How to Get from Bilbao to San Sebastian (2023 Guide)
Picturesque Basque country
Both Bilbao and San Sebastian are beautiful cities in Spain’s Basque country. As different as they are beautiful and interesting, Bilbao is the cultural center of northern Spain, known for its arts and industrial port town, while San Sebastian is renowned for its exquisite local cuisine and wines. If you decide to take a car transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the inspiring town of Guernica, Durango, which has the perfect combination of culture and nature, the medieval town of Onati, the sanctuary of Loyola, the quaint fishing village of Getaria, and Hondarribia- known as a gastronomical gem in Spain.
How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian
If you’re traveling from Bilbao to San Sebastian, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. The fastest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian is by bus or car, though a car is of course the best way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian since it’s so comfortable and convenient. It’s also possible to take a train from Bilbao to San Sebastian, though with the multiple stops, it is the slowest option.
Bilbao to San Sebastian by train
To travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian by train, you need to get to the Bilbao-Abando station and purchase a ticket to Donostia (the station in San Sebastian), or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 6:30 AM, and the last train is at 5:00 PM, with trains departing twice in the morning, three times in the afternoon, and twice in the evening. The train from Bilbao to San Sebastian is operated by Renfe Operadora. Train tickets from Bilbao to San Sebastian cost between €26 and €33 for the approximately 4-hour trip. The distance from Bilbao to San Sebastian is about 101.4 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and sometimes offer a dining car.
Train intervals 2 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon, and 2 in the evening
First/Last Departure 6:30 AM/5:00 PM
Avg. Price €26-€33
Distance ~101.4 km
Duration ~4 hours
Operating Companies Renfe Operadora
Bilbao to San Sebastian by bus
To travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian by bus there are two options. First, go to Bilbao Estacion Autobuses (Alsa) and buy a ticket to Donostia, San Sebastian. Second, go to Bilbao Autobus Geltokia (Pesa) and buy a ticket to Donostia San Sebastian. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 5:15 AM, and the last bus is at 10:30 PM, with one bus leaving about every 1 hour and 1/2. The bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian is run by Alsa and Pesa. Bus tickets from Bilbao to San Sebastian cost between €7-€13 for the hour-long trip with Alsa, and a 1-3 hour trip with Pesa. There is an option to take a premium Alsa bus, which has additional features and extra comfort, this price is about €17. The distance from Bilbao to San Sebastian is about 101.4 kilometers. All options offer direct service from Bilbao to San Sebastian.
Time intervals 1 bus every 1 hour and 1/2~
First/Last Departure 5:15 AM/10:30 PM
Avg. Price €7-€10
Distance ~101.4 km
Duration ~1 hr
Operating Companies Alsa and Pesa
Bilbao to San Sebastian Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Bilbao, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in San Sebastian, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
