Train travel from Santiago to Ponferrada..advice please

[Former member 60103]

I am arriving in Santiago 22nd August intending to walk the Inverieno from Ponferrada back to Santiago.
Researching train times via Ourense shows that there is engineering work taking place and the train has been replaced by a bus . I do not have any issue with this and at this stage have not researched proper bus route . My plan has built in "what if" days so none of this is time critical. When I arrive at Ponferrada I start walking, simple as that.
My question to the community;
Has anyone got up to date experience of the rail replacement service on this route and how well it is working - my intention is to travel Santiago - Ourense. Overnight. Ourense to Ponferrada.
Many thanks,
Buen Camino.
Don.

 

[J Willhaus]

It looks like there are several Alsa buses to Ponferrada from Santiago. It might be cheaper a d faster to take the bus rather than the train since you may be diverted to bus anyway.

We had to divert to bus from Ourense when taking the train from Madrid to Sarria this summer due to train works. It was fine. We were collected up and put on the bus with all the other passengers going to Sarria. No problems.

 

[Tincatinker]

I am arriving in Santiago 22nd August intending to walk the Inverieno from Ponferrada back to Santiago.
Researching train times via Ourense shows that there is engineering work taking place and the train has been replaced by a bus . I do not have any issue with this and at this stage have not researched proper bus route . My plan has built in "what if" days so none of this is time critical. When I arrive at Ponferrada I start walking, simple as that.
My question to the community;
Has anyone got up to date experience of the rail replacement service on this route and how well it is working - my intention is to travel Santiago - Ourense. Overnight. Ourense to Ponferrada.
Many thanks,
Buen Camino.
Don.

Plenty of direct buses:

Checkout - Alsa

www.alsa.es

 

[Former member 60103]

Thanks for that. More buses than trains (buses) so they do look like a good plan b.
Don.

 

[@Ditts]

I am arriving in Santiago 22nd August intending to walk the Inverieno from Ponferrada back to Santiago.
Researching train times via Ourense shows that there is engineering work taking place and the train has been replaced by a bus . I do not have any issue with this and at this stage have not researched proper bus route . My plan has built in "what if" days so none of this is time critical. When I arrive at Ponferrada I start walking, simple as that.
My question to the community;
Has anyone got up to date experience of the rail replacement service on this route and how well it is working - my intention is to travel Santiago - Ourense. Overnight. Ourense to Ponferrada.
Many thanks,
Buen Camino.
Don.

As everyone else says. Just get a bus anyway. The buses are great across Spain. It’ll be cheaper too

 

[Former member 60103]

Alsa bus booked Santiago to Ponferrada. In the distant long ago I worked a few years for British Rail (as it was then) hence a lifelong preference for trains.....think Sheldon Cooper..... but life goes on and I will be taking the bus and enjoying the journey before the hard work (walk !) starts.
Don