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How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian
The quickest and easiest way from Bilbao to San Sebastián is the direct ALSA bus, about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 and roughly every hour. Driving on the AP-8 takes about 1 h 15. A Euskotren regional train also runs but takes around 2 h 40.
Best option: Bus. Frequent direct buses from Bilbao Intermodal (Termibus) to San Sebastián are faster and cheaper than the train.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus ALSA buses from Bilbao Intermodal bus station (and some from Bilbao airport) to San Sebastián | about 1 h 15–1 h 30 | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about €7–13 | Buy online or at the station; airport buses also run. |
| car AP-8 motorway along the coast | about 1 h 15 | tolls apply on the AP-8 (a few euros) plus fuel | Parking in central San Sebastián is in paid underground car parks. | |
| train Euskotren regional train Bilbao (Matiko or Atxuri, depending on line) – Donostia Amara | about 2 h 40 | roughly hourly | about €5–7 | Slow, stops at many towns; useful only if you want to stop on the way. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Take a bus that arrives in the late morning, walk the Parte Vieja, and return after dinner.
- Buses from Bilbao airport run directly to San Sebastián, so you do not need to go into Bilbao first.
- On festival days (Semana Grande in August) book buses ahead.
- The bus station in San Sebastián is near Amara/Estación del Norte, about 15 minutes on foot from the old town.
Common questions
Is there a direct train?
There is no Renfe high-speed train between the two cities. Euskotren runs a regional line between Bilbao and San Sebastián, but it is slow, about 2 h 40, with many stops. Most travellers take the bus, which takes about half the time and runs more often.
How often do buses run?
Direct buses run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes during the day, with fewer departures early in the morning and late at night. Journey time is usually about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30. Check current timetables, especially on Sundays and holidays.
Can I do it as a day trip?
Yes, easily. With buses taking under an hour and a half and running frequently, a day trip from Bilbao to San Sebastián is very common. You can see La Concha beach, the old town and do a pintxos crawl, then return in the evening.
Do I need to book ahead?
Usually not for regular days, but buying a ticket online a day or two in advance is useful on summer weekends, during Semana Grande in August, and at the start of holidays. Seats can sell out on popular evening departures.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.