- Must visit
Centro Botín
Contemporary art center on the waterfront, designed by Renzo Piano. It is one of Santander’s signature cultural attractions and hosts major exhibitions and rooftop views.
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
More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.
Popular departures
Bus tickets to Santander
Select departure
Showing the fastest and cheapest results for May 31
Results include alternative arrival locations to Santander
Normal10:30 AM5h45Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América4:15 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses$511One-way0 transfers- Normal10:45 AM5h30Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)4:15 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses$511One-way0 transfers
- Supra Economy3:00 PM5h30Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América8:30 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses$691One-way0 transfers
Popular buses to and from Santander
Popular buses to Santander
Bilbao to Santander bus
from $10
Direct buses available
1h05 average duration
42buses per day
Served by
- Alsa
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa Supra
Oviedo to Santander bus
from $19
Direct buses available
2h15 average duration
22buses per day
Served by
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa
- Alsa Supra
Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander bus
from $20
Direct buses available
2h55 average duration
14buses per day
Served by
- Alsa
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa Supra
Gijón to Santander bus
from $22
Direct buses available
2h45 average duration
15buses per day
Served by
- Alsa
- Alsa Supra
- BlaBlaCar
Madrid to Santander bus
from $41
Direct buses available
5h15 average duration
15buses per day
Served by
- Alsa
- Alsa Supra
- BlaBlaCar
- FlixBus
Popular buses from Santander
Santander to Bilbao bus
from $10
Direct buses available
1h15 average duration
45buses per day
Served by
- Alsa
- Alsa Supra
- BlaBlaCar
Santander to Oviedo bus
from $19
Direct buses available
2h15 average duration
26buses per day
Served by
- Alsa Supra
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa
Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian bus
from $20
Direct buses available
2h40 average duration
20buses per day
Served by
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa Supra
- Alsa
Santander to Madrid bus
from $41
Direct buses available
5h15 average duration
15buses per day
Served by
- FlixBus
- Alsa
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa Supra
Santander to Barcelona bus
from $64
Direct buses available
8h45 average duration
8buses per day
Served by
- Monbus
- FlixBus
- BlaBlaCar
- Alsa
Buses to Santander
Spain's northern ferry hub is more than a port. Santander is a lively cultural center, with plenty to see and do. Getting to Santander by bus is easy, with numerous daily connections from Bilbao, Madrid, and other northern Spanish cities. That includes the chance to transfer from Madrid-Barajas Airport, a really handy option for trans-Atlantic travelers.
Which is the main bus station in Santander?
Every bus to Santander will arrive at either Aeropuerto Santander or the Plaza Estaciones. Aeropuerto is, unsurprisingly, a stop at the airport, so it's only useful for those transferring to regional flights. Plaza Estaciones is much more central. Very close to the cathedral and the city's major museums, the bus station is also around 15 minutes walk from the port, so it's a convenient spot to arrive for a host of reasons.
Which bus companies offer buses to Santander?
Passengers won't need to consider multiple bus companies when booking a bus to Santander. Only Alsa operates on routes into the city, running direct connections from cities like Madrid, Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Oviedo.
Why travel by bus to Santander?
Taking buses to Santander makes sense on many levels. For starters, Alsa offers a superb service, providing on-board internet connectivity, entertainment apps, and comfortable, spacious seating. Journey times from Madrid aren't too long, and direct buses from Barajas Airport are available. That's a big bonus for those arriving on flights across the Atlantic, and it means that they won't need to wait for connecting flights or make the journey into Madrid to find railway connections. Add in a central bus station, and there's a great case for taking the bus to Santander.
Before you travel to Santander by bus - good to know!
Famous as a port for hundreds of years, Santander has blossomed into a tourist destination. Must-see sights include the Cathedral, the boldly designed Centro Botin (which offers plenty of science-related fun), and the outstanding Museum of the Sea. Heading out to the Magdalena Peninsular is advisable as well. Visitors will find the opulent Palacio de la Magdalena, as well as one of Spain's best city beaches. Head to the Playa de la Magdalena or the more central Playa del Sardinero to swim and sunbathe, or pull up a chair at one of many beach bars to enjoy the university city's excellent nightlife.
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus to BerlinTravel to Santander on Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus buses with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.
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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€33)
Alsa frequency
10 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.
Alsa Supra
About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an "Ociobus" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€64)
Alsa Supra 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. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 40m
Cheapest Price
$106 (€85)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
Complete guide to Santander
Things to do in Santander
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
A leading maritime museum focused on the Bay of Biscay, marine life, navigation, and Cantabrian fishing heritage. Good choice for families and local history fans.
- Recommended
MAS | Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria
Santander’s main fine arts museum, with collections spanning historic to contemporary works. Central, manageable, and a strong local cultural stop.
- Must visit
Península de la Magdalena
Scenic peninsula combining sea views, palace grounds, beaches, and walking paths. One of the best overall areas to explore in Santander.
- Must visit
Jardines de Pereda
Central waterfront gardens beside the bay and Centro Botín. A classic promenade area and one of the city’s most pleasant urban spaces.
- Must visit
Cabo Mayor
Dramatic coastal headland with cliffs, walking routes, and sweeping Atlantic views. Highly popular for photos, sunsets, and open-air walks.
Rabas
Lightly battered fried squid rings, a classic Santander tapa especially popular for aperitivo near the seafront.
- Vegetarian
Sobaos Pasiegos
Rich buttery sponge cakes from nearby Valles Pasiegos, one of Cantabria's best-known traditional sweets.
- Vegetarian
Quesada Pasiega
A dense baked dessert made with fresh cheese or curd, eggs, sugar, and lemon, traditional across Cantabria.
El Serbal
Established fine-dining restaurant known for modern Cantabrian cuisine, tasting menus, and polished service.
Cañadío
Well-known central Santander restaurant and bar, famous for refined Cantabrian dishes, seafood, and a lively upscale atmosphere.
Bodega del Riojano
Historic traditional restaurant with classic regional cooking, strong wine list, and old-Santander character.
Euro
Generally moderate by Spanish standards: good value for set lunches and coffee, while seaside dining and summer stays cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for a simple meal or tapas.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-80 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.50-3 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change is fine in cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Moovit
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.30 EUR
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Aeropuerto De Santander, Santander -> Estación De Santander, Santander
- Distance
- 7 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- You can use contactless bank cards on TUS city buses, which is often cheaper than buying an onboard single ticket.
- The airport is linked to central Santander by the S4 bus, which stops near the main rail and bus stations.
Buses to Santander: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Buses from Santander
Buses to Santander
Top bus destinations
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.
