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autocar means coach bus — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 25, 2026

✈️ Travel Spanish

autocar

noun • /[ow-toh-KAR]/

coach bus

Example:

El autocar sale a las ocho de la mañana.

The coach bus leaves at eight in the morning.

🧠 What does autocar mean?

An autocar refers to a long-distance bus designed for intercity or interregional travel, typically offering more comfort and amenities than a standard city bus. It is commonly used for journeys between towns and cities, often featuring reclining seats, restrooms, and sometimes entertainment systems. This term is particularly prevalent in Spain.

📚 Extra examples

  • Compramos billetes de autocar para ir de Madrid a Valencia.
    We bought coach bus tickets to go from Madrid to Valencia.
  • El autocar tiene previsto llegar a las diez de la mañana.
    The coach bus is scheduled to arrive at ten in the morning.
  • Prefiero viajar en autocar porque puedo relajarme y leer.
    I prefer to travel by coach bus because I can relax and read.
  • La estación de autocares es un lugar concurrido a todas horas.
    The coach bus station is a busy place at all hours.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'autocar' is a portmanteau, combining 'automóvil' (automobile) and 'autobús' (bus), highlighting its nature as a self-propelled passenger vehicle for longer journeys.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "autocar"

Synonyms: bus, ómnibus

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'coach bus' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'coach bus' is 'autocar'.
How do you pronounce 'autocar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'ow-toh-CAR', with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'autocar' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'El autocar sale a las ocho de la tarde.' (The coach bus leaves at eight in the evening.)
What is the English translation of 'autocar'?
The English translation of 'autocar' is 'coach bus'.
Does 'autocar' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'autocar' is a masculine noun and follows standard pluralization rules. The plural form is 'autocares'.
Is 'autocar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'autocar' is a common term, especially in Spain, for long-distance buses. In some Latin American countries, other terms like 'bus' or 'micro' might be more frequently used depending on the context.
Does 'autocar' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'autocar' is a standard term with no common slang or double meanings.
Is 'autocar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'autocar' is most commonly and consistently used in Spain for intercity or long-distance buses. In Latin America, while understood, other terms like 'bus', 'camión', or 'micro' might be more prevalent for similar vehicles, depending on the region and the specific type of bus.

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