- Must visit
Museo del Castillo de los Templarios
Museum inside the Templar Castle showcasing medieval life, arms, and archaeology, adding strong context to Ponferrada’s most famous monument.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
Showing times and prices for Aug 18
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
342 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Ponferrada on Tue, Aug 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct buses cover the 342 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 30 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest buses will take 6 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.
Normal9:30 AM5h45Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)3:15 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers- Normal11:45 PM5h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)5:15 AMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers
- Normal4:45 PM6h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)11:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers
- Supra Economy3:45 PM5h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)9:15 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$631One-way0 transfers
- Supra Economy3:45 PM5h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)9:15 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$631One-way0 transfers
- Normal11:45 PM5h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)5:15 AMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers
- Normal9:30 AM5h45Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)3:15 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers
- Normal4:45 PM6h15Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)11:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$451One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, and a bus costs an average of $44.
Distance: 212 miles (342 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is a train with an average price of $39 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada:
A train is $8 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada costing on average $47 (€38).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 3m.
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid Barajas Airport and Ponferrada including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada 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 $47 (€38) compared to roughly $102 (€84) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€45). The journey takes 5h 3m versus 3h 44m 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.
Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Live departures
Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada buses for today, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 4:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h15 | 11:00 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h30 | 5:15 AM Ponferrada, 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Tue
Aug 18
Aug 18
Wed
Aug 19
Aug 19
Thu
Aug 20
Aug 20
Fri
Aug 21
Aug 21
Sat
Aug 22
Aug 22
Sun
Aug 23
Aug 23
Mon
Aug 24
Aug 24
Why should you book Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid offer buses services from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 21:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 212 miles (342 km) distance in 4h 45m.
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 $24 (€19)
Distance 212 miles (342 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 45m |
First bus 9:45 PM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 $24 (€19)
Bus providers: Alsa, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid from Madrid Barajas Airport to PonferradaYou can travel by bus between Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada with Alsa, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for as low as $24 (€19). 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 Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€36)
Alsa frequency
4 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.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 44m
Cheapest Price
$66 (€54)
Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Ponferrada
Things to do in Ponferrada
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
- Must visit
La Fábrica de Luz. Museo de la Energía
Contemporary museum devoted to Spain’s energy story, with interactive displays on coal, electricity, and transition, set in a restored power plant.
- Recommended
Museo del Bierzo
Important contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions and striking architecture, one of the region’s leading cultural venues.
- Must visit
Plaza de la Encina
Historic square beside the basilica and castle, one of Ponferrada’s most atmospheric spots for architecture and photos.
- Must visit
Casco Antiguo de Ponferrada
Historic quarter around the castle and basilica, best explored on foot for medieval lanes, stone buildings, and Camino character.
- Recommended
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Main square of the old town, framed by historic buildings and arcades, ideal for orienting yourself before visiting nearby monuments.
- Gluten-free
Botillo del Bierzo
Smoked pork sausage from El Bierzo, usually pan-fried or grilled. It is one of the comarca’s best-known cured meats and a staple in local taverns.
- Gluten-free
Cocido Maragato
A hearty chickpea and meat stew linked to nearby Maragatería but widely eaten in Ponferrada. It is famous for its unusual serving order and rich flavor.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pimiento Asado del Bierzo
Roasted green peppers from El Bierzo with a sweet, delicate flavor. They are prized for local terroir and often served grilled or preserved.
MuNa
Refined restaurant in Ponferrada known for contemporary Bierzo cuisine, tasting menus, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Casa Noval
Well-known traditional restaurant specializing in Bierzo classics and seasonal products, with a warm dining room and strong local reputation.
Las Cuadras
Popular central venue for León and Bierzo cooking, offering local meats, botillo, and regional wines in a classic, comfortable atmosphere.
Euro (€)
More affordable than Spain's big cities, with lower hotel rates, modest dining prices, and low local transport costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- €45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is $46 (€38) ; 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is 4h 45m to travel the 212 miles (342 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada leaves at 9:45 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada with Alsa, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada, you can count on Alsa, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for the best way to get you to Ponferrada. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madrid Barajas Airport and Ponferrada and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Ponferrada from Madrid Barajas Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid Barajas Airport and Ponferrada including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada for bus company Alsa, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa, Infobus.
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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa, Infobus.
Since both Madrid Barajas Airport and Ponferrada 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation. It's advisable to stay aware of surroundings and keep valuables secure. There are no widespread reports of specific scams targeting travelers, but standard precautions like avoiding overly persistent street vendors and verifying taxi fares before rides are recommended to ensure a safe visit.
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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Ponferrada bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madrid
Arrival bus stations in Ponferrada
Ponferrada, Estación de AutobusesPonferrada Coach Station, Av. de la Libertad 17, 24400
City-centre transport
Getting to Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses from Ponferrada city centre
Bus1 · 2m · $1 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Madrid Barajas Airport
More options for your journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Ponferrada
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ponferrada and Madrid Barajas Airport
Most popular bus connections to Ponferrada
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
