Andorra – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Andorra?

Public transport in Andorra is delivered entirely through scheduled bus services. Alongside certain intercity connections — including links across the borders into Spain and France — the capital Andorra la Vella is served by a series of urban routes linking its various districts with towns and communities elsewhere in the Principality. For a country of such modest dimensions, the reach of the network is genuinely impressive.

The quality of the bus fleet in Andorra is high overall. Vehicles are modern and kept in good condition, fitted with both air conditioning and heating, along with comfortable seating throughout. Unlike many larger European urban centres where rush-hour crush is a daily reality, Andorra’s compact size means routes remain short and the experience is generally relaxed.

Bus services extend across all main population centres and a good number of rural communities, with the busiest corridors typically seeing buses at half-hourly intervals or more often during peak hours. That said, certain outlying settlements depend on infrequent parish-level community buses, so expats moving to areas beyond the main towns should factor this into their plans.

From July 2022 onward, travel on the bus network has been made largely free for regular users — specifically permanent residents — with the sole requirement being a valid season ticket, which is also available as a smartphone app. This stands in marked contrast to most other European nations, where residents pay the same fares as everyone else regardless of how long they have lived there.

What bus services are available in Andorra — local, national, and international?

Public transport across the Principality consists solely of regular bus services linking the country’s different parishes and key destinations via six national routes. These national lines form the core of the network and represent the services that most expats will rely on from one day to the next.

Following the most recent reorganisation of the network, the lines currently running are L1, L2, L4, L5, L6, LC (Linea Circular — a ring service), and the “é” line. Operations are split between two companies: Coopalsa (a grouping of Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana SA and Transpisa), which runs lines L2, L4, L5, L6, and LC, and Autocars Nadal, responsible for lines L1 and the Express Bus.

The routes cover the following corridors: L1 Sant Julià de Lòria – Escaldes-Engordany; L2 Andorra la Vella – Encamp; L4 Andorra la Vella – El Pas de la Casa (with an L4 Bis variant); L5 Andorra la Vella – Arinsal; L6 Andorra la Vella – Ordino (with an L6 Bis variant running from Escaldes-Engordany). An Express Bus offers a direct connection between Sant Julià and Encamp, calling at Andorra la Vella en route.

Every parish also runs its own community transport service to reach smaller settlements that lie outside the reach of the national network. In Ordino, for instance, there are two parish lines: one making a circular run to Serrat/Sorteny, and another serving Coll d’Ordino, both charged at just €0.20 per journey. During the winter months, free bus connections are provided to the Ordino Arcalís ski area.

For longer journeys beyond Andorra’s borders, frequent coach services operate to Barcelona and Barcelona Airport, as well as to Toulouse and Toulouse Airport — each trip lasting roughly three hours. Routes also serve Girona Airport and destinations in Portugal via Lleida. The main international operators include ALSA, Andbus, Directbus, and Camino Bus, running services from Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, and from French cities including Toulouse and Perpignan, with some also offering connections from Paris and Marseille.

The national line network is planned so that passengers can travel from any location in Andorra directly to the base of the ski slopes or the cable car stations at Encamp, Canillo, La Massana, and Arcalís — a particularly valuable feature for expats working in the skiing and mountain tourism sectors.

Where can I find timetables, routes, and fare information?

The main official source for public transport information in Andorra is www.transportpublic.ad. This government-run portal is referenced throughout official Andorran municipal websites and is the most reliable starting point for current timetables, route maps, and fare schedules covering the national lines.

The national bus routes link the country’s principal destinations with services running every day of the week. Timetables are also posted at bus stops and at the central Estació Nacional de Autobusos in Andorra la Vella, which functions as the main interchange point for the national network.

For community-level services, each municipality produces its own timetables. Information on Ordino’s parish bus routes, stops, and schedules can be found on the Comú d’Ordino website at ordino.ad, while equivalent details for other parishes appear on their respective comú (local council) websites — including, for example, the Comú d’Andorra la Vella at comuandorralavella.ad.

The official tourism portal, visitandorra.com, provides a broader overview of transport routes and serves as a useful supplementary resource, particularly for newcomers or visitors getting their bearings for the first time. Bus services within Andorra la Vella involve a range of agencies — among them Camino Bus, Bus Comunal d’Andorra la Vella, Transports Govern d’Andorra, Comú d’Ordino, Bus Comunal de La Massana, and Bus Comunal Escaldes-Engordany — each of which may publish schedules on their own platforms.

For real-time travel planning, third-party applications such as Moovit can be a practical tool. Moovit displays bus timetables, estimated arrival times, service alerts, and detailed route maps, as well as providing live step-by-step directions and notifications indicating when to disembark. It is always worth cross-checking times against the official transportpublic.ad site, however, since third-party apps may not immediately reflect the latest timetable adjustments.

