- Must visit
Museo del Bierzo
Main local history museum of El Bierzo, housed in a historic building in the center. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, and the region’s cultural heritage.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 47 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
164 km
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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 6 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Ponferrada on Fri, Jun 12, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 12 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Fri, Jun 12 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.
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Supra Economy
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NormalOmio 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 $28. 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 $28, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $30 Average price | $41 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada:
A bus is $0.90 (€0.73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada costing on average $30 (€24).
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 24m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€23) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada buses for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 10:45 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h15 | 3:00 PM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 2:15 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h40 | 5:55 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 | 9:30 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h45 | 1:15 AM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 12 | |||||
Normal | 5:45 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h30 | 9:15 AM Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h00 | 12:00 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 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.
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 $28 (€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.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€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 |
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
Main local history museum of El Bierzo, housed in a historic building in the center. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, and the region’s cultural heritage.
Large industrial and science museum set in the former Compostilla I power plant. It is one of Ponferrada’s most distinctive cultural sites, explaining energy production and industrial heritage.
Museum dedicated to the history of radio broadcasting, created around the legacy of broadcaster Luis del Olmo. A good stop for media history and local culture in the old town.
Historic old town with medieval lanes, traditional squares, and many of the city’s main monuments. It is the best area for first-time visitors and atmospheric evening walks.
One of Ponferrada’s signature streets, linking important monuments in the old quarter. It is ideal for a slow walk through the city’s most historic urban scenery.
Main civic square framed by historic architecture and close to key heritage sights. A natural meeting point and one of the classic places to feel the rhythm of the old center.
The signature dish of El Bierzo: pork rib and tail cuts seasoned, stuffed into casing, then cured and cooked, usually served with cabbage and potatoes.
Roasted peppers from the Bierzo area, prized for their sweetness and protected local origin; often served as a tapa or side dish.
Air-cured smoked beef from León province, commonly sliced thin as a tapa and valued for its deep, savory flavor.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Ponferrada known for creative cuisine rooted in El Bierzo products, with an elegant contemporary atmosphere.
A classic local restaurant associated with traditional Leonese and Bierzo cooking, especially hearty regional specialties in a formal setting.
A well-known traditional mesón with rustic atmosphere, popular for grilled meats, regional dishes, and generous portions.
Generally cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Good value for menus, coffee, and local bars; hotels vary by season.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Not expected for coffee or tapas, but small change is appreciated. Round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses -> Ponferrada Railway Station
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.

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