How to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian

Answer: Bus is the best option. Train is also available but much slower.

The main bus operators are Alsa / Pesa (less frequent, cheaper)  or Lurraldebus (more regular, more expensive). You can get tickets online or directly at the bus stations.

Bilbao bus station: Bilbao Intermodal (also comes up as Bilboko Autobus Geltokia on google map) 

San Sebastian bus station: San Sebastian / Donostia (comes up as Donostiako Autobus Geltokia on google map)

For first timer this could be a bit confusing so here is a more detailed guide on how to get your ticket: 

If you visit the Basque country in Spain you would probably have Bilbao and San Sebastian on your itinerary. Both are incredible places: the former with the famous Guggenheim museum and the latter has an incredible coastline and some of the best restaurants in the world. There are a heap of reasons to visit both.

Most flights into the region also get into the Bilbao airport, so even if you mainly wanted to visit San Sebastian it wouldn’t harm to spend some time at Bilbao anyway. 

By default, you might expect there to be direct trains between the two cities, but sadly no – if you attempt that it will take you around 4 hours with multiple stops. Bus is the way to go: which takes only around 1 hour 20 minutes. 

Travelling From Bilbao

To get your tickets, from Bilbao you would need to go to Bilbao Intermodal, which is at the Santimami/San Mamés metro. 

You can then get the tickets from the self-serve machine inside the station. There are 2 companies: 

1. Alsa / Pesa

They are cheaper (€7) but less frequent – typically 6 services running up until 2:30pm and then 3 services in the evening from 6:30pm – 8:10 pm. This is the machine to get it from. I would recommend you try them first. 

Can also get tickets from their site directly here.  It is equally easy to get them from these machines at the station:

Google map will show you when the bus is operated by Alsa:

2. Lurraldebus 

They are a lot more regular – generally at around 1 an hour each off peak and 30 min each  peak hours. But the cost is double at 13 – to be honest still reasonable for a traveler and does give you more flexibility. They do have website (here) but doesn’t appear transactional, so best bet is to get them directly at the station 

Note that if you use Google map – they come up as Iñurritza but it is the same as Lurraldebus.

Google map will show Lurraldebus services up as D001

Storing your luggage at Bilbao Station

If you have time spare, you can use the storage locker. It is just €1.5 for a day, really good value. 

Note & Tips

• For going back from San Sebastian to Bilbao – also just use their self serve machine at the bus station
• Lurraldebus also offers direct bus between Bilbao airport and San Sebastian 

Now – looking for things to do in San Sebastian? Here are a few suggestions: 

Happy Travels!