- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 07
Cheapest price on Sep 07
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 07
$75
Fastest journey on Sep 07
11 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
12 h 15 m
Buses on Sep 07
2
Distance
458 km
Cheap tickets
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 $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Fast buses
On Mon, Sep 07, we found 2 buses from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 07 the direct buses cover the 458 km distance in an average of 12 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 15 m .
On Mon, Sep 07 the slowest buses will take 13 h 15 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.
Normal10:00 AM11h15Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses9:15 PMSantiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses$581One-way0 transfers- Normal · Normal9:45 AM13h15Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses11:00 PMSantiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses$921One-way1 transfer
- Normal10:00 AM11h15Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses9:15 PMSantiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses$581One-way0 transfers
- Normal · Normal9:45 AM13h15Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses11:00 PMSantiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses$921One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
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 train, with an average ticket price of $14 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, while a flight costs an average of $340.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $340 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 43m Average total duration 11h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 46m Average total duration 9h 16m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is a train with an average price of $14.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela:
A train is $60 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $74.
A train is $327 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $340.
The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 43m.
Other travel options to Santiago de Compostela take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 16m.
Bus takes on average 11h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $74 compared to roughly $117 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $43. The journey takes 11h 13m 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.
Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Live departures
Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela buses for tomorrow, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal · Normal | 9:45 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 13h15 | 11:00 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
| Normal | 10:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 11h15 | 9:15 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela buses with Omio?
Alsa operates all buses services from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
SpainSpain
Buses from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $6 by train.
There are 1 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 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $6
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 40m |
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 Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $6
Bus providers: Alsa from Bilbao to Santiago de CompostelaYou can travel by bus between Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela with Alsa for as low as $57. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alsa Duration
9h 40m
Cheapest Alsa Price
$12
Alsa frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
Complete guide to Santiago de Compostela
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
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.
- Must visit
Museo do Pobo Galego
Museum dedicated to Galicia's people, traditions and crafts, set in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval.
- Recommended
CGAC - Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea
Contemporary art center in a striking Álvaro Siza building, featuring changing exhibitions and strong collections of modern art.
- Must visit
Praza da Quintana
Historic square beside the cathedral with lively arcades, cafés nearby and excellent views of Santiago's monumental core.
- Must visit
Parque da Alameda
Peaceful park with historic oaks, shaded walks and classic viewpoints over the cathedral towers and old town skyline.
- Recommended
Praza de Abastos
Traditional market district and square where locals shop, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday life in Santiago.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Tarta De Santiago
Traditional almond cake from Santiago, marked with the Cross of Saint James. Dense, sweet, and iconic for pilgrims and local celebrations.
- Gluten-free
Pulpo A Feira
Galician octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt, often on a wooden plate. A classic festive dish across Galicia.
- Gluten-free
Caldo Galego
Hearty Galician broth made with grelos, potatoes, beans, and usually pork. A rural staple, especially popular in cooler weather.
Casa Marcelo
Michelin-starred restaurant known for refined Galician tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary setting near the old town.
O Curro Da Parra
Traditional Galician restaurant famed for octopus and classic regional dishes. Rustic feel and long-standing local reputation.
A Horta D'Obradoiro
Popular modern Galician restaurant focused on seafood and seasonal products, with polished service and a central old-town location.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pilgrim stays and local bars help, but central rooms and tourist dining cost more. Walking keeps transit costs low.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or menu del día.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafes; taxi fares are usually rounded up.
FAQs: Bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela can start from as little as $12 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is $74 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is 9h 40m to travel the 284 miles (458 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 5:45 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela with Alsa, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, you can count on Alsa, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Santiago de Compostela. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Santiago de Compostela from Bilbao is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela for bus company Alsa.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santiago de Compostela are:
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a stunning Romanesque and Gothic cathedral known as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage
- Praza do Obradoiro, the main square in front of the cathedral, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity
- Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, a grand Baroque monastery with an impressive facade and rich history
- Alameda Park, a peaceful urban park offering scenic views of the city and a popular spot for leisurely strolls
- Museum of the Galician People, a museum dedicated to the cultural heritage and history of Galicia, housed in a former convent.
The best things to do in Santiago de Compostela include:
- Mercado de Abastos, a bustling market where you can experience local flavors and buy fresh produce
- Museo do Pobo Galego, a museum dedicated to Galician culture and history
- Attend a traditional Galician music performance, where you can enjoy the unique sounds of bagpipes and folk instruments
- Explore the historic streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere
- Take a guided tour of the University of Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest universities in the world with a rich academic history.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela depends on the bus companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela with the following bus company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela with the following bus company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela with the following bus company: Alsa.
Since both Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Santiago de Compostela, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the cathedral and public transport. Common scams include overcharging in taxis and at some restaurants near tourist spots. It's advisable to keep personal belongings secure and agree on taxi fares beforehand to avoid issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
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.
Departure bus stations in Bilbao
Arrival bus stations in Santiago de Compostela
Which Bilbao station do buses to Santiago de Compostela leave from?
Buses from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela leave from Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Bilbao city centre at Gurtubay Kalea, 1, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao, Estación de AutobusesGurtubay Kalea, 1, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses from Bilbao city centre
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus01, 10 · 3m · every ~13 min
A3223 · 7m · $2
TramTr · 3m · $2 · every ~16 min
SubwayLínea De Metro Bilbao · 2m · $2 · every ~33 min
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses
City-centre transport
Getting to Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses from Santiago de Compostela city centre
BusGonselle · 24m · $1
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao
Most popular bus connections to Santiago de Compostela
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