Poncebos is the town where, during the summer months, many people converge to begin the Cares Route on the Asturian side or to climb to Bulnes, either by funicular or on foot along the Texu Canal. The crowds are so large that the Asturias Transport Consortium has once again organized a bus service from Arenas de Cabrales.
How to do the Ruta del Cares? How to get to Sotres?
Three parking areas have been set up in Arenas de Cabrales . Buses will run from Arenas to Poncebos, from where we can:
1. Start the Cares route.
2. Take the funicular towards Bulnes.
3. Travel by minibus to the towns of Tielve or Sotres.
Where to park private vehicles
The three parking lots are located in Arenas , near the bus departure point. Additionally, between Arenas and Poncebos is the Ovar parking lot , with approximately 146 spaces and located 1,2 km from Poncebos, although its capacity is limited and parking availability is not guaranteed.
In the area of the Bulnes funicular there is another parking lot intended for the exclusive use of residents in Bulnes and for the maneuvering and boarding of buses.
Access plan bus fares and timetables
Buses depart from Arenas from 8:15 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and from 17:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. , approximately every hour. The first bus leaves Arenas at 8:15 a.m. All services stop at the Ovar parking lot and continue to Poncebos, where passengers transfer to another bus to continue to Tielve or Sotres.
The journey between Arenas and Poncebos takes approximately 15 minutes. The last service of the day departs from Sotres at 20:00 PM and arrives in Arenas around 21:00 PM.
The bus between Arenas and Poncebos , the starting point of the Cares Route and access to the Bulnes funicular, with a stop at the Ovar parking lot, costs €1,55 each way (€3,10 round trip). The journey between Arenas and Tielve or Sotres costs €2,60 each way (€5 round trip).
Access plan calendar 2026
· From Saturday, March 28th to Tuesday, March 31st
· From April 1st to 5th
· May Bank Holiday from May 1st to 5th
· Weekends in May
• From June 1st to October 18th
Where to buy tickets
It is advisable to buy tickets in advance through the website www.alsa.es or other online platforms. If there are available seats on a trip, they can also be purchased on the bus itself.
Traffic control in Pandébano
In addition, the Principality also regulates the area around the Collada de Pandébano, one of the landmarks for mountaineers visiting the Picos de Europa, where the prohibition of parking outside of specially designated areas remains in place.
Ruta del Cares
The Cares Route is one of the most spectacular trails in Asturias and the Picos de Europa. Carved into the rock and following the deep gorge of the Cares River , this route offers breathtaking landscapes, tunnels, bridges, and unique views between Caín and Poncebos. It's a must-do excursion for nature lovers, hikers, and mountain enthusiasts in northern Spain.
The Cares route
Following the course of the Cares River in its upper reaches means venturing into a limestone gorge of … Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
