- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao’s iconic contemporary art museum, famous for Frank Gehry’s titanium design and major modern and contemporary exhibitions. A defining city landmark and top cultural stop.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Showing times and prices for Jun 10
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 32 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
458 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Bilbao on Wed, Jun 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct buses cover the 458 km distance in an average of 11 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest buses will take 13 h 20 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.
Normal9:00 AM10h30Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses7:30 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$511One-way0 transfers- Normal5:30 PM10h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses4:15 AMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$891One-way0 transfers
- Normal · Normal8:00 AM13h20Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses9:20 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$911One-way1 transfer
- Normal9:00 AM10h30Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses7:30 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$511One-way0 transfers
- Normal5:30 PM10h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses4:15 AMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$891One-way0 transfers
- Normal · Normal8:00 AM13h20Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses9:20 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$911One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $87. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 2m. 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 $87, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $417 Average price | $120 Average price | $114 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 36m Average total duration 6h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 31m Average total duration 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is a bus with an average price of $93 (€76).
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao costing on average $120 (€98).
A bus is $324 (€264) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao costing on average $417 (€340).
The fastest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 2m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 6m.
Train takes on average 9h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao 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 $93 (€76) compared to roughly $114 (€93) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 6h 6m versus 5h 53m 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.
Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Live departures
Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao buses for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 5:30 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 10h45 | 4:15 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 10 | |||||
| Normal · Normal | 8:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 13h20 | 9:20 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
| Normal | 9:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 10h30 | 7:30 PM Bilbao, 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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao buses with Omio?
Alsa operates all buses services from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Buses from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 (€71) but you can travel from only $80 (€65) by flight.
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.
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
Flight from $80 (€65)
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€71) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 5:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
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
Flight from $80 (€65)
Bus providers: Alsa, BlaBlaCar from Santiago de Compostela to BilbaoYou can travel by bus between Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao with Alsa, BlaBlaCar for as low as $80 (€65). 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
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
$87 (€71)
Alsa frequency
3 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.
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
2 a day
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
One of Spain’s most important art museums, with collections spanning medieval to modern works, including Basque, Spanish and European masters.
- Recommended
Itsasmuseum Bilbao
Bilbao’s maritime museum by the estuary, covering the city’s shipbuilding, port and industrial heritage through outdoor docks and indoor exhibits.
- Must visit
Plaza Nueva
Grand neoclassical square in the Old Town, lined with arcades and always lively. A classic place to experience Bilbao’s urban character.
- Must visit
Abandoibarra
Waterfront redevelopment zone around the Guggenheim, ideal for contemporary architecture, riverside walks and some of Bilbao’s most shared views.
- Must visit
Artxanda Viewpoint
Classic viewpoint over Bilbao, reached by funicular, offering one of the city’s most iconic panoramas and a favorite photo spot.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A classic Basque dish strongly associated with Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod served with a rich red pepper and onion sauce in the Bizkaia style. It is one of the signature dishes of the province.
- Gluten-free
Marmitako
A traditional Basque fishermen’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is hearty, local, and widely loved in Bilbao.
Restaurante Mina
Highly regarded fine-dining restaurant by the river, known for tasting menus that highlight seasonal Basque ingredients with contemporary style.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao
Refined Michelin-starred dining inside the Guggenheim, offering modern Basque cuisine with elegant technique and a calm, minimalist room.
La Viña del Ensanche
Well-known, long-running restaurant and wine bar celebrated for quality pintxos, seasonal Basque cooking, and a lively local atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars are affordable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for pintxos or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Small change is enough in bars or taxis; tipping is not obligatory.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- 5.00 EUR
To the city center
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses -> Bilbao-Abando
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Barik card is the easiest way to pay across Metro Bilbao, Bilbobus, tram and other local operators, and fares are cheaper than cash tickets.
- On Bilbobus, contactless bank card payment is available onboard, which is useful if you do not have a Barik card.
FAQs: Bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao can start from as little as $87 (€71) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is $93 (€76) ; 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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is 9h 45m to travel the 284 miles (458 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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao leaves at 5:45 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao with Alsa, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao, you can count on Alsa, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Bilbao. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bilbao from Santiago de Compostela is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao for bus company Alsa.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bilbao are:
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a modern and contemporary art museum known for its innovative architecture by Frank Gehry
- Casco Viejo, the old town of Bilbao featuring narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant local markets
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, a museum housing a diverse collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces
- Santiago Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral with a rich history dating back to the 14th century
- Zubizuri Bridge, a striking white arch bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava offering scenic views of the city.
The best things to do in Bilbao include:
- Mount Artxanda, a scenic viewpoint accessible by funicular offering panoramic views of the city
- La Ribera Market, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a lively atmosphere
- A walk along the Nervión River, providing a relaxing experience with beautiful views of the cityscape
- Enjoying pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, in one of the many local bars
- Exploring the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural and leisure center housed in a former wine warehouse.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa.
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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao with the following bus company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao with the following bus company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao with the following bus company: Alsa.
Since both Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao 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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao 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 Bilbao, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, the old town, and near major attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum. Common scams include distraction techniques and overcharging taxi drivers; it’s advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Travelers should also be aware of counterfeit tickets for events or transportation and always verify prices before purchasing. Staying vigilant in busy spots and keeping belongings secure helps reduce risks.
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 Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Santiago de Compostela
Bilbao
The major bus station for departures in Santiago de Compostela is Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses for your trip from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao.
Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Bilbao is Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses for your trip to Bilbao from Santiago de Compostela.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Gurtubay KaleaWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
- Bus: 58, 62, 77 Metro: L1, L2 Train: C1, C2
Most popular bus connections from Santiago de Compostela
More options for your journey from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela
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