ALSA is one of the leading bus companies in Spain offering various transportation options. It offers routes covering most of Spain, some international routes, and in some cities in Spain (like Granada), urban bus services. On our most recent visit to southern Spain, we used trains and buses to shuttle us around the Andalusia region. This was our first experience with ALSA buses, and I was a bit nervous. I can report back that we had an overall good experience with the buses and would ride one again. Be sure to read to the end where I share about ALSA’s free loyalty program and why it is worth joining even if you only ride once.
ALSA bus review: What it is like onboard
We rode the ALSA bus from Seville to Granada (3 hours), and again from Granada to Cordoba (almost 3 hours). The seats were comfortable and generally clean. The overhead storage could fit our backpacks, however, on one bus the driver insisted all luggage be put underneath. Both buses had a bathroom onboard. Gary tried it out and recommended it only if you couldn’t hold it. As to be expected on a bus, the tiny bathroom was a bit cramped, and on one of the buses, a bit smelly. We also observed the bathroom door fly open, while someone else was in there using it! So, if you do use it, be sure the door is securely closed to avoid an embarrassing moment. Each seat had a tv screen in the headrest with entertainment options. WIFI was also available. It required you to register to connect and ALSA offered 3 speed options. I was unsuccessful in getting it to work. However, my kids claimed they connected to the mid-level option without any problem.
What the ALSA bus stations look like
The photo above shows the bus station in Seville. It is across the street from the historic bus station, so be sure you are in the right place (the newer one).
This photo shows us pulling into a busy bus station. Make sure you know which bay number your bus will leave from.
The photo above shows the bus station in Granada. You can catch a bus immediately outside that takes you to the historic center.
The photo above shows the Cordoba bus station, which is located across the street from the Cordoba train station.
ALSA bus review: Navigating the ALSA bus station
The bus stations are similar to the train stations, in that they offer similar services. You can expect to find a ticketing counter and machines, a waiting area, public restrooms, an information desk, and food services. The bus stations were generally clean and we felt safe. Inside the bus station is a reader board that provides information on arrivals and departures. We found which bay to meet our bus at from this reader board. We arrived at the bus station about half an hour early each time and had plenty of time to grab a bite to eat, use the restroom, and find our bay. The bus was waiting for us by the time we reached it, with the bus driver standing nearby. Passengers lined up to board, and the bus driver scanned each person’s QR code as they boarded. I printed paper copies and had our tickets in the ALSA App. Both options worked without problem (I used the paper tickets the first bus, and the digital tickets in the App the second bus).
ALSA bus review: Punctuality of the ALSA buses
Our experience is that buses in Spain run about as timely as any of the other transportation options. They strive to leave and arrive on time. However, on our first bus, an elderly gentlemen had a problem with his ticket and was denied boarding. He later got on the bus anyways, and refused to get off. While I couldn’t understand the details because everything happened in Spanish, the man insisted he had a valid ticket and that if it wasn’t valid, it was the bus company’s fault. He argued with the bus driver. Then someone from the bus administration came and he argued with that person. Then someone from the bus station security came, and he argued with that person too. Eventually, the police were called and he argued with them as well. After several rounds of arguing with the police officers, he finally got up and left the bus rather than be physically forced off. The bus left about half an hour late as a result. But it was a smooth noneventful ride from there.
On our second bus, there was no incident and the bus pulled out almost on the dot, and arrived on time (maybe even early).
The benefits of riding the ALSA bus
Our family is fond of the train. However, the train from Seville to Granada was just over 3 hours long with a change, and the bus was exactly 3 hours direct with no stops. The cost for the bus was about the third of the price. So it made sense to try the bus. We would get there faster, and save quite a but of money. We were able to take a taxi from in front of our apartment to the bus station for 6 EUR per car (we are a big group so we needed two cars).
We also chose to take the bus from Granada to Cordoba. The bus made two stops and took one hour longer than the train. However, it was again cheaper. But what made it appealing to us is that the schedule for the bus was better. Instead of having to take an early morning or evening train, we were able to time our arrival in Cordoba with the apartment’s check-in time. It worked out perfect for us. The money saved was a bonus. There was an urban ALSA bus that picked us up near our apartment in Granada and delivered us to the front door of the bus station for about 44 cents each (there was a discount on tickets at the time). And we walked from Cordoba bus station to our apartment.
ALSA Bus Review: Booking ALSA tickets and signing up for ALSA Plus
While you can book your bus tickets directly at the bus station, I booked our tickets well in advance using the ALSA website. The buses were pretty full, so it is probably a safe bet to book in advance. While on their website, I signed up for the ALSA Plus program, their frequent passenger program and downloaded the ALSA app. By signing up, ALSA waived the almost $20 in “management fees” it initially quoted for my first set of tickets. It also gave me free changes and cancellations up to 2 hours before departure. As a thank you for signing up, I received a 15% off coupon by email. I didn’t get to use the coupon because they don’t send it immediately and I didn’t want to miss out on the low fares I had in front of me at the time. If you are even considering taking ALSA, I would suggest signing up so you have the coupon ready when you go to book.
The only thing I couldn’t figure out was how to take advantage of the free high speed WIFI on the bus, available to ALSA Plus members. When connecting, I saw the option to select it. But I had trouble actually connecting. ALSA posts instructions here, but where I struggled was with the ID number. I may not have been using the correct number. It wasn’t obvious to me which number I should have entered and I tried the ticket number and tried searching for an ALSA Plus member number. It looks like I could’ve used my passport number (you have to provide passport numbers for each passenger when booking your tickets) or email address. Next time, I will be sure to try one of those!
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