

Monthly passes are worth it if you use them enough—they can work out much cheaper than paying for each trip individually. However, they may take longer to apply for and receive. In some cities, such as Madrid, you can specify the date that your month starts, which is convenient if you get paid after the 1st of the month.

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Reloadable travel cards for intermediate travellers

If you're an intermediate traveller, you'll probably want to get a reloadable travel card. These are known by different names in different places, including bonobus, bono transbordo, and tarjeta multi, but they all work in the same way. You put a set number of trips or a minimum balance on your card and then enjoy cheaper fees per trip. This is a good option if you're going to be using public transport a couple of times a week, as it's cheaper and more convenient than paying for individual tickets each time.

With a reloadable travel card, you can top up your balance whenever you need to, either at the metro station, on the bus, or in a tobacco shop. You can also use it to cover a guest's metro or bus ticket, as it can be used by multiple people.

Spark MasterCard

The Spark MasterCard is a reloadable prepaid card that does not need to be linked to a bank account. It can be used to make purchases online and in shops, as well as for cash withdrawals at ATMs around the world that accept MasterCard. The Spark Network is the most extensive prepaid network in Spain, with over 35,000 points of sale and reload.

Bluebird American Express Prepaid Debit Card

The Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card can be ordered online for free. You can top it up in cash or from a bank account, and you can also add funds by check or by having money deposited by others (fees may apply for some top-up methods). This card does not allow you to hold foreign currencies, but you won't pay a foreign transaction fee when spending your USD balance abroad. ATM withdrawal fees of $2.50 or the equivalent apply when overseas.

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Individual tickets for infrequent travellers

If you're an infrequent traveller, you can simply purchase individual tickets, or billetes sencillos, for the bus in Spain. These are valid for one trip only and can be purchased onboard. In Madrid, for example, a single ticket costs €1.50 and can be paid for by card (Visa, American Express or Mastercard) or in cash. However, the driver only has change for €5 notes.

In Madrid, it is also possible to buy a 10-trip ticket, or Metrobús, for €6.10. This is valid for 10 trips on any EMT bus, Metro Zone A and ML1 tram. These tickets can be loaded onto the Tarjeta Multi, a contactless, transferable plastic smartcard that is valid for up to 10 years. The Tarjeta Multi card itself costs €2.50 and can be purchased at all Metro and Metro ligero stations, as well as from tobacco shops and other authorised retailers.

In some cities, individual bus tickets may allow you to transfer once to another bus for a reduced price. However, this is not always the case, so be sure to check the local transport rules for your city.

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Online bookings and comparisons

Booking bus tickets in Spain is a straightforward process that can be done through various websites. Movelia, a commercial online booking platform, is a great place to start. It aggregates schedules, itineraries, rates, and promotions from different bus companies, making it easy to compare options and find the best deal. Movelia works with 23 bus operators, representing 70 companies, and offers over 55,000 bus routes. If your desired route is not available, Movelia will suggest connecting buses and provide advice on bus travel in Spain.

Another popular option is Alsa, the largest bus company in Spain and one of the biggest in Europe. Alsa connects almost all Spanish cities and offers international routes to 16 countries in Europe and Morocco. Their buses are modern and well-maintained, with various amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Alsa is known for its punctuality and reliability, making it a preferred choice for many travellers.

For bus travel in and around Madrid, Avanza is the main provider of short and medium-distance buses. They offer four bus classes: standard, multimedia, multimedia plus, and multimedia VIP, each with its own set of amenities and comfort levels.

If you're looking for long-distance routes within Spain, Socibus is a good option. They specialise in connecting major cities in southern Spain, such as Madrid, Seville, and Cadiz, and offer comfortable buses with amenities like air conditioning, spacious seats, and onboard restrooms. Socibus also provides overnight buses, allowing you to travel long distances while saving on accommodation costs.

For those travelling to select cities in northern Spain near the French border, FlixBus is an option. They offer services to Barcelona, Bilbao, Girona, and San Sebastian, as well as connections to several cities in France, Germany, and northern Italy.

When planning your trip, it's worth comparing prices and schedules between bus and train travel. Spain has an extensive train network, with high-speed trains connecting major cities. Renfe, the Spanish national train operator, allows for online booking on most routes, and their trains are known for punctuality, comfort, and safety. However, bus travel is often more economical and can be a great way to enjoy the Spanish countryside.

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Different classes and their amenities

Bus travel in Spain is a popular and affordable way to get around the country. There are several classes of buses, each offering different amenities and services. Here are some of the most common classes and what you can expect from each:

Standard or Classic Class:

This is the most basic level of service offered by bus companies in Spain. Standard buses usually have comfortable seats, air conditioning, and ample legroom. They are suitable for both short and long-distance trips. These buses provide a simple and economical way to travel between cities.

Premium or Executive Class:

Premium buses offer enhanced comfort and extra amenities. They feature more spacious seating, extra legroom, and sometimes additional services such as onboard restrooms, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. These buses are ideal for travellers seeking a more luxurious experience or for longer journeys.

Supra Class (ALSA):

ALSA, one of the largest bus companies in Spain, offers the Supra class, which elevates the bus travel experience. This class includes amenities such as free Wi-Fi, additional travel security, complimentary bottles of water, and animal transport. It's a great choice if you're looking for a more premium experience.

Supra+ Class (ALSA):

Building upon the Supra class, the Supra+ class offers even more perks. In addition to the Supra amenities, Supra+ provides childcare services, baggage control and service, catering and drinks, leather upholstered seats with leg rests, and a hostess to cater to your needs. This class is perfect for travellers seeking the highest level of comfort and convenience.

Premium Class (ALSA):

The pinnacle of bus travel in Spain is ALSA's Premium class. This class includes special waiting lounges, journals and magazines, touch-screen entertainment systems with movies and music, free earphones, and special menus. It also offers unique services like door-to-door pickup, space for pets, and special assistance for children, the elderly, and the disabled. If you're looking for the ultimate in luxury and convenience, the Premium class is the way to go.

When planning your trip, it's important to note that different bus companies may have slightly different classes and amenities. Be sure to check the specific offerings of the company you choose to travel with. Additionally, some companies, like Avanza, offer multiple classes with varying levels of comfort and amenities, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can pay with your credit card (Visa, American Express or Mastercard) when buying a ticket on the bus.

Yes, you can pay in cash, but the driver may not have change for notes larger than €5.

Yes, you can buy a 10-trip ticket in advance, either at a metro station or from a tobacco shop.

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