Please sign in to post.

bus journey

I will be going to Seville on 17 oct. from Malaga to Seville. looking at the options train seem to take longer (?). so bus is the other option. after hearing constantly on forum and from people who traveled there is theft everywhere . My concern is how safe it is on bus? where you store ur luggage? is it safe if do they have extra compartment like in US? same Q for train? my husband bent on going to Madrid from Seville to experience the fast train.I'll be at ease when some one gives me the facts.what is safe and better and what is not? Thanks.

Posted by
5188 posts

Mirzanx,
My mom and I took several trains and buses when we visited Spain and we didn’t have any issues.

When traveling by bus, your will place your luggage in the hold, under the bus, prior to boarding. You will want to keep your purse or small backpack with you on the bus.

When traveling by train you will place your luggage on the overhead racks or on the racks at the end of the train car, or sometimes there’s space between the seats.

I always wear a money belt (under my clothes) where I keep my valuables (passport, credit and debit cards and large bills)

Some people don’t like wearing money belts but keep their valuables in a zippered pocket in their crossbody purse or in hidden pockets in jackets, etc.

What are your main concerns?

Have a wonderful trip!

Edit to add... You may be interested in reading Rick’s Travel tips.

Posted by
2767 posts

I have taken both, perfectly safe.

On the train luggage can go on a rack above your seat (carry on size or slightly bigger). If you have large suitcases there are racks at the end of the car. The high speed train has very few stops. At your stop you carry your bag off.

On the bus, luggage goes under the bus, in a compartment. The driver opens it at stops. Everyone just grabs their own bag. It’s as safe as a baggage claim at an airport.

In both cases keep your purse or daypack with money with you - at your feet, under the seat, wherever. There’s more room than on an airplane.

Posted by
26840 posts

I have taken a lot of buses, as well as trains, in Europe over the last four years. I keep my purse with me at all times, and everything of value (cellphone, tablet, passport, ATM cards, credit cards and cash) is either in the purse or in a money belt when I'm changing hotels. I also have a week's worth of prescription medications in my purse; the excess is in my tote bag, kept at my seat.

Having taken those precautions, I do not worry about anything else. (I don't travel with valuable jewelry.) If I were dressing in designer clothes and carrying a $1000 suitcase, it might be different, but I see no reason why anyone would be interested in the contents of my suitcase. Pickpockets can be an issue, but they want cash, not used clothing.

Posted by
32 posts

Thanks to all who really gave me a detailed explanation of my worries. I will go with comfort and ease now.