Bilbao to San Sebastian⎥ 7 Best Ways to Travel Between the Two Most Popular Basque Cities

Bilbao and San Sebastián are the two most popular cities to visit in the Basque Country in Spain. Bilbao is known for its modern Guggenheim Museum, with San Sebastián being a culinary hub for foodies looking to delve into the cuisine of the region.

There are numerous options for traveling from Bilbao to San Sebastián (and in the reverse, too). Most travelers will arrive first in Bilbao, as it has an International Airport (BIO). The Aeropuerto de Bilbao is the biggest airport in the Basque Region and the gateway to Northern Spain.

I recommend spending at least a full day exploring Bilbao. There are many things to do in Bilbao besides the Guggenheim museum, and the city itself can compete as a food destination alongside San Sebastián’s pintxo bars.

The easiest way to travel between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastián is by car. However, those who don’t want to rent a car can take frequent buses, hop on the local train, carpool, opt for a private shuttle, take an organized tour, or even walk!

Here are the 7 best ways to travel between Bilbao and San Sebastián.

Table of Content

• Rent a Car
• Bilbao to San Sebastián By Bus
• Bilbao to San Sebastian By Train
• BlaBlaCar (Ride Share)
• Private Shuttles Between Bilbao and San Sebastian
• Day Tours from Bilbao to San Sebastian
• Camino de Santiago from San Sebastián to Bilbao
• Conclusion ⎥ Best Ways to Travel Between Bilbao and San Sebastián

1⎥ Rent a Car and See Highlights Between Bilbao and San Sebastián

The easiest way to go between Bilbao and San Sebastián is by car. This provides flexibility to stop at worthwhile places along the region and the spectacular coastal route. The distance between Bilbao and San Sebastián by car is around 100 Km and will take a little over an hour depending on traffic.

Of course, this can be extended depending on the route and how much time you’d like to drive along the coast.

Car rentals are found in Bilbao at the Airport and near the main train station (Abando Indalecio Prieto). There are also rentals downtown near the Intermodal Bilbao Station.

While it’s amazing to drive, be aware that parking in the city center is limited in both cities, and also quite expensive. There are plenty of parking ramps available, but they are rather expensive. Keep in mind, if you are coming from the United States, it’s becoming more common that you need to carry an International Driving Permit.

If driving between Bilbao and San Sebastián, here are some of my favorite attractions between the two cities. This list moves east from Bilbao to San Sebastián.

➤ San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is known as Castle Rock in Basque, with a small hermitage sitting at the top of the tiny stone island. To reach the hermitage, cross the stone bridge and climb the steep 241 stairs to the top.

➤ Bermeo is a small fishing village with a colorful port, pedestrian-friendly streets, green spaces, and plenty of places to eat seafood and local Basque specialties.

➤ The coast between Deba and Zumaia is known for its unique Flysch stones that date back 60 million years. It’s possible to hike the entire stretch between the two villages, which is officially known as the Flysch Route (GR-121/ 12.8 km / 8 miles).

➤ Getaria is a small fishing village where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish that is typically cooked on large grills in the streets. Getaria is also famous for its Txacoli vineyards and Michelin-Star Restaurant Elkano.

Of course, there are other places on this list from more coastal fishing villages, Gernika, and the Oma Forest.

2⎥ Bilbao to San Sebastián By Bus

Buses are frequent between Bilbao and San Sebastián. The main bus company is Alsa, with LurraldeBus also offering frequent departures.

🚌 Buses from Bilbao to San Sebastián typically take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The main bus station in Bilbao is located at the Bilbao Intermodal Station. This major transportation hub has everything you need, from the underground bus station, cafes, lockers, a parking lot, and more.

Buses arrive at the San Sebastián Bus Station, located steps away from the main train station.

Alsa offers direct buses, which are typically cheaper and cost around 8€. Remember that Alsa bus tickets only go on sale a few months before the travel date.

LurraldeBus has more frequent buses, but they typically include a stop in Zarautz. Single-purchase tickets are around 13.65€.

‼️San Sebastián is typically found on transportation apps under its official name of Donostia San Sebastián. When booking transportation, it’s best to use the official local name.

