The Costa del Sol region in Spain is served by several bus companies offering national services connecting major towns, cities, and other parts of Spain. Below is a list of key national bus services operating from the Costa del Sol, based on available information. These services link the region to destinations across Spain, including major hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, and other Andalucian cities.

National Bus Services from Costa del Sol

ALSA Overview: ALSA, a subsidiary of National Express, is one of the largest bus companies in Europe and the primary provider of national bus services in Spain. It operates medium- and long-distance routes from the Costa del Sol to various destinations across Spain and internationally.
Key Routes: Malaga to Madrid, Malaga to Barcelona, Malaga to Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Jaén, Almería, and other Andalucian cities, Malaga Airport to Algeciras and other national destinations
Features: Offers online ticket booking, journey planners, and discounts for groups, large families, and return travelers.
Services include WiFi, onboard entertainment, and accessibility features on many routes.
Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations.
Website: www.alsa.com

Avanza (including Avanza Portillo) Overview: Avanza operates national and regional services across the Costa del Sol, connecting major towns like Malaga, Marbella, Estepona, and beyond. It is part of the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga for some routes.
Key Routes: Malaga to Marbella, Estepona, and Algeciras (direct from Malaga Airport)
Malaga to Cádiz and other towns in the Cádiz province
Connections to inland destinations like Ronda and Coín
Features: Tickets can be purchased at bus stations or online. Cash payments on buses are limited to small bills (typically €5 or less).
Offers bus cards and monthly passes for frequent travelers.
Some routes accept the ”green bus card” for discounts, though bank cards are not accepted onboard for most services.
Website: malaga.avanzagrupo.com

Socibus Overview: Socibus provides long-distance bus services, primarily connecting the Costa del Sol and Cádiz province to major cities like Madrid and Córdoba.
Key Routes: Malaga to Córdoba
Malaga to Madrid
Cádiz to Madrid (via Costa del Sol towns like Marbella)
Features: Tickets available online with discounts for return trips and specific groups (e.g., students, large families).
Modern buses with amenities like WiFi and comfortable seating.
Website: Socibus tickets can be booked via www.socibus.es or platforms like www.omio.com.
Transportes Generales Comes Overview: This company operates primarily in the Cádiz province but collaborates with other providers to offer national routes connecting the Costa del Sol to other parts of Andalucia and Murcia.
Key Routes: Cádiz to Malaga (via Costa del Sol towns)
Connections to Murcia and other Andalucian cities
Features: Operates a fleet of urban, suburban, and intercity buses.
Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations.
Website: www.tgcomes.es

Alsina Graells Sur Overview: A subsidiary of Avanza, Alsina Graells Sur operates national and regional routes, particularly between Andalucian towns and other Spanish regions.
Key Routes: Malaga to Granada, Jaén, and other Andalucian destinations
Connections to other Spanish regions
Features: Offers discounted fares for large families, students, and return travelers.
Tickets available online or at bus stations.
Website: Typically booked through Avanza’s platform malaga.avanzagrupo.com.
Los Amarillos Overview: Los Amarillos operates in Malaga and Cádiz provinces, providing national and regional connections.
Key Routes: Malaga to Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera, and Cádiz
Connections to other towns in Andalucia
Features: Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations.
Offers travel cards and special passes for frequent travelers.
Website: www.losamarillos.es

Additional Notes
Ticket Purchasing: For national routes, tickets are typically purchased at bus stations, online through company websites, or via platforms like Omio. On shorter journeys or when boarding between towns, payment is often made directly to the driver (cash only, small bills preferred).

Bus Stations: Major towns like Malaga, Marbella, and Fuengirola have central bus stations (e.g., Malaga’s Estación de Autobuses, Fuengirola’s bus station on Calle Jacinto Benavente). Some towns, like San Pedro and Benalmádena, use bus stops or lay-bys instead of formal stations.

Discounts and Cards: Many operators offer travel cards (e.g., Avanza Costa del Sol card, Consorcio Málaga’s green bus card) for discounted fares. Some cities, like Marbella, Fuengirola, and Benalmádena, provide free urban bus services for residents with a Municipal Mobility Card.

Connectivity: National services often depart from Malaga’s main bus station (Estación de Autobuses) or Malaga Airport, which serves as a key hub for connections to other parts of Spain.

FlixBus: While not a major player in the Costa del Sol, FlixBus recently launched a direct line connecting Marbella to Faro and Albufeira (Portugal), indicating potential expansion of international routes from the region.
Recommendations

Check Timetables: Schedules vary by season and operator. Use official websites like www.alsa.com, malaga.avanzagrupo.com, or www.omio.com for up-to-date information.

Plan Ahead: Long-distance tickets (e.g., to Madrid or Barcelona) are cheaper when booked in advance.

Use Apps: Download apps from ALSA, Avanza, or the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.

Language Tip: While some websites offer English versions, basic Spanish phrases (e.g., “Hola,” “Gracias,” “La cuenta, por favor”) can help when interacting with drivers or at ticket offices.

For more detailed route information or to book tickets, visit the respective company websites or contact their customer service lines (e.g., ALSA: 902 422 242, Avanza: 955 038 665). If you need specific routes or timetables, let me know, and I can search for real-time information or provide further details