Thank you Antonio and missmadrid for the web sites recommended. They have truly helped me organize my trip.
The Alsa web site was particularly helpful and I have decided to take the bus instead of the train for my trip Madrid-Valladolid.
Unfortunately, the Alsa website did not indicate where the bus stations were located in Madrid. Do you think I could take one of these buses right out of Barajas? That would save me a trip into Madrid.

[ 02-01-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Not likely! Most of the 'long haul' busses from Madrid depart from Estacion Sur de Autobus. There's a new Transportation Center at Avenida de America. I don't know what lines are using that. One of these days I will spend a little time there to learn if any of the Motorcoach companies other than local ones are using it. All my experience with Alsa has been on their Gijon-Irun service.

Hi,

Eddie is right. Most buses depart from Estación Sur de Autobuses. Only a few companies have their own bus station, such as Auto - Res ( http://www.auto-res.es ) or La Sepulvedana ( http://www.lasepulvenada.es ).

Alsa buses depart from Estación Sur as well (at Méndez Alvaro subway station). You could take the subway from the airport to there or the Aerocity service ( http://www.aerocity.com ). Some Alsa buses also used to have a quick stop at Plaza de Castilla (but I don't think this is the case of buses to Valladolid).

BTW, Alsa also has a special service called "Clase Supra". This is a kind of business class featuring bigger buses with fewer and comfortable leather seats. Note that they are much more expensive than normal services, but some people say it is worth it.

Eddie,

All buses belonging to Continental - Auto company depart now from the new station at Avenida de América. This includes buses to Bilbao and San Sebastian (the old station was at calle Alenza, 20).

[Eventually, some day Madridman will update his transportation page with the update].

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The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at http://www.chelo.com

[This message has been edited by Antonio (edited 08-12-2000).]

A comment about ALSA 'Clase Supra:' I took one of those coming back from Santander to Bilbao in April. It cost about 500 pesetas more than their regular service but for the extra cost I got a beer and a newspaper. It was also non-stop (autovia all the way) and I thought it was worth the extra expense.
The seating configuration is: two on the left and one on the right - that allows for wide, comfortable seats. There's a steward station about a third of the way toward the back on the right hand side.

I would have to call it a luxury motorcoach.
I don't know if they have any Clase Supra overnighters, but if they do, it would be a lot more comfortable than their regular busses.

Antonio:
Thanx for the info on Continental-Auto: They also have a Madrid-Santander service that we may use because it's easier to get to Avda de America from Barajas than to the Estacion Sur.

Eddie,

I heard the Clase Supra service was about 1400 pesetas more than the normal service. But if it is only 500 pesetas more, it is worth to take it.

I would like to say that Auto - Res http://www.auto-res.es has also a similar service. It is what they call "Servicio Express". You get the same kind of bus, free newspaper and earphones to listen to the film, the radio or 2 CD music channels. However, you don't get a drink.

Eddie, do Clase supra buses have toilet?. Servicio Express at Auto - Res doesn't.

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The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at http://www.chelo.com

Thank you Eddie and Antonio for all that good info!!!! I found out that the Alsa station is located in Mendez Alvaro, I guess that is the Estacion Sur you are talking about. The information I got was that it is very near Atocha. I will defenitely use the aero-city service. Their fares are very reasonable. Thank you again!!!

Antonio:
Yes, the Alsa Clase Supra Motorcoaches are restroom equipped. They also have TV screens and music channels and they give you a nice little packet of chocolates when you get off. When I went Bilbao-Santander in April, a 1-way was 980-pesetas. On the return trip I wanted to try the Clase Supra: it was 1480-pesetas (but there's no return trip discount as there is for their regular service).

Eddie and the rest of the group,

I've just learn from Alsa website that there may be a big difference between normal and Supra buses prices depending on the route. For instances, Madrid - Oviedo is 2000 pesetas more each way!! if you travel in Supra buses.

Regards,

Antonio

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The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at http://www.chelo.com

Alsa/Enatcar buses to Zaragoza and Barcelona depart now from the Intercambiador de Avenida de América which has a more convenient location (right besides the N-II, the road going from Madrid and Barcelona).

I've taken the non-stop ALSA "Supra" from Madrid to Oviedo and it's well worth the small extra cost! Two drivers are on the bus & swap seats at a mid-point brief stop where, at least on the early afternoon departure from Madrid, a video casette with the 3pm national newscast is picked up and played while the trip continues.
In addition to the more confortable seats, snacks & drinks served, etc., there is a waiting lounge for Supra passengers at the Estacion del Sur. Also baggage checks are placed on each suitcase & verified when you claim your bags at your destination.