What types of bus tickets and passes are available in Andorra?

The bus network offers a range of ticketing options, with single fares starting from €1.90, return tickets, and weekly or monthly travel passes available (as of 2024 — consult transportpublic.ad for up-to-date pricing). These prices are broadly in line with urban bus networks in smaller Spanish or French cities, though they become significantly more attractive once resident benefits are taken into account.

National line fares follow a zone-based structure. Based on available information as of 2024:

• Zone 1 single fare: €1.30; day pass (unlimited journeys): €4; weekly pass: €22; monthly pass: €70; 10-ride pass (T10): €12.50.
• Zone 2 single fare: €2.75; monthly pass: €100.
• Zone 3 single fare: €4.10; monthly pass: €125.
• Zone 4 single fare: €5.50; monthly pass: €150.

Always confirm these figures at the official website before travelling, as prices are subject to revision. Fares begin at €1.90 per trip on certain routes, and 10-trip passes along with special resident pricing are also available.

Since July 2022, travel on the bus network has been made largely free for permanent residents, which makes the monthly or annual season pass the central document for expats who have obtained residency. The season ticket can be held and used digitally through a smartphone app, providing a convenient, card-free solution broadly comparable to stored-value transit accounts in use elsewhere in Europe.

During the summer and autumn months, the Andorra Tourist Bus runs to scenic viewpoints, Romanesque churches, and other points of interest — a handy option for newly arrived expats getting to know the country. The estimated fare for the tourist bus is around €12 for a single trip and €18 for two. Current tourist bus pricing should always be confirmed directly with the operator, as seasonal rates may apply.

How do you buy a bus ticket in Andorra?

Purchasing a bus ticket in Andorra is a simple process. The following is a step-by-step guide to getting underway:

1. On the bus (cash): Tickets can be bought directly from the driver when boarding. Major stops are situated on the busiest streets and in the town centres of Andorra. When paying in cash, it is advisable to have the exact fare or something close to it, as drivers may be unable to give change for large denomination notes.
2. At the bus station: The central hub in Andorra la Vella — the Estació Nacional de Autobusos — is where tickets and passes for national routes are sold. This is the most convenient place to obtain multi-trip passes or monthly travel cards.
3. Digitally via app: The season ticket that entitles permanent residents to largely free travel can be accessed through a smartphone app, removing the need to carry a physical card. Full details on downloading and activating the app are available at transportpublic.ad.
4. Online or via operator websites: For international coach journeys, advance booking through operator websites — such as those of Directbus, ALSA, or Andbus — is recommended, particularly during busy periods and throughout the ski season when seats fill quickly.
5. At authorised sales points: Multi-ride passes can be recharged at any bus station or authorised point of sale across the Principality, making it straightforward to top up without needing to travel to a main terminus.

Regular bus services run from approximately 6:00 to 22:00, covering a broad portion of the day. A night bus service operates on Fridays, Saturdays, the eves of public holidays, major parish capital festivals, and other designated special days. For travel at any other hour, the CityXerpa Move app provides private ride-hailing services running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Are there trams in Andorra?

There is no tram system in Andorra at present. The country has never had railways of any kind, and the same is true of light rail and tram infrastructure. That said, this situation is beginning to shift — tram development has become a live subject within Andorran government planning circles.

In 2021, a feasibility study was announced for a new tram line linking Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, and Escaldes-Engordany, as part of a wider public transport initiative that would also incorporate several cable car connections. This proposal has continued to advance through successive planning stages in the years that followed.

The proposed light tram would serve the parishes of Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, and Escaldes-Engordany. Once routes are finalised, they will be incorporated into the sectoral plan for segregated public transport infrastructure, alongside dedicated cycling lanes connecting the three areas.

The local council of Sant Julià de Lòria and the State Secretariat for Transport are working together to determine the final tram alignment, with particular attention being given to identifying sites for a depot to house the trams and for a potential park-and-ride facility at the parish entrance. The park-and-ride element is intended to reduce road congestion by encouraging drivers to leave their vehicles and switch to public transport.

In a separate but related initiative, the Andorran government and Catalonia’s Generalitat are assessing the viability of a cross-border link running from Sant Julià down to La Seu d’Urgell, which could ultimately tie into the Sant Julià–Escaldes route, terminating at Caldea. This cross-border dimension would be of considerable significance to expats who travel regularly between Andorra and Spain.

In the meantime, a cable car system known as the Funicamp connects the town of Encamp with the ski resort of Grau Roig. The Funicamp is widely used by skiers and snowboarders heading to Grau Roig and is operated by Grandvalira, the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees.

