ALSA bus - advance ticket purchase & change?

[TMcA]

Our flight from Montreal arrives in Madrid at 12:05 PM. The first bus to Burgos from Madrid Barajas Terminal 4 is at 1:15. Would love to make that bus but it's an extremely tight connection. The next bus leaves at 3:15. I just checked the seats available on the earlier bus and about a third of them have been taken. On one other occasion I made a change to ALSA bus tickets going from SdC to Porto and the change had to be made 24 hours in advance, but that was an international route. So...does anyone know whether this would be the policy for the bus to Burgos?

(Checked the ALSA Faqs, but no mention about this.)

Thanks you any help.

Tom

 

[Glenshiro]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I would say the chances of you retrieving your luggage, clearing Customs and Immigration, and finding the bus stop in an hour are slim to zero. Go for the later bus!

 

[Glenshiro]

I forgot to mention - Terminal 4 at Barajas is about the size of Wales. It has its own underground shuttle train. It's a nightmare to navigate.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I forgot to mention - Terminal 4 at Barajas is about the size of Wales. It has its own underground shuttle train. It's a nightmare to navigate.

So true!

 

[TMcA]

Thanks for all replies.

I booked the later bus and bought tickets on ALSA's site. (Have to use Paypal to make purchase if you are purchasing from the U.S.)

In the unlikely event that we clear Spanish Immigration and retrieve our large bag from the bag claim area in time for the earlier bus, I'll rush to the ALSA counter and see if our tickets can be used on the earlier departure assuming that bus has available seats.

Muchas gracias.

Tom

 

[Anniesantiago]

I forgot to mention - Terminal 4 at Barajas is about the size of Wales. It has its own underground shuttle train. It's a nightmare to navigate.

Sorry you have had trouble there.
I find it to be one of the easiest airports I've been to.
The signage is all in English and there are green-coated customer service people all over the place who will help you.

The buses leave from right outside the door of Terminal 4.
To me, it's a piece of cake.

Heathrow? Now THAT is a nightmare airport!

 

[trecile]

Thanks for all replies.

I booked the later bus and bought tickets on ALSA's site. (Have to use Paypal to make purchase if you are purchasing from the U.S.)

In the unlikely event that we clear Spanish Immigration and retrieve our large bag from the bag claim area in time for the earlier bus, I'll rush to the ALSA counter and see if our tickets can be used on the earlier departure assuming that bus has available seats.

Muchas gracias.

Tom

That's the plan that I would have suggested.

 

[Glenshiro]

Sorry you have had trouble there.
I find it to be one of the easiest airports I've been to.
The signage is all in English and there are green-coated customer service people all over the place who will help you.

The buses leave from right outside the door of Terminal 4.
To me, it's a piece of cake.

Heathrow? Now THAT is a nightmare airport!

I agree about Heathrow - my least favourite airport in the western hemisphere! However, I was at T4 at Barajas this morning (to catch a bus) and I struggled to find the right place. Made it ok, but I had left plenty of time in hand. I just find it all a bit overwhelming when I walk in. Mind you, I am getting on a bit......(looks for sympathy vote)

 

[Anniesantiago]

I agree about Heathrow - my least favourite airport in the western hemisphere! However, I was at T4 at Barajas this morning (to catch a bus) and I struggled to find the right place. Made it ok, but I had left plenty of time in hand. I just find it all a bit overwhelming when I walk in. Mind you, I am getting on a bit......(looks for sympathy vote)

Giving Glen a big hug.
But you made it right?
Buen Camino, Glen!

 

[Glenshiro]

Yes, thanks, Annie, a nice trip through the mountains to Logrono and then a local bus to Los Arcos. Walked back to Logrono today in beautiful weather.