Bus Santiago to Villafranca

[Mike2205]

Hi there,

I've been reading from this site for a while and dreaming of walking on the Camino. Well I'm finally about to book my flight J I’m leaving from London on the 5th of September arriving in Santiago at 15:05. I'm going to walk from Villafranca to Santiago starting the next day.

I'm having a little trouble with working out how to get to the start point though.

Looking at the bus timetables at the ALSA website there are direct buses leaving at 15:00 & 21:30. Annoyingly the previous week and throughout August there are other buses leaving at 16:00 and 17:00.

My questions are-

Are there other bus companies that go to Villafranca?
Is the ALSA website reliable? and so no buses at 16:00 and 17:00 on the 05/09/15 (but buses at these times all throughout August).
If I have to get the 21:30 bus I won't arrive in Villafranca until 1 in the morning. Will it be possible to still get in a hotel or hostel at this time?

Thanks a lot for any help in advance.

Buen Camino

Mike

 

[Tincatinker]

Mike, your alternative is to find a bed for the night in Santiago and catch the 08:00 departure on Sunday 6th which will get you into Villafranca before noon.

I'm not aware of any company proving an alternative direct service.

Best of luck

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are a number of schedule changes at the end of August. Your choice seems to be 0800, 0945, 1500, and 2130.

 

[whariwharangi]

You might try taking Renfe train from Santiago to Ponferrada and then ALSA bus from Ponferrada to Villafranca.

Another option is to take Empresa Freire bus from the airport to Lugo and ALSA bus from Lugo to Villafranca. The last one leaves Lugo at 1730 so timings may be too tight.

Gonzalez de la Riva provides service between Lugo and Ponferrrada, however the website is not clear if you can get off the bus at Villafranca. They do provide service from Ponferrada to Villafranca. I guess you have to contact them for a schedule.
http://gonzalezdelariva.es/Index.html#

 

[Mike2205]

Thaks a lot for your help. I already feel like on the camino getting helped out by such kind people. think I'm going to get the train to Ponferrada and stay there the night and get an early bus in the morning.

Thanks again, have a great day!

 

[mspath]

If you have the time you might consider walking from Ponferrada to Viĺlafranca. Much of that section is very pleasant as the camino crosses numerous Bierzo vineyards; walking the 20k distance would take approximately 5 hours.

Buen camino!