I tried to purchase bus tickets from the Biarritz airport to San Sebastian on the ALSA website, but I repeatedly received an error code and their FAQ's didn't cover the topic. I think it has to do with some document number, Are there letters associated with a US passport? Should 001 be used when entering a mobile phone number? Also, the website indicates that international travelers need to be at the station 2 hours prior to departure. Is this right? I called ALSA but my Spanish is basically non-existent and no one spoke enough English or French to help me. Appreciate any help I can get.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
If you are at the 'Complete your purchase' page, the drop down below your name gives you a choice one of which is 'Pasaporte' and beside it you input your number. I have always input a nine digit number and nothing else (I am British and the prefix is GBR).
With regard to the mobile number probably make it fit, I strongly doubt anyone is going to 'phone you for any reason but this is an addition and the format has changed since I last purchased tickets three months ago for journeys in Spain.
I have never made an international journey and no one has made the effort, on any forum I contribute to, to report back on this odd turning up two hours prior and I certainly do not understand the need.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I have had problems with ALSA accepting my credit card. In all cases, pay pal has worked fine. Try that, it has solved the issue every time.
I have not seen the 2 hour requirement and have never needed it - I can't imagine why, but I have not traveled in that area of Spain. I can tell you that in Madrid and in Andalucia, arroving 30 minutes ahead with a printout of the ticket and my passport was more than sufficient.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
+1 is usually the way to start if entering your US or Canadian phone number. While I see the rule on their site for "international departures," that seems more likely to apply to a long ride (e.g. their service to Poland) than a short, cross-border hop that runs many times per day. I would not expect you to have any problem buying tickets on the spot before departure.
Posted by
OP
Eagle Lake
104 posts
Thank you to everyone for your assistance. I was able to use PayPal to purchase the ALSA bus tickets for our trip. I also found out on another site that ALSA does not accept foreign credit cards. Traveling on your own (with help from a wonderful group of people at this forum) is a great learning experience!
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
Well, I had no trouble with my GB issued VISA credit Card earlier in the year, so I guess the site must only be sometimes xenophobic. Glad you got there in the end.