Bus from Madrid to Burgos

Steven Light · Sep 28, 2019

We are flying into Madrid for our Meseta walk next week. It sounds like the bus is the best way to get to Burgos. My question is should we make reservations or can we count on getting 2 seats on whichever bus is at the best time depending on flight issues, etc? Can’t wait to be walking again!
Thanks,
Steven

NorthernLight · Sep 28, 2019

When you get to the terminal with the bus 'station', there is an Alsa desk beside the exit, inside the terminal, where you can buy tickets.

Reservations are a gamble. Maybe you get there on time, maybe not. Waiting is a gamble, maybe there will be seats on the next bus, maybe not; I think it's likely there would be, but no guarantee. You might get to the terminal on time and find a queue, so get in that queue to buy your ticket as soon as you get there. I personally buy my ticket on arrival and take the next available bus. Your camino has already started, so letting the universe dictate your bus isn't a bad thing.

There is a shop inside the terminal where you can buy snacks for the trip as well, after you get your ticket.

donalomahony · Sep 29, 2019

Download the ALSA app.

Fill in all your details and those of your travel companion(s).

Keep a regular watch on buses that suit your travel plans. Book if necessary.

donalomahony · Sep 29, 2019

Bus leaves from T4. Free shuttle from other terminals. Allow time. As advised above plenty of food options

Steven Light · Sep 29, 2019

NorthernLight said:
When you get to the terminal with the bus 'station', there is an Alsa desk beside the exit, inside the terminal, where you can buy tickets.

Reservations are a gamble. Maybe you get there on time, maybe not. Waiting is a gamble, maybe there will be seats on the next bus, maybe not; I think it's likely there would be, but no guarantee. You might get to the terminal on time and find a queue, so get in that queue to buy your ticket as soon as you get there. I personally buy my ticket on arrival and take the next available bus. Your camino has already started, so letting the universe dictate your bus isn't a bad thing.

There is a shop inside the terminal where you can buy snacks for the trip as well, after you get your ticket.

Thanks!

Steven Light · Sep 29, 2019

donalomahony said:
Download the ALSA app.

Fill in all your details and those of your travel companion(s).

Keep a regular watch on buses that suit your travel plans. Book if necessary.

Great. Thanks.

Steven Light · Sep 29, 2019

NorthernLight said:
When you get to the terminal with the bus 'station', there is an Alsa desk beside the exit, inside the terminal, where you can buy tickets.

Reservations are a gamble. Maybe you get there on time, maybe not. Waiting is a gamble, maybe there will be seats on the next bus, maybe not; I think it's likely there would be, but no guarantee. You might get to the terminal on time and find a queue, so get in that queue to buy your ticket as soon as you get there. I personally buy my ticket on arrival and take the next available bus. Your camino has already started, so letting the universe dictate your bus isn't a bad thing.

There is a shop inside the terminal where you can buy snacks for the trip as well, after you get your ticket.

Thank you!

Ed Aster · Sep 29, 2019

Absolutely make reservations, I did the same Camino as you starting in Burgos. Be aware that you need to watch carefully for your bus at T4 as the buses do get into a jumble as the airport departures get busy.

Rich1 · Sep 29, 2019

I would make reservations too - have previously had to wait a few hours while buses came and went fully booked.

RJM · Sep 29, 2019

I have always made reservations online beforehand when catching the ALSA buses. I do not see it as a gamble as it is not expensive and you have the piece of mind that you won't get to the ALSA desk/window and be told the bus is fully booked, which I have seen before.

Just make sure you have at least two hours or so after you arrive in Madrid before your bus departs terminal 4 at the airport.

Zoldor · Nov 20, 2019

There are direct buses from the bus station at Madrid airport to Burgos bus station (no need to go into central Madrid), with ALSA. You can buy tickets online in advance on the website. You can also take a taxi https://aktis.taxi/ if you want. I have dropped my mum off in Burgos to do the reverse trip before, and she was very happy with the service.

VNwalking · Nov 20, 2019

The one time I did this, I booked - and am glad I did as the bus was full. But I needed to get to Burgos at a certain time. If you don't have time constraints, winging it is more feasable, but still a gamble. If you do book, leave yourself lots of time to make the connection, at least 2 hours after arrival if not more. I had 3 and needed them as my flight was late and arrival formalities were a bit slow that day.

mmmmartin · Nov 20, 2019

I downloaded the alsa app and bought and paid for the ticket to Burgos while I was on the bus at the airport transferring to terminal 4. Very efficient, clever, fast.

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