- Must visit
Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
Globally known museum for contemporary art in a landmark riverside building. Go for the architecture, sculpture terraces and strong temporary shows.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Sept
Cheapest price on 02 Sept
£16
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£21
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
4 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
6 h 37 m
Trains on 02 Sept
10
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 £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
Fast trains
To travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao you need to make at least one change.
04176 · 0426716:256h37Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£161One-way1 change
04056+004385:0010h53Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change- 04056+041875:007h05Donostia-San Sebastián12:05Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change
- 04086 · 004388:157h38Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change
- 04086+002808:1510h07Donostia-San Sebastián18:22Bilbao-Abando£191One-way1 change
18012+0043810:574h56Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£251One-way1 change- 04176 · 0426716:256h37Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£161One-way1 change
16000+041875:037h02Donostia-San Sebastián12:05Bilbao-Abando£231One-way1 change- 04056+041875:007h05Donostia-San Sebastián12:05Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change
- 18012+0028010:577h25Donostia-San Sebastián18:22Bilbao-Abando£271One-way1 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 an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, while a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 77 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is a train with an average price of £5.
This is compared to other travel options from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao:
A train is £4 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao costing on average £9.
The fastest way to travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 37m.
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £5 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £23. The journey takes 3h 39m versus 1h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Euskotren.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04056+00438 | Delayed 5:00 Donostia-San Sebastián | 10h53 | 13:53 13:53Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04056+04187 | On time 5:00 Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h05 | 12:05 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 16000+04187 | On time 5:03 Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h02 | 12:05 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04086+00280 | Delayed 6:20 8:15Donostia-San Sebastián | 10h07 | 18:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04086 · 00438 | Delayed 6:