- Must visit
Centro Botín
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
19 h 20 m
Average duration
19 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
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 $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
It's difficult to get from Lyon to Santander without transferring at least once.
Normal · Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
Normal · NormalOmio 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 prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 453 miles (730 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $324 Average price | $205 Average price | $308 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 7m Average total duration 15h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 23h 13m Average total duration 22h 43m Onboard + 30m 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 $126 (€103) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Santander costing on average $205 (€168).
A bus is $245 (€201) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Santander costing on average $324 (€266).
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 37m.
Train takes on average 22h 43m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Santander buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 5:15 AM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 20h00 | 1:15 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:00 PM Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) | 19h20 | 9:20 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
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 2 times per day, taking around 15h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) 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 17h 30m.
Distance 453 miles (730 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 30m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Important archaeological museum presenting prehistoric cave culture, Roman material, and key finds from across Cantabria.
Leading maritime museum covering Cantabrian Sea ecology, fishing, naval history, and aquariums; a strong family-friendly cultural stop.
Scenic headland combining gardens, sea views, beaches, and the palace grounds; ideal for walking and one of the city’s top experiences.
Santander’s best-known beach area, famous for its elegant promenade, broad sands, and lively atmosphere in good weather.
Grand waterfront promenade lined with historic buildings, sculptures, and access to the bay; essential for a first walk through Santander.
Lightly battered and fried squid rings, one of Santander’s most iconic tapas, especially popular for aperitif time by the bay.
High-quality Cantabrian anchovies, usually served in olive oil on bread or as a tapa; a flagship product of the region.
White tuna from the Cantabrian Sea, prized for its delicate texture and often served grilled, stewed, or preserved in olive oil.
Michelin-starred restaurant known for contemporary tasting menus rooted in Cantabrian products, with polished service and elegant ambiance.
Well-known Santander restaurant and tapas bar, famous for refined Cantabrian cuisine, seafood, and a lively central atmosphere.
Historic and established dining room serving classic Cantabrian dishes in a traditional setting with strong local character.
Moderate by Spanish standards: tapas and set lunches are affordable, while waterfront dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change in cafes is enough. Taxis are usually rounded up, and hotel tips are appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Santander, Estación de Autobuses -> Santander Centro
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.

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