- Recommended
Museo del Bierzo
Museum inside the castle complex showing local history, archaeology and the Templar story. A strong companion visit to the fortress.
Cheapest price on 25 Oct
£21
Average ticket price on 25 Oct
£22
Fastest journey on 25 Oct
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 25 Oct
3 h 43 m
Buses on 25 Oct
7
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £21.
On Sun 25 Oct, we found 7 buses from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada, including 7 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
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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NormalBuses from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £9 by train.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest coach covers the 164 km distance in 3h 30m.
Distance 164 km |
Average bus duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 5:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada.
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Ponferrada coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 25 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 5:45 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h30 | 9:15 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 8:00 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h00 | 12:00 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 10:45 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h15 | 15:00 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 13:45 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h40 | 17:25 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 14:15 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h40 | 17:55 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 15:00 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 4h00 | 19:00 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 21:30 Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 3h45 | 1:15 Ponferrada, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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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 Santiago de Compostela 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 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need