- Must visit
Museo da Catedral de Santiago
Outstanding museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, treasury rooms and major works explaining the city's religious history.
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
6 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
458 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
Of the 1 buses that leave Bilbao for Santiago de Compostela on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 458 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 6 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $288 Average price | $67 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 25m Average total duration 8h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 38m Average total duration 10h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela:
A bus is $8 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $67 (€67).
A bus is $229 (€229) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $288 (€288).
Other travel options to Santiago de Compostela take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 55m.
Train takes on average 10h 8m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€59) compared to roughly $93 (€93) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35 (€35). The journey takes 8h 55m versus 5h 45m 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 Alsa, 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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Bilbao | 6h40 | 2:10 PM Santiago de Compostela | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Santiago de Compostela run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€41) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 17:45. The fastest bus covers the 284 miles (458 km) distance in 9h 45m.
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€41) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 5:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Santiago de Compostela — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santiago de Compostela trip today.
Outstanding museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, treasury rooms and major works explaining the city's religious history.
Museum dedicated to Galicia's people, traditions and crafts, set in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval.
Contemporary art center in a striking Álvaro Siza building, featuring changing exhibitions and strong collections of modern art.
Historic square beside the cathedral with lively arcades, cafés nearby and excellent views of Santiago's monumental core.
Peaceful park with historic oaks, shaded walks and classic viewpoints over the cathedral towers and old town skyline.
Traditional market district and square where locals shop, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday life in Santiago.
Traditional almond cake from Santiago, marked with the Cross of Saint James. Dense, sweet, and iconic for pilgrims and local celebrations.
Galician octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt, often on a wooden plate. A classic festive dish across Galicia.
Hearty Galician broth made with grelos, potatoes, beans, and usually pork. A rural staple, especially popular in cooler weather.
Michelin-starred restaurant known for refined Galician tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary setting near the old town.
Traditional Galician restaurant famed for octopus and classic regional dishes. Rustic feel and long-standing local reputation.
Popular modern Galician restaurant focused on seafood and seasonal products, with polished service and a central old-town location.
Moderate for Spain: pilgrim stays and local bars help, but central rooms and tourist dining cost more. Walking keeps transit costs low.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafes; taxi fares are usually rounded up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela buses use the Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses to Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need