A “Metro Aeri” scheme was also proposed by the government back in 2004, but it was never constructed. That concept has since been set aside in favour of the current tram planning work.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses in Andorra?

Service frequency varies noticeably between lines: the “é” line runs every 10 minutes throughout the day, lines L1 and L2 operate every 10 to 20 minutes, and the remaining lines run every 30 to 60 minutes. Building awareness of these frequencies — especially on the less frequent routes — is important when you have time-sensitive commitments to keep.

On weekends and on the eves of public holidays, a night bus service runs through until 05:00. A demand-responsive minibus service also operates within Escaldes-Engordany. This on-demand option works along similar lines to demand-responsive transport (DRT) schemes operating in rural parts of Germany or the Netherlands, where passengers pre-book a seat rather than simply waiting at a stop.

Additional services are introduced during the ski season, and the network is laid out so that passengers can travel from any point in Andorra to the base of the ski slopes or the cable car stations at Encamp, Canillo, La Massana, and Arcalís. Expats who ski frequently should check updated seasonal timetables at the beginning of each winter season.

Bus stops are spread throughout the country along main roads and near significant attractions and public facilities. Timetables are displayed at stops, available online, and accessible through transit apps. To board, simply wait at a stop and signal to the approaching driver. Andorra does not use the barrier-based ticket validation systems common on metro and tram networks in cities like Paris or Amsterdam — payment or pass presentation takes place as you step on board.

Some routes involve substantial changes in altitude given Andorra’s mountainous landscape. This means journey durations can fluctuate more than on flat urban networks, and weather-related delays — particularly from snow and ice in winter — are a realistic possibility on routes serving higher elevations.

For passengers with special requirements, the CityXerpa app allows users to specify their needs when booking a ride, including travel with guide dogs and access for people with reduced mobility. Those with mobility needs who intend to use standard bus services should contact individual operators in advance, since the range of vehicle types across the network means accessibility features differ from route to route.

Getting around Andorra without a car is quite manageable, given the public transport on offer alongside various vehicle hire options. Buses are the obvious choice for everyday travel within the main urban corridor, while car rental enables a more flexible approach for exploring at your own pace. Many expats find that combining buses for routine weekday commutes with a car for weekend excursions into the mountains provides a practical and cost-effective solution.

Frequently asked questions

Does Andorra have a tram or metro system?

Andorra currently has neither a tram system nor a metro or subway line. A light tram connecting Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra la Vella, and Escaldes-Engordany is, however, in active planning as of 2025.

Is public transport free in Andorra for residents?

Since July 2022, bus travel has been made largely free for permanent residents. The only requirement is a valid season ticket, which can also be used as a digital app on a smartphone. Visitors and tourists are charged standard fares. Always check transportpublic.ad for the latest eligibility conditions.

What is the main official website for bus information in Andorra?

The official public transport portal is www.transportpublic.ad. This is the government’s primary transport resource, referenced throughout official Andorran municipal sources, and publishes timetables, route maps, and fare details for the national bus lines.

How often do buses run on the main routes?

The “é” line runs every 10 minutes during the day, lines L1 and L2 operate every 10 to 20 minutes, and the other national lines run every 30 to 60 minutes. Services generally run from 6:00 to 22:00. A night bus also operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eves of public holidays.

Can I get a bus from Andorra directly to Barcelona or Toulouse?

Frequent long-distance coach services run from Andorra to Barcelona and Barcelona Airport, and to Toulouse and Toulouse Airport, with each journey taking approximately three hours. Hourly services connect both the Barcelona and Toulouse airports with Andorra. Key operators include ALSA, Directbus, and Andbus.

Are bus tickets available to buy on board?

Tickets can be bought directly from the driver when boarding. If paying in cash, try to have the correct amount or close to it, as the driver may not always be able to provide change. Multi-ride passes and monthly travel cards can be purchased at the main Andorra la Vella bus station or at authorised points of sale.

Are there any parish-level bus services beyond the main national lines?

Every parish operates its own community transport service connecting smaller communities not reached by the national lines. Ordino, for example, runs two parish routes — one looping to Serrat/Sorteny and the other serving Coll d’Ordino — both priced at just €0.20 per trip. Timetables for each parish are published on the relevant comú website.

What transport options are available late at night in Andorra?

A night bus service runs on Fridays, Saturdays, the eves of public holidays, major parish capital festivals, and other designated special days. At other times, CityXerpa Move provides a private ride-hailing service operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Taxis are also available and can be booked through the Andorran Taxi Association on +376 863 000.