Hi all!
I am planning to take the ALSA bus to Barcelona from Valencia for a flight. When looking at the cost from Valencia to Barcelona (bus station in the center), it's as low as 5.50 euro, depending on ability to cancel/alter reservations, etc... The next to last stop is the Barcelona airport.
However, when getting a bus directly to the airport, it's 28.50 euro. It makes no sense, but does anyone know if it's possible to just get the 5.50 ticket and get off at the airport? Or are they very strict about those matters? Any experience? Thanks!
Posted by
California 🦋
5216 posts
Monique,
When I check the ALSA website & put in your desired route ( Valencia to Barcelona), I only see Valencia to Barcelona Airport or Barcelona (Nord) for € 28,90 per person. Where did you find a ticket for €5,50?
The journey from Valencia to Barcelona (airport or bus station) takes around 4 hours, so I doubt a bus ticket costs €5,50.
Edited to add...
When are you traveling this route?
Posted by
California 🦋
5216 posts
Monique,
You're absolutely correct, I was able to find a ticket for € 5,50 for end of September & early October.
I don't see why you can't buy that "promo" (discounted) ticket and get off at the airport.
Having said this, since I've not taken this route before, I'd contact ALSA & ask your question.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
Thanks Priscilla! It's a very odd way to arrange the pricing, but I'm all about a loophole :)
The dates I was looking at were for early November.
Posted by
Washington DC
27142 posts
Airport transportation is often more expensive, per mile, and express buses also tend to be more costly. Add in the availability of a promo fare on the slower (I assume) city-to-city run, and you get a shocking price gap. I'd go for it, but be sure the driver knows you're getting off at the airport when your bag is being stowed under the bus (it may need to go in a specific area), and remind him again as you're getting off that you need to retrieve your bag.
Never mind; Joan is better informed than I am!
Posted by
Barcelona
64 posts
The bus market in spain is not free, it is by concessions given by the Government. Having said that, you will not be able to get off at Barcelona Airport because with promotional fares you're not allowed to get off earlier. The driver will not let you get off because of the rules of your promo ticket.
Promotional fares work on different parts of the journey, so for example the promotional fares for the Valencia-BCN Airport have been sold out and the VLC-BCN city haven't.
Take a look at the Euromed and Regional trains. The euromed is very cheap if you prebook it in advance at www.renfe.com, and the regional train is always cheap because it is a set price (28,55€)
Posted by
OP
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
Thank you Joan! I was wondering what the reaction of the bus driver would be and if it would cause any issues. So now to decide to spend the 28 euro and go directly to the airport, or save some money by going to Barcelona and then taking a separate form of public transportation (or even a shared shuttle) to the airport.
Thanks for your explanation!
Posted by
California 🦋
5216 posts
Monique,
I see that you've already received the correct answer from Joan. Thanks Joan!
Since I was intrigued by your question, and I didn't want to give you misinformation, I contacted ALSA (via email) last night and I received their reply earlier this morning.
The response I received basically explains that just because the bus route shows a stop, it doesn't mean that the bus will stop at said stop; it all depends on whether or not there are passengers stopping there or getting on the bus at that particular stop. Passengers are obliged to only get on and off the bus at the stops that are indicated (printed) on their ticket(s). ALSA will not be responsible if one chooses to do otherwise (missing bus, etc, etc...)
As a side note:
I always spend the night before my flight in my departure city. I just don't want to take the risk of missing my flight, especially if it's an international one.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Barcelona
64 posts
From Barcelona Sants station to the Airport is free of charge with your Euromed or Talgo ticket. When you buy your Euromed or talgo ticket it includes a free ride on Barcelona commuter trains (Rodalies) to anywhere with those trains. And the airport is covered by Rodalies trains (well, only Terminal 2, but there is a free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 should you need that runs every 4 minutes).
If you spend a day or two in Barcelona then the airport train costs only 1€ with the same transport card of Barcelona, known as T-10.
If you are 3 or more and you want to go to the Airport is always better to buy a T-10 card, even if you aren't using all the 10 journeys the card offers.
A single commuter train ticket from Barcelona to the airport costs 4,10€. Only valid for commuter trains (Rodalies). All info: rodalies.gencat.cat (use Aeroport for Airport, it's in Catalan)
Rodalies airport train runs every 30 min all days.