Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €5, and a bus costs an average of €8.
Distance: 77 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€8 Average price | €5 Average price Cheapest |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Travel optionsfrom Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
How to get from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
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How to Travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian
The journey from Bilbao to San Sebastian is popular with travelers in Spain. Direct journeys between Bilbao to San Sebastian are available by train and bus. Located approximately 100 kilometers apart, it is easiest to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian by bus. Coaches take just over an hour to arrive in San Sebastian, while trains take nearly 4 hours and require a transfer in Miranda de Ebro.
What is the best way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian?
Cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Alsa is the main bus company in Spain and operates all the coaches from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Alsa's coaches depart from Bilbao's bus station and take just over an hour to arrive at San Sebastian's Donostia bus station. Coaches from Bilbao to San Sebastian depart 9 times per day with the first bus departing Bilbao at 5:15 a.m.
Fastest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian
Taking the bus is the fastest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Coaches are approximately 2½ faster than traveling from Bilbao to San Sebastian by train. Traveling from Bilabo to San Sebastian by train also requires a transfer in Miranda de Ebro. All coaches take under 2 hours to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Trains remain a popular option for people who prefer to travel in the comfort of a train with 5 Renfe trains making the trip every day.
Most popular way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian
Taking the bus is the most popular way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Not only is the bus direct and significantly faster than taking the train, but traveling by bus is also €20 cheaper on average. ALSA coaches also depart Bilbao more frequently than trains– 9 coaches depart per day compared to 5 trains.
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FAQs: Travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Travel to Donostia-San Sebastian easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.

This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is €3 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €8.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
- Around 12 trains per day.
- Around 12 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian as scheduled services by bus and train can vary by season or day of the week.
- Buses mostly depart from Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses and arrive in Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses.
- Travel with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus to go to Donostia-San Sebastian by bus.
- Travel with Renfe (13), Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Euskotren to go to Donostia-San Sebastian by train.
- 12 direct buses per day with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
- 11 direct trains per day with Euskotren.
Travelling from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian: related information
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