- Must visit
Museo del Bierzo
Main local history museum of El Bierzo, housed in a historic building in the center. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, and the region’s cultural heritage.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
9 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
309 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Ponferrada will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
It's difficult to get from Bilbao to Ponferrada without transferring at least once.
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Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $54, and a bus costs an average of $54.
Distance: 192 miles (309 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Ponferrada:
A train is $3 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Ponferrada costing on average $57 (€47).
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 20m.
Tickets start at around $57 (€47) compared to roughly $88 (€72) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32 (€26). The journey takes 6h 20m versus 4h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Ponferrada buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supra Economy · Normal | 3:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 7h15 | 10:15 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
Normal · Normal | 2:15 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 9h30 | 11:45 AM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 9:45 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 9h15 | 7:00 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bilbao to Ponferrada run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 19:15. The fastest bus covers the 192 miles (309 km) distance in 8h 5m.
Distance 192 miles (309 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 7:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
Main local history museum of El Bierzo, housed in a historic building in the center. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, and the region’s cultural heritage.
Large industrial and science museum set in the former Compostilla I power plant. It is one of Ponferrada’s most distinctive cultural sites, explaining energy production and industrial heritage.
Museum dedicated to the history of radio broadcasting, created around the legacy of broadcaster Luis del Olmo. A good stop for media history and local culture in the old town.
Historic old town with medieval lanes, traditional squares, and many of the city’s main monuments. It is the best area for first-time visitors and atmospheric evening walks.
One of Ponferrada’s signature streets, linking important monuments in the old quarter. It is ideal for a slow walk through the city’s most historic urban scenery.
Main civic square framed by historic architecture and close to key heritage sights. A natural meeting point and one of the classic places to feel the rhythm of the old center.
The signature dish of El Bierzo: pork rib and tail cuts seasoned, stuffed into casing, then cured and cooked, usually served with cabbage and potatoes.
Roasted peppers from the Bierzo area, prized for their sweetness and protected local origin; often served as a tapa or side dish.
Air-cured smoked beef from León province, commonly sliced thin as a tapa and valued for its deep, savory flavor.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Ponferrada known for creative cuisine rooted in El Bierzo products, with an elegant contemporary atmosphere.
A classic local restaurant associated with traditional Leonese and Bierzo cooking, especially hearty regional specialties in a formal setting.
A well-known traditional mesón with rustic atmosphere, popular for grilled meats, regional dishes, and generous portions.
Generally cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Good value for menus, coffee, and local bars; hotels vary by season.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Not expected for coffee or tapas, but small change is appreciated. Round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses -> Ponferrada Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Ponferrada by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ponferrada, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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