
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
4 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
4 h 56 m
Buses on 05 Sept
7
Distance
338 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Ponferrada will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 7 buses from Madrid to Ponferrada, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 338 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Normal
Normal
Supra EconomyOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Ponferrada among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, while a train costs an average of £63.
Distance: 338 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£34 Average Price Cheapest | £63 Average Price | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Madrid to Ponferrada:
A coach is £30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Ponferrada costing on average £63.
Other travel options to Ponferrada take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 45m.
Tickets start at around £34 compared to roughly £59 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £26. The journey takes 4h 28m versus 3h 55m 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, Alsa Supra.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Ponferrada coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 15:15 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h15 | 20:30 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h15 | 23:00 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 17:45 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h15 | 23:00 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
Normal | 8:00 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h10 | 13:10 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Madrid to Ponferrada run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £19 by train.
There are 13 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 338 km distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 338 km |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Compare Alsa classes and the amenities included in each one.

Compare Alsa Supra classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Ponferrada — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ponferrada trip today.
Museum inside the castle complex showing local history, archaeology and the Templar story. A strong companion visit to the fortress.
Museum dedicated to rail history in a former power station area, with locomotives and industrial heritage linked to El Bierzo.
Art centre focused on radio history and the work of Luis del Olmo, with devices, recordings and displays in a restored old-town building.
Main square beside the basilica and castle, lined with arcades and civic buildings. It is a lively base for exploring the historic centre.
Historic street on the Camino de Santiago with traditional buildings, shops and old-town atmosphere. Ideal for a short heritage walk.
Riverside park with paths, lawns and open views, popular for walks and relaxed breaks near the centre of Ponferrada.
Roasted red peppers from El Bierzo, prized for their sweet flesh and smoky flavour. A protected local speciality, often served as a tapa or side dish.
Traditional pork stew from Bierzo with assorted cured and fresh pork cuts, potatoes and vegetables. A hearty winter dish tied to local pig-slaughter customs.
Sweet roasted or conference pears grown in El Bierzo. They are valued locally for their delicate texture and are a classic seasonal dessert or accompaniment.
Upscale restaurant in a historic setting focused on contemporary regional cuisine, with careful presentation and a strong Bierzo wine selection.
Established dining room known for refined Leonese and Bierzo cooking in a smart, calm setting. Good choice for seasonal local produce and wine.
Popular traditional restaurant serving hearty Bierzo specialities such as botillo and roast meats. Warm, classic atmosphere suited to local cuisine.
Ponferrada is cheaper than larger Spanish cities, with modest hotel rates, affordable dining and low local transport costs for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. In cafés and taxis, small change or rounding up is normal, not expected.
Official public transport app
Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Ponferrada
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Ponferrada by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ponferrada, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Ponferrada buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Ponferrada bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) is 2 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa).
Available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Calle de la Princesa / Paseo de Moret (Moncloa): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need