We are arriving in Madrid on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 8:35 am in Terminal 1 and need to book tickets for an ALSA bus to Bilbao. Realistically, how much time do we need to allow to get through Customs, Passport Control, shuttle to T4 or metro to Av. de America, etc.? I have looked at the website for the airport and have found the shuttle stops and the ALSA ticket machine on T4 but I'm unable to get information on how long everything takes. I have checked past forum posts, but the estimated time to clear everything was from years past. I would really appreciate some current, realistic information so we can make a good decision on where- T4 or Av. America- and what time to book bus tickets. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
It varies 30 minutes to 2 hours depends on how many flights arrive at the same time as yours
and how long the bags take to reach the carousel.
You should book the tickets to Bilbao when you get there because the flight may arrive late causing you to miss it.
For example I was on a flight last January that was delayed take off by 2 hours. It caused me to miss a bus I booked in advance at my final destination. And since I did not book the bus with the flight on one itinerary the airline was not liable.
This is the same advice earlier:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/time-needed-from-arrival-at-madrid-airport-and-catching-a-bus-to-bilbao-at-avenida-de-america
Posted by
OP
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
5 posts
Thanks. We were planning to buy tickets when we get there but our Airbnb host in Bilbao recommended buying tickets before we leave since it is a Sunday and she said lots of people would be traveling on Sunday. Shall we just wait and hope for the best when we get there?
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
We all take chances like these. 9 out of 10 times nothing goes wrong;
so go ahead with the recommendation (take the chance) and buy the bus ticket for around afternoon.
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
I'd make a decision based on the cost of the advance-purchase bus ticket. If it's not too costly, I might take a chance and buy now. But there's a limit to how much I'd want to gamble on an on-time arrival. That seems sort of like tempting fate. Another thing to look at is the frequency of the buses. How long would you have to wait if you arrived to find your planned bus sold out? I have seen a few bus sell-outs in Spain. One affected me in Bilbao, as a matter of fact, and I'm a solo traveler so only needed one seat.