4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£8
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 12 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
77 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
Of the 9 buses that leave Bilbao for Donostia-San Sebastian every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 77 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 1 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NormalNormalNormalNormal
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the coach 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 coach 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 coach costs an average of £7.
Distance: 77 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | 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.
Live departures
Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coaches for today, Wednesday 24 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supra Economy | 10:30 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 11:50 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 12:40 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 14:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 13:00 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 14:20 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal | 13:45 Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 15:05 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
24 Dec
25 Dec
26 Dec
27 Dec
28 Dec
29 Dec
30 Dec
31 Dec
01 Jan
02 Jan
03 Jan
04 Jan
05 Jan
06 Jan
07 Jan
08 Jan
09 Jan
10 Jan
11 Jan
12 Jan
13 Jan
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
SpainSpain
Buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £5 by train.
There are 12 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 23:10. The fastest coach covers the 77 km distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 77 km |
Average bus duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 1h 10m |
First bus 00:50 |
Last bus 23:10 |
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus from Bilbao to Donostia-San SebastianYou can travel by bus between Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for as low as £5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
Alsa Supra
Infobus
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
BlaBlaCar
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
My Journey from Bilbao to San Sebastián by Bus
Introduction
While exploring Northern Spain, I wanted to squeeze in a visit to San Sebastián without complicating my itinerary. That’s when I discovered how quick and convenient it is to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus. The ride takes just over an hour, and booking through Omio made it super easy. If you’re considering this route, here’s exactly what to expect, from stations and schedules to tips and budget advice.
Route Overview
The route from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus begins at Bilbao Intermodal Station and terminates at San Sebastián Bus Station, taking roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
The bus exits Bilbao via the N-637, merges with the AP-8 inland, and then veers north to join the GI-20 before arriving in San Sebastián. It’s by far the fastest route, meaning the Bilbao to San Sebastián train is notoriously slow!
Transportation Experience
Booking your Bilbao to San Sebastián bus tickets on Omio is quick and simple. Just a few taps on the website or app, and your ticket is sent straight to your email and stored in the app, ready whenever you need it. The most widely used operator is ALSA, which operates buses throughout Spain and is generally reliable. I'd considered the train, but I had already taken the Santander to Bilbao train, which was slow and even delayed due to a line closure, so the choice was easy. There are no flights between Bilbao and San Sebastián since they’re simply too close. However, if you’re flying into Bilbao, you can easily connect to San Sebastián by taking the Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián bus.
Route Details
Departure & Arrival Stations
Buses depart from Bilbao Bus Station (Bilbao Intermodal), approximately 1.6 kilometers (or 1 mile) from the city center and well-connected via the Bilbao metro. Check-in was easy: I just showed my QR code ticket when boarding. The station has a few cafés and takeaways, but I suggest exploring the wider city for better options.
The bus arrives at San Sebastián Bus Station, just under 1 km from downtown. There are fewer amenities here, so plan to eat once you're in town.
Schedule & Frequency
There are around 12 buses per day from Bilbao to San Sebastián. The first bus leaves at approximately 5:00 AM, and the last around 9:00 PM, with buses departing every 90 minutes or so. I chose the 2:00 pm bus, as we wanted to do some sightseeing in Bilbao in the morning and enjoy the beach at San Sebastián in the evening!
Onboard Experience & Services
There’s only one class on ALSA coaches, and you’ll receive a reserved seat when booking. Wi-Fi was available but patchy, so it’s worth having mobile data. There’s no catering, but since the journey is just over an hour, you probably won’t need it. The buses also have toilets, which were clean during my trip. The route mostly follows the highway and isn’t particularly scenic, so don’t expect any stunning coastal views.
Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown
Tickets for Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus are pretty affordable, even at the last minute. That said, it’s still best to book ahead, as buses can and do sometimes sell out.
Budget breakdown:
- Bus ticket from Bilbao to San Sebastián: €9
- Metro ticket from central Bilbao to the bus station: €1.70
- Coffee at Bilbao Bus Station: €2.40
- Total: €13.10
Top Tips & Personal Recommendations
- Arrive early at Bilbao station: It’s large and can take time to navigate.
- Keep valuables with you: Don’t store anything important in the luggage hold.
- Download your ticket in advance: Signal reception in the station can be unreliable.
- Check the operator: ALSA is most common, but occasionally others run this route (double-check the luggage policy).
