- Must visit
Centro Botín
Leading modern and contemporary art center by Renzo Piano, renowned for exhibitions, architecture, and exceptional bay views.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$54
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$81
Fastest journey on Sep 17
18 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
19 h 33 m
Buses on Sep 17
6
Distance
730 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lyon to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Santander will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 6 buses from Lyon to Santander, including 6 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 730 km distance in an average of 19 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 5 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 20 h 5 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 Lyon to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $101 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $101, while a flight costs an average of $290.
Distance: 453 miles (730 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$101 Average price Cheapest | $290 Average price | $310 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
17h 27m Average total duration 16h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Santander:
A bus is $189 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Santander costing on average $290.
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 57m.
Tickets start at around $101 compared to roughly $310 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $210. The journey takes 16h 57m versus 9h 56m 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.
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 03:15AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $242 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Internorte | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $86 |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Santander buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:15 AM Lyon | 20h00 | 11:15 PM Santander | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 AM Lyon | 20h05 | 12:15 AM Santander | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:15 AM Lyon | 20h00 | 12:15 AM Santander | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:40 AM Lyon | 19h35 | 12:15 AM Santander | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Lyon | 21h00 | 6:30 AM Santander | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 PM Lyon | 18h05 | 7:20 AM Santander | 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 Lyon to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 20:50. The fastest bus covers the 453 miles (730 km) distance in 13h 20m.
Distance 453 miles (730 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 13h 20m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Leading modern and contemporary art center by Renzo Piano, renowned for exhibitions, architecture, and exceptional bay views.
Excellent maritime museum covering Cantabrian seafaring, ecology, fishing, and naval history with aquariums and family-friendly displays.
Art museum focused on Cantabrian and Spanish painting, offering a compact but rewarding overview in a central historic setting.
Iconic peninsula park with palace grounds, beaches, mini-zoo area, and scenic walking routes. One of Santander’s essential outings.
Elegant seafront promenade linking gardens, monuments, and bay views. Ideal for a first walk through central Santander.
Dramatic headland viewpoint with cliffs, lighthouse scenery, and walking trails. A favorite for sunsets and Atlantic panoramas.
Cantabrian anchovies cured in salt or olive oil. Santander is famous for high-quality bocarte landed on this coast and served as a prized tapa.
Fresh hake with green sauce, usually with garlic, parsley, fish stock, peas and clams. A classic northern coastal dish tied to local fishing traditions.
Mountain stew from Cantabria with white beans, collard greens and pork products. Hearty inland cooking that is iconic across the region.
Refined Michelin-starred dining focused on seasonal Cantabrian products. Elegant setting and creative tasting menus with strong local identity.
Well-known dining room specializing in grilled fish and Cantabrian seafood. Smart but relaxed atmosphere with a strong local reputation.
Established seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Santander cooking. Traditional atmosphere near the seafront.
Moderate for Spain. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, small change in cafes, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Santander 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 Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lyon to Santander buses use the Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) to Santander, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Santander bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) is 2 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland). ATMs are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.
Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
Lyon, Gare Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Gare Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Bistro Lyonnais (0.2 km), Fast Food Express (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the shopping area.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Perrache.
Available at Lyon, Gare Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need