3⎥ Bilbao to San Sebastián By Train (Euskotren)

San Sebastian and Bilbao are easily connected by the local train, Euskotren. The trains are much slower than the bus. The Euskotren between Bilbao and San Sebastian is the E1 and also runs frequently.

🚆 The Euskotren E1 between Bilbao and San Sebastián typically takes around 2.5 hours

Within Bilbao, the most convenient and centrally located place to board the Euskotren is at the stop Casco Viejo Zazpikaleak (near the Old Town).

In San Sebastián, the best place to access the Euskotren is from Amara Donostia Station.

Remember, the local train is not accessible from the main train stations in Bilbao and San Sebastián.

The Euskotren fare from Bilbao to San Sebastián is 7€.

‼️ I highly recommend purchasing a Barik card (Creditrans Top-Up Pass). The initial card costs 3€ and requires a 5€ minimum charge. However, with this card, you get discounted fares on the Metro and Trams in Bilbao, discounts on the Euskotren, and discounts on attractions like the Bilbao Funicular and the Vizcaya Bridge in Getxo. My mom and I also used it on the public transportation in Vitoria-Gasteiz!

4⎥ BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is like organized carpooling. It is very common in Spain and across Europe. You’ll purchase the number of seats available in the car that is already traveling between the destinations.

It’s best to download the app and check reviews on drivers. It’s always important to verify where the pick-up and drop-off locations are in Bilbao and San Sebastián. The fares will vary depending on the route and how many passengers are in the car.

5⎥ Private Shuttle

While expensive, some travelers may prefer the convenience of a private shuttle option.

➜ This is a highly-rated private shuttle that runs between Bilbao and San Sebastián.

6⎥ Take a Day Tour from Bilbao to San Sebastián

If short on time, a guided tour may be the best option. Multiple tour companies offer tours between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Don’t know where to base? This is my opinion about the Bilbao vs San Sebastian debate!

Tours are typically full-day tours. As the Basque Country is a culinary destination, many of the organized tours include food and wine tours.

7⎥ San Sebastián to Bilbao Along the Camino de Santiago

Finally, those travelers looking for an adventure can walk along the Camino de Santiago Norte, or the North Way. Both villages of San Sebastian and Bilbao are favorite stopping points along the way. Pilgrims will be walking west to Santiago de Compostela, so they will walk from San Sebastián to Bilbao.

The official Camino del Norte starting point is in Irun, with the 830 Km (515 miles) journey taking an average of 34 days to reach Santiago de Compostela. If following the typical stages from Irun, pilgrims will arrive in Donostia San Sebastián at the end of the first day. Bilbao is found around six walking days from San Sebastián.

Both cities are popular places to sleep and take a rest day to see the sights.

For most, the Camino de Santiago is a life-changing journey. It’s best to pack light and follow the yellow arrows. After walking over 12 Caminos, here are my best tips for first-time pilgrims, which include sleeping in an Albergue at least once along the way.

Conclusion⎥ Best Ways to Travel Between Bilbao and San Sebastián

In short, this is a quick guide on the best ways to travel between Bilbao and San Sebastián. These two cities are the two most popular places to visit in the Basque Country, so there are numerous ways to reach each destination.

The quickest way to travel between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastián is by car. The public transportation is also fabulous in the Basque Country, so it’s possible to hop on a frequent bus or take the local Euskotren. Another unique way to travel between Bilbao and San Sebastian is via BlaBlaCar, an organized ride-sharing app. While a little more expensive, a private shuttle is a convenient mode of transportation.

With limited time, an organized tour may be the best option. There are diverse tour options that depart from both Bilbao and San Sebastián. These tours are typically full-day tours, which allow for the ultimate sightseeing opportunities.

Finally, those looking to travel slowly through the Basque Country may decide to walk the Camino de Santiago North Way. This stunning journey officially starts in Irun and passes through both San Sebastián and Bilbao.

Bilbao to San Sebastián is only a short distance, but they are two very different cities. Try to spend time in each city when visiting the Basque Country.

Which way did you travel between San Sebastián and Bilbao? I’ve gone by car, train, and bus, and find each way enjoyable! Are there any updates I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!

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