Conclusion
Traveling from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus is hands-down the easiest way to experience two of Northern Spain’s most charming cities. It might not be the most scenic journey, but it gets you where you want to be quickly and comfortably. Just make sure you book with Omio at least a day or two in advance to secure your spot.
About the Author: Claire Martin
Job Title: Travel Journalist and Videomaker
Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.
Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach
The Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach journey covers a distance of approximately 27 km. The coaches take an average of 1hr 20m to cover the distance from departure to arrival without making stops, with the fastest buses arriving about 10 minutes faster. You can get a bus from early in the morning through to the night as the buses are evenly distributed throughout the day. You will find that most buses to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao are direct and do not have stops. It would be best if you plan your journey around that aspect.
Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian Bus Time: Daily Departures
On average, you get 8 buses to choose from as your Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach. The buses are distributed throughout the day, and you can get an early morning and night bus. The earliest coach departs from Bilbao at 4:30 a.m. while the last bus departs at 8:10 p.m. The buses are quite regular, and the deviation may be one or two buses over the weekends. Luckily, you will get this information about the bus schedule from OMIO. You can use your browser to search for your Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach using the keywords: OMIO Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach. You will get a schedule where you can select to see all buses and change the travel date. The information is also readily available using the OMIO app available in android and IOS stores.
How long is the journey in bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian?
Your Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach will be on the road for between 1h 10m to 1h 20m. It is a journey of approximately 27 km. The operators choose to schedule direct buses which reduces the time it takes for the trip. It is not common to have buses making stops along the way, making it a rather fast coach journey. If you can catch the fast buses, the trip is even shorter in duration by about 10 minutes. Your duration on the road will be influenced by traffic, weather and road conditions. Choose to travel when there is no traffic for your journey on bus Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Bilbao: Market of the city. Source: Shutterstock
Where does the bus depart in Bilbao and arrive in Donostia-San Sebastian?
You will find the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach at the main bus station or terminus in Bilbao. The main bus station is near the San Mamés Stadium and goes by the name Bilbao Intermodal. You can get to the commuter rail station, tram or underground from the terminus and easily access the city centre. Considering that the buses are direct and do not make stops, you should get your supplies and needs for the journey before boarding the bus. Your arrival station in Donostia-San Sebastian will be at the Federico García Lorca Pasealekua. The station is centrally located and close to transportation and trade hubs in Donostia. You will get all the services you may need upon disembarking the coach in the city centre.
What are the bus stops when arriving at Donostia-San Sebastian?
The Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach you take will most likely be a direct bus. The providers plying the route do not have stops for their buses. Once you depart from Bilbao Intermodal, your last stop will be at the Paseo de Federico García Lorca in Donostia. Check with OMIO to verify if your bus Bilbao - Donostia-San Sebastian has a stop before booking, else, get your supplies from Bilbao before boarding the coach.
What to see between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian
The Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach journey offers many man-made and natural scenery. The Vizcaya Iron Bridge is an architectural highlight in Bilbao. The bridge is the world's first to carry traffic and people using a gondola suspended high. You can visit the Salt Valley of Añana, a salt mine that has been used for over 7 millennia. The Cantabrian Mountains are a sight to see and they host the Salto del Nervion, a 222 m dramatic waterfall. You will be spoilt for choice on your bus to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao as the road passes through many towns and attraction sites.
Information on Donostia, Federico García Lorca
The Donostia, Federico García Lorca coach terminal is less than half a kilometre from the city centre at just 452 m. You can take a walk, which will take you less than 10 minutes from the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach arrival station. If your luggage is heavy and you need assistance, a car, buses or taxis are readily available. Being close to the city centre, you will get restaurants, hostels, shops, pubs, public telephone, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), baby changing facilities and toilets, to mention just a few local amenities. In addition, if your journey does not end at the station, you can easily access another bus at the station or the nearby train station.
Which providers are offering the journey, Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian?
You will get Alsa Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach services at the Bilbao main bus station and via OMIO. Alsa is a National Express UK subsidiary and is Spain's main bus operator. The company does offer deluxe services in its coach fleet, and the Alsa Supra does travel to Donostia-San Sebastian. The typical onboard services include free WiFi, toilets and entertainment on normal buses, while the Alsa Supra offers more luxurious amenities. The provider offers about 8 daily direct buses on average, which take between 1hr 10m and 1h 30m.
Buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian: Sustainability Travel
Buses are an environmentally friendly way to travel, especially where the buses are modern and designed to be fuel economical. The Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach providers ensures that their buses are well maintained and adhere to emission stipulations. Since the buses are mostly full when travelling, it means a lot of savings on fuel that would have been used by cars, resulting from traffic on the road. Your bus Bilbao - Donostia-San Sebastian without a stop has higher fuel economy since it does not need to start from stops made along the way.
Bus Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian: Services on Board
You will get various onboard services on your bus to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao. The fuel savings are higher when you account for the passengers bringing along luggage on their trip, increasing the weight the bus hauled. Luckily buses are designed to carry heavy loads, unlike cars that consume even more fuel. The normal buses plying the route will have free WiFi, toilets, footrests, and more standard features. Alsa coaches to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao will include the following services and policies:
- -Availability of First or Second Class: Alsa currently offers just one class on your Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach. The Standard Class cuts across all buses plying the route, be it Alsa or Alsa Supra.
- -Luggage allowance: you are allowed up to 30 kg of luggage on your bus to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao. A single ticket can carry up to 4 bikes. The bikes must be wrapped for protection. You are also allowed to bring your surfing equipment, provided it is within the weight limits of 30 kg and is also wrapped for protection.
- Pets: guide dogs, trained and documented, are allowed to travel inside the coach. Inside the coach's aisle, the owner handles the guide dogs. Alsa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Food, have developed the "Juntos es Mejor" (Travelling Together is Better), which allows you to bring one pet. The pets must adhere to pet carriage dimensions, not exceed 10 kg, be above 12 weeks in age, be microchipped and have the relevant documentation.
- -Services for disabled people: Alsa buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian have special seat space for persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The seats are not reserved and they do not offer further assistance. The buses have a designated space for people on mobility vehicles and wheelchairs, aided by a lifting and lowering platform. You are encouraged to make a call for assistance.
- - Seat reservation: seats are not reserved on the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach route. There are priority seats for the disabled, elderly, pregnant mothers and persons with limited mobility, but they are not reserved. The space for a mobility vehicle in the bus is not reserved as well.
- -Food and drinks on board: Alsa does not recommend food and drinks aboard the bus Bilbao - Donostia-San Sebastian.
When to book your bus tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
In your search for cheap bus tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian, you should consider using OMIO. You can get tickets and bus schedules of bus tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach operators months in advance, allowing you to save a few pennies. Plan ahead and be flexible on the travel date, avoiding dates when there is much bus demand. Be flexible on time as well to avoid the schedule when you will encounter traffic. Those tickets are usually higher in fare. Do choose a discount option, which may be available with individual coach service providers, and available to different age groups such as infants, toddlers and the elderly. Please note that the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian ticket is competitively priced at an average of £6, but the more luxurious buses have a higher fare.
To Donostia-San Sebastian by bus — travel tips
Donastio offers many attractions and fun activities to keep you busy during your stay. Once you alight from your Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach, you will be greeted with cultural wonders, architectural marvels, and culinary delights like no other in the region. The people are welcoming and the culture is vibrant. You can visit the city all year round and enjoy its uniqueness. You will not exhaust all that Donostia has to offer in a day. So, you will need some help in planning your activities during your stay, and some of the best things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian include:
- Visit and enjoy the moon-shaped La Concha Beach
- See the footprints of Napoleon and the Brits on Monte Urgull
- Make some purchases and get some memorabilia from the Parte Vieja
- Participate in a hike to Pasaia from San Sebastian
- Tan and get your surf on by the Zurriola Beach
San Sebastian: View of the bay La Concha. Source: Shutterstock
What are the other cities you can go to from Donostia-San Sebastian?
Donostia-San Sebastian is close to other famous Spanish cities. You can explore a few of them during your stay in Donostia. For example, visit the capital of Spain, Madrid, which offers many attractions sites from the middle ages and other unique geographical attractions. On your way, you will pass by other cities which will offer many sites to see, such as Burgos. If you are into F1 memorabilia, then visiting Oviedo, the city home of Fernando Alonso. He has his museum close by which is also worth a visit. A sports enthusiasts will have heard of La Liga, the Spanish Premier Football League, and some of the popular teams come from the cities of Barcelona, Granada, and Santander.
FAQs: Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Donostia-San Sebastian, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses, which is located around 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses, located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) away from the city centre.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Office
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 58, 62, 77 Metro: L1, L2 Train: C1, C2
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station)
- Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 28, 42, 45 Train: E2
Most popular bus connections from Bilbao
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
