Spain boasts an extensive and efficient bus network that offers tourists an affordable and flexible way to explore the country. Whether you’re navigating the vibrant streets of Madrid, hopping between picturesque coastal towns, or journeying through the scenic countryside, buses provide a reliable alternative to trains and rental cars. This guide will help you plan your Spanish adventure using both urban and intercity bus services.

Urban Bus Services: Getting Around Cities

Spain’s cities and towns have well-developed urban bus networks that are ideal for getting around without the hassle of parking or navigating unfamiliar streets. Major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville have extensive routes covering tourist attractions, business districts, and residential areas.

• Madrid: Operated by EMT: Madrid, the city’s blue buses are frequent and affordable. A single ticket costs around €1.50, but visitors can save money with a multi-trip card or the tourist travel pass. Plan your route here.
• Barcelona: TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) runs an extensive network, including regular buses and the popular Bus Turístic, which offers a hop-on-hop-off experience to major landmarks. Plan your route here.
• Valencia: The EMT Valencia system connects key sites like the City of Arts and Sciences with beaches and historic districts. Plan your route here.
• Seville: TUSSAM buses are an excellent way to explore the city, with lines reaching the famous Alcázar, Plaza de España, and the Triana neighborhood. Plan your route here.

In addition to city-operated buses, most urban areas also have night buses (“búhos” in Spanish) that run after metro services stop, ensuring travelers can move around safely at night.

Intercity Bus Services: Exploring Spain by Coach

For longer journeys, intercity bus travel in Spain is a convenient and budget-friendly option. The country’s coach services are modern, comfortable, and well-connected, often reaching places where trains do not.
The bus network reaches a large number of destinations that planes and trains can’t meaning that is  often your best option to reach the small towns and villages and you will also be able to enjoy the scenery on the way.  

Trainline allows you to plan all your inter city bus travel in Spain in one convenient place and provides a route map and planner all in English. You can then buy your tickets through the Trainline app or online.

Other useful information

• Costs: Bus travel is typically cheaper than trains, with fares starting at just a few euros for short trips and around €20-€40 for longer routes.
• Luggage Policies: Most intercity buses allow one or two pieces of luggage in the hold, plus a small carry-on.
• Travel Comfort: Many long-distance buses are equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, USB chargers, and even onboard entertainment.

Why Choose Bus Travel in Spain?

• Affordability: Buses are often the cheapest way to travel between cities.
• Extensive Coverage: They reach places that may not be accessible by train.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Many companies are investing in hybrid or electric buses.
• Flexibility: Frequent departures and various ticket options allow for spontaneous travel plans.