Hi all, I am hoping to hear from you all about your experiences with Ryan Air in Spain. I am seriously thinking of going from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid on Ryan Air because the Iberia fare is ridiculously expensive (over $300) for the day I need to travel (July 28).
I know that you have to pay for luggage and other fees on Ryan AIr, but it still is economical. The flight leaves in the morning and arrives around 11 am in Terminal 1. I have a flight from Terminal 4 at 3 pm. Do you think I have reason to think that the Ryan Air flight will not arrive in time for me to catch my other flight?
Any thoughts? Thanks!!

just one other thing.... I have found one other option that would cost about the same as Ryan Air. To take the bus from Santiago overnight arriving at Terminal 4 in the morning... I think I may consider this option as well. It seems very reasonable. Has anyone taken an overnight bus in Spain? Alsa is the bus company. I have taken Alsa before and I know they are reliable, but I have never taken an overnight bus in Spain.
The other option (train) doesn't seem too convenient and it is quite expensive too. Then I would have to make it to the airport after getting to Madrid.

i flew once from here to Madrid, cheap yes, but to my habits very inconvenient, and they do charge for everything extra.
for me its last resort.

overnight bus in Spain is fine, not done it years, but it was fine.

La Juliana often took ALSA overnight between Madrid and Barcelona and had no problems. It was on time and comfortable. She was able to sleep enough to get to her Monday morning classes. Have you checked on how many stops the bus may have on that route?

I've only heard negative things about Ryanair - but negative voices tend to be louder than positive ones. I've not flown them myself, but people close to me have and it wasn't a pleasant experience at the check-in counter - disorganization - but that was the only complaint. Oh, and it seems certain airlines have priority over departure, as well. Not sure how that all works, but I wouldn't be surprised that Ryanair would be towards the end. Another person I know had one of those experiences where they sat on the tarmac for 3 hours before being allowed to take off. Some mechanical thing. Anyway, as long as there's no pilots' or baggage-handlers' strike taking place while you're traveling, I would think you'd make your connection in Madrid.

As for overnight buses in Spain, ALSA is probably the best, best known, and farthest-reaching bus line. I've never used one overnight, no, but their daytime buses are great and very comfortable. I did venture ONCE to use the broom-closet sized toilet at the bottom of the stairs at the exit door (mid-coach) and nearly got my "bell rung" several times while standing there due to the bumps in the road. Hopefully yours would be an "Express" bus. The overnight buses usually are, having only one stop at mid-point (or every 4 hours, whichever comes first). The Express buses are only a little more expensive, usually, and worth the savings in time.

Saludos, MadridMan

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I will do the bus. Seems like the best option. I will let you know how it goes.

I wouldn't take a chance with Ryanair when you have a connecting flight! The bus ride w/AC will be long (about 10 hrs) but the seats are comfortable.Try to book a seat near the front not behind the bathroom.I'm amazed how many people do indeed use the bathroom and sitting behind is is very unpleasant!!!!!
I think there's a bus that goes to Barajas T4-how convenient is that but you will get in super early for your flight.

I know that I will get to Barajas super early but at least it is a pleasant terminal and there are restaurants (though expensive)...
thanks for the tip on the seat on the bus.

"Iberia fare is ridiculously expensive"

Esperanza

Did you try round trip tickets as they could be cheaper and if you do not need a return flight? I checked Expedia a round trip Iberia morning flight is around $103.

There is nothing wrong with ryan air from Britain, as long as you abide by there rules, people overload there bags and get fined then blame the airline, turn up late and blame the airline, ok theres no allocated seating but you get what you pay for and after all its just a glorified taxi no frills airline, you want more? then you have to pay for it,my only bad experiance witth them was at gerona airport that was well disorganized but all the other airports have been fine.