Bus - Santiago to Leon

[andarilho]

I'm flying into Santiago de Compostela on Thursday, May 31 at 15:40 and the only ALSA bus to Leon, from where I want to start my walk, is at 8am the next day, Friday, June 1st (from checking their website timetables). Same situation with Renfe trains. If possible I would like to get to Leon on the Thursday, even if it's late, to leave as much time as possible to undertake the walk back to Santiago. I don't think a taxi is feasible, based on likely cost. Does anyone know of any other possible bus services from Santiago to Leon, or other suggestions? many thanks for any help, regards.

 

[peregrina2000]

Sorry to say, but I think you've found the two options, both early morning departures from Santiago. You'll arrive in Leon in early afternoon, and could conceivably start walking then. But that's a pretty late start for a full day's walking, so you'd probably only make it to Virgen del Camino, 8 or 9 kms out of Leon. (the next albergues are 16 or so kms further on, I think).

But don't be too sad to be stuck in Leon, it's a beautiful city and you can enjoy the cathedral and the historic core (the Barrio Humedo) where there are great tapas and a very convivial atmosphere! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[julie]

According to the Route Planner http://plannerint.b-rail.be/bin/query.exe/en?L=profi& there is a later train but you won't reach Leon until midnight.

I agree with Laurie, Leon is a beautiful city and worthy of a visit (particularly the cathedral) if you can allocate the time.

 

[andarilho]

Thank you Laurie & Julie, appreciate your help. As you both say, great idea to use the time to explore some of Leon, George

 

[Tia Valeria]

If you put Santiago to Oviedo into the ALSA search, check the 'no date' box and enter you will get a number of buses show. Some go via the north, others are more direct, most go through Leon. Click on the show button to get their routes.
A long journey, sometimes with a stop and change in Ponferrada. Putting Santiago-Leon into the search only produces that single bus, via Lugo.
Just been doing a similar search ourselves for post Camino return to Santander via Leon.