Coach transport in Andalusia

[Fnaar]

Calling all Southern Spain residents... calling all Southern Spain residents... (I know there are a few on here)
I'm off on me hols soon, flying to Malaga, bus to Seville, then bus to Conil de la Frontera a few days later, then bus to Granada. I'll have Mrs f and 2 nippers in tow, but just wondering how easy it is to get transport between these places ..i.e. book in advance, or turn up and get tickets. The language is not a prob, I'm fine with Spanish, just the ease of journeys etc. Malaga to Seville is first, we get there 6.30pm on a Wednesday, and I know we need to get a bus into Malaga first.

 

[Globalti]

Coach is the preferred method of travel in Spain, coaches are cheap, comfortable, air conditioned and convenient. Just turn up at the coach station. Most drivers don't mind you chucking a bike in the hold either.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

get us a straw donkey

 

[Fnaar]

Can't take me bike, I'm afraid... will look out for donkeys 3bm..

 

[dmoan]

Spanish coaches are great - Did nearly all of these journeys last year, one way or another.

ALSA is your friend - http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa?portal.alsa.request.locale=en_GB

We just pitched up at the bus staion and used the electronic ticket machine or the ALSA ticket booth to book our coach tickets. Fast, comfortable, clean and exactly on time. For the long journeys (Seville to Granada) you will probably stop for a comfort break after about 2 hours or so. The destinations are not displayed at the top of the coach, the are on a board at steering wheel level on the front of the bus. The coach drivers tend to check your tickets before you board the bus, so there is no chance of getting on the wrong one!

Technically, you book an actual numbered seat, but I think half the travellers on the tourist routes (Malaga - Granada, Seville - Granada) don't realise this, so sit anywhere they like. Happened to us last year and everyone was confused, but too embarrased to ask anyone else to move!