- Must visit
Museo Catedralicio
Museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, chapels, artworks, and historic spaces that deepen a visit to Santiago’s most important monument.
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$71
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 $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 1 buses that leave Bilbao for Santiago de Compostela on Sat, Jun 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 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 Sat, Jun 06 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 $51. 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 $51, and a flight costs an average of $130.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $353 Average price | $82 Average price | $114 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 $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $281 (€229) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $353 (€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 $72 (€59) compared to roughly $114 (€93) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $42 (€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 Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $79 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:50 AM Bilbao | 6h40 | 5:30 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 $51 (€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 $51 (€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.
Museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, chapels, artworks, and historic spaces that deepen a visit to Santiago’s most important monument.
Leading museum of Galician culture in the former Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, known for its striking triple spiral staircase and strong regional collections.
Galicia’s main contemporary art centre, showing rotating exhibitions by Spanish and international artists beside Bonaval Park.
Santiago’s grand central square, framed by the cathedral, Pazo de Raxoi, and Hostal dos Reis Católicos, and the classic finishing point for pilgrims.
Beloved city park with broad walks, gardens, and classic views toward the cathedral skyline, popular for relaxed strolls and photography.
Historic square beside the cathedral, especially atmospheric in the evening and a favorite place to appreciate the old city’s stone architecture.
Galician-style octopus, boiled and served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt. It is one of the region's most iconic dishes and a staple at fairs and traditional eateries.
A famous almond cake from Santiago, usually marked with the Cross of Saint James. It is a classic local dessert closely tied to the city's identity and pilgrimage tradition.
Small green peppers from Galicia, blistered and sprinkled with salt. Most are mild, with the occasional spicy one, making them a beloved tapa across Santiago.
A well-known contemporary restaurant near the cathedral, famous for creative Galician cooking with international touches in a lively, modern setting.
A celebrated market-focused restaurant known for fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and modern Galician dishes in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.
A classic tavern-style spot popular for traditional Galician tapas, seafood, and a bustling local feel in the old town.
Moderate for Spain. Pilgrim areas can cost more, but menus, tapas, and coffee are usually reasonable.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafés; taxis usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses -> Praza do Obradoiro, 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.

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