Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao train with Renfe (13)

Wed 03 Dec
+ Add return
Renfe (13)
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Euskotren
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe (13)
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Euskotren
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao

Showing times and prices for 04 Dec

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£25

Fastest journey

4 h 43 m

Average duration

6 h 1 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

77 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

To travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao you need to make at least one change.

Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe Intercity00280
08:429h33
Donostia-San Sebastián
18:15Bilbao-Abando
£181One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04086 · 00438
08:427h02
Donostia-San Sebastián
15:44Bilbao-Abando
£181One-way
1 change
Renfe16000+Renfe Intercity00280
06:2011h55
Donostia-San Sebastián
18:15Bilbao-Abando
£231One-way
1 change
Renfe16000+Renfe ALVIA00438
06:209h24
Donostia-San Sebastián
15:44Bilbao-Abando
£231One-way
1 change
Renfe (13)18012+Renfe ALVIA04267
11:0111h20
Donostia-San Sebastián
22:21Bilbao-Abando
£241One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 19m. 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 £6, and a coach costs an average of £7.

Distance: 77 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

£8

Average Price

3h 50m

Average total duration

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe Intercity

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Compare prices and tickets Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao?

The best time to book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 2h 29m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
77 km
Average train duration
3h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
12
Fastest train
2h 29m
First train
04:50
Last train
17:35
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Renfe (13), Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Euskotren from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trainsRenfe (13), Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Euskotren trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe (13)

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Intercity

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Euskotren

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest Price
£5
Euskotren frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully experience Bilbao, plan for 2 to 3 days. This allows time to explore the Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the Casco Viejo, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant culture.
In Bilbao, you can visit Mount Artxanda for panoramic city views or explore La Ribera Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Stroll along the Nervión River for beautiful cityscape views, and enjoy pintxos in local bars. Discover the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural centre in a former wine warehouse. Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao for contemporary art, or wander through Casco Viejo with its historic charm. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum offers diverse artworks, while Santiago Cathedral provides a glimpse into Gothic architecture. Lastly, enjoy scenic views from the Zubizuri Bridge.
A day trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 29m. Trains run 12 times per day. The distance is 77 km.
Yes, the train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the Basque countryside, lush green landscapes, and charming small towns along the way.
The cheapest way to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is by train, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £6.
The train distance from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is 77 km.
The last train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao departs at 17:35.
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao covers a distance of 77 km and takes approximately 2h 29m. Trains run 12 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao. The service operates 12 times per day, provided by Euskotren.
There is no night train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
The first train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao leaves at 4:50.
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Yes, you can take the train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
To get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

More options for your journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao

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