- 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 Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
Showing times and prices for Jul 27
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada 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 Ponferrada will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Ponferrada on Mon, Jul 27, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest buses will take 4 h 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.
Normal10:45 AM4h15Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses3:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers- Normal8:00 AM4h00Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses12:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal9:30 PM3h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses1:15 AMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal3:00 PM4h00Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses7:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal1:45 PM3h40Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses5:25 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Supra Economy2:15 PM3h40Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses5:55 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$331One-way0 transfers
- Normal1:45 PM3h40Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses5:25 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal9:30 PM3h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses1:15 AMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal5:00 PM3h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses8:45 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
- Normal8:00 AM4h00Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses12:00 PMPonferrada, Estación de Autobuses$231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $23.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Ponferrada is a bus with an average price of $23 (€23).
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada:
A bus is $0.73 (€0.73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada costing on average $24 (€24).
The fastest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 8m.
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santiago de Compostela and Ponferrada including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santiago de Compostela 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 $23 (€23) compared to roughly $33 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€10). The journey takes 3h 8m versus 2h 23m 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 BlaBlaCar, Alsa.
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 Ponferrada Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Live departures
Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada buses for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 1:45 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h40 | 5:25 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 3:00 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h00 | 7:00 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 5:00 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h45 | 8:45 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 9:30 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h45 | 1:15 AM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, July 27 | |||||
| Normal | 8:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h00 | 12:00 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 10:45 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h15 | 3:00 PM 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 Santiago de Compostela 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.
Mon
Jul 27
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Aug 11
Wed
Aug 12
Aug 12
Thu
Aug 13
Aug 13
Fri
Aug 14
Aug 14
Sat
Aug 15
Aug 15
Sun
Aug 16
Aug 16
Why should you book Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as MonBus offer buses services from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santiago de Compostela 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 MonBus to find the best option for your trip from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
SpainSpain
Buses from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 3h 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
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€22) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 5:15 AM |
Last bus 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Alsa, MonBus from Santiago de Compostela to PonferradaYou can travel by bus between Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, MonBus for as low as $22 (€22). 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
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€22)
Alsa frequency
5 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
3 a day
MonBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€24)
MonBus frequency
2 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 Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada can start from as little as $22 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada is $23 (€23) ; 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 Ponferrada is 3h 45m to travel the 101 miles (164 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 Ponferrada leaves at 5:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada with BlaBlaCar, Alsa. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Alsa, MonBus for the best way to get you to Ponferrada. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santiago de Compostela and Ponferrada and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Ponferrada from Santiago de Compostela is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santiago de Compostela and Ponferrada including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada for bus company Alsa.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela 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.
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 Ponferrada.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada:
- 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 Ponferrada:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada. 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 Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada with the following bus company: Alsa.
Since both Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
Most Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada buses use the Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses to Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Santiago de Compostela and Ponferrada bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santiago de Compostela
Arrival bus stations in Ponferrada
Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses
City-centre transport
Getting to Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses from Santiago de Compostela city centre
BusGonselle · 24m · $1
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 Santiago de Compostela
More options for your journey from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela
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.
