Madrid - Bilbao

There´s this recurrent thing about buses in Spain, and for some reason US visitors do not consider them as an adequate means of transport. So, to clarify this point: bus (coach) transport in Spain is excellent. Clean, safe, very frequent, quick, modern, full equipped, toilets, wifi and ammenities in long-distance (Madrid-Bilbao, for example) routes...and quite cheap too. Buses on this route stop for around 20min for a coffee and something quick to eat, so you can stretch your legs. Leather seats in Premium Class, rest are also very comfortable, reclinable and with ample room for your legs. Public transport is outstanding in Spain, so take advantage of it!

Mike LG,
Thank you so much for this follow-up to my many questions to you on Fodor's. This is grand news that the bus makes a stop so I can stretch my achin' spine.
Will book.
While I'm at it, we need one night in Honoribbia (or another village near SS), doesn't need to be top drawer, still I find nothing. Reviews on the Parador are terrible...but I have found them to be responsive and helpful. Villa Magellan only has queen beds (typical but will not work for my 6'3 partner). And other places are reportedly loud and noisy at night. Hotel Opismo would be okay, but although you know the area far better than we, we of little faith live or die by the adage: "anything that can go wrong will"---
Should I just go with the Parador???
JP (aka pepperment)

Took many bus trips between destinations last month--a few of them on ALSA, some DAMAS, and some TGComes bus lines. There is some cross coverage, we had reservations on an ALSA bus, but that particular time slot was actually served by DAMAS. All of the buses were clean, comfortable. None of the ones we rode had bathrooms, but the longest stretch we had was a tad over 2 hours. The driver will allow passengers to use the facilities at bus stations (and verify that everyone reboards).

The nice thing about the buses is that the cargo hold is at curb level--the high speed trains have little areas at the front and back of each compartment where you have to play tetris and stack your bags.

I´m actually booking the Parador in Hondarribia (spelling) for October, a present from my friends, it´s a magnificent place on top of the city (accessible on foot or on an elevator) and at a walking distance from town center. Hotel Obispo (spelling), which means Bishop, is very nicely located, I doubt it´s noisy at night...been there and all I can say is that it´s a 15th century building with a crooky design inside...as it was centuries ago. But a beautiful place all in all, with parking space right in front.

MikeLG,
Planning Alsa Supra bus SS-Madrid 19 September. Schedule notes 2 stops (but no 'rest stop'), but is there always a rest stop? Alsa has no contact email for getting simple questions answered!

Wonderful that you rec'd a gift of a stay at P Honoribbia. Still trying to work out our reservation. Appears the Parador desk doesn't coordinate with central reservations )< : so my previous incomplete booking keeps re-surfacing. Ugh.

I must say this trip has been so much more complicated and confusing than anything over our past 20 years of independent travel.

JP

Supra does not stop except when getting close to Madrid and some of these buses stop at the airport. It´s a very comfortable bus with big room for stretching your legs and most of them are double decker, with food, ammenities like video and radio, and drinks. It should be really easy, it´s a very frequent route.

Mikel

Mike,
So your previous info (see top of thread) is not accurate? They don't take rest stops? As mentioned, sitting for 4-5 hours without being able to stretch my legs for a few minutes is a problem. And the trains are completely disorganized too!

So have you changed your mind about what Supra does, because you recommended them highly? Do they stop and provide a stretch time for passenger on a 5 hour ride or not.
I would prefer to contact them by email but I guess I have to call: besides the cost, that will be unpleasant bc I don't speak Spanish.
Wow. I have had such great experiences in Spain, but apparently transportation systems in this country are not very user-friendly.

Thank you.

My first posts states that the regular buses between Madrid and Bilbao and viceversa DO stop. I have not changed my mind, I only said that Supra is a very good option and have noted that they do have ample leg room and reclinable seats and are faster, as they do not stop. There are TWO types of buses on this route, and that´s what I mentioned, sorry if it was not clear enough.

I recommend SUPRA buses (in latin, SUPRA means top, excellent, it´s a commercial name for the best version of these special buses, the company is the same, ALSA). I´m really sorry you are not managing well on their website, but I find it easy: regular buses, stop and have less amenities and more standard seats. Supra version is the luxury one. They are all listed with their timetables and prices and stops, it´s clearly stated on their website.

On your same question on other forum both Maribel and I have also answered about Supra, stating that it does not stop as it´s a more comfortable type of bus.

We have an excellent transportation system, as you already know. If neither the regular bus with a stop does not suit you nor the non-stop SUPRA option (which is clearly shown on their website), you may want to rent a car or wait for the train, which no doubt will show up and you will be able to get a seat and walk along the aisle to strech your legs, which is the main cause of your concern here.

Hope the above helps, I honestly think it´s an easy choice.

Mikel (with a final "l")

In 2019, we stayed at Hotel Jauregui in Hondaribbia. It is not fancy, but was clean and functional. Staff were helpful. Bed and bedding were comfy. Location is great. Room rate was a bargain. Would happily return.

Villa Magellan only has queen beds (typical but will not work for my 6'3 partner).
I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but almost all rooms at Villa Magalean have king beds. It says that in the room descriptions right on their web site.

Opps! I must have the wrong "Magellan"-no problem I worked it out & decided to not stay in Honoribbia. We will go there for lunch thought! Heard the fish harbor is great!
Thanks!

Hi MikeI (with a final 'I'),

Thank you for the clarification..my error. We will do Comfort and get the rest stop-which is absolutely necessary (even on a 4 hour flight, I need to stretch a bit) ! I imagine it's not too bad, have you ever been on a Comfort bus?
JP

Standard buses on the route Madrid Bilbao are absolutely fine, no issues at all. There are many daily departures on a route that runs along a highway, buses stop midway and they are safe, clean, cheap and very comfortable.