- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad museum is Bilbao’s global icon, celebrated for major contemporary art shows and bold architecture.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$90
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$90
Fastest journey on Sep 08
10 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
10 h 38 m
Buses on Sep 08
2
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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
Fast buses
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 2 buses from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 458 km distance in an average of 10 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest buses will take 10 h 45 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$901One-way0 transfers- Normal5:30 PM10h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses4:15 AMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$901One-way0 transfers
- Normal9:00 AM10h30Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses7:30 PMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$901One-way0 transfers
- Normal5:30 PM10h45Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses4:15 AMBilbao, Estación de Autobuses$901One-way0 transfers
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 an average ticket price of $89 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, while a flight costs an average of $272.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $272 Average price | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | 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 $89.
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
A bus is $32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao costing on average $121.
A bus is $183 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao costing on average $272.
The fastest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 3m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 54m.
Train takes on average 8h 15m.
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 $89 compared to roughly $117 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28. The journey takes 6h 54m 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 Alsa | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Live departures
Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao buses for today, Monday, September 7. 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 | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
| 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 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.
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
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 |
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 Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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
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 $51. 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 Alsa Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest Alsa Price
$51
Alsa frequency
1 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
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Fine arts museum with outstanding Basque, Spanish, and European works spanning from the Middle Ages to today.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum devoted to Basque archaeology, ethnography, and local history inside a restored Jesuit college in the Old Town.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s medieval old quarter, packed with historic streets, shops, churches, and lively plazas ideal for walking.
- Must visit
Paseo de Abandoibarra
Riverside promenade around the Guggenheim, excellent for architecture views, public art, and easy city-center walks.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Panoramic hilltop viewpoint reached by funicular, popular for sweeping views over Bilbao and access to green walking areas.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod cooked slowly in olive oil, garlic and chilli until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic closely linked to Bilbao's traditional seafood cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Salt cod baked with a sauce of peppers, tomato, onion and garlic. A hallmark Biscayan dish that reflects Bilbao's historic cod trade.
Txakoli-Braised Carrilleras
Veal shanks braised in red wine and vegetables until tender. This rich stew is a beloved specialty from the Basque Country and northern Spain.
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Martín Berasategui with creative tasting menus and refined service inside the Guggenheim Museum.
Zarate
Elegant Michelin-starred venue serving modern Basque cuisine with strong seasonal products. Ideal for a high-end local dining experience.
Restaurante Víctor Montes
Traditional restaurant known for Basque seafood and meat dishes in a polished setting near the river. Well regarded for classic local cooking.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining cost more than smaller cities, but pintxos, public transit, and coffee remain fairly affordable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. In cafes and taxis, small change or rounding up is enough.
Barik NFC
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- $null
To the city center
Bilbao Intermodal -> Moyua Plaza, Bilbao
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Metro Bilbao, Bilbao Tram and many Bizkaibus services use the Barik system; contactless bank card acceptance is not universal, so Barik is the safest option.
- Buy and reload a Barik card for cheaper fares and easy transfers across metro, tram and buses in Greater Bilbao.
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 $51 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is $89 ; 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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao for bus company Alsa.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
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
Most Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao buses use the Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Santiago de Compostela and Bilbao 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 Bilbao
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
Which Bilbao station do buses from Santiago de Compostela arrive at?
Buses from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao arrive at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses. Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 miles (2 km) from Bilbao city centre.
Bilbao, Estación de AutobusesGurtubay Kalea, 1, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses from Bilbao city centre
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus01, 10 · 3m · every ~13 min
A3223 · 7m · $2
TramTr · 3m · $2 · every ~16 min
SubwayLínea De Metro Bilbao · 2m · $2 · every ~33 min
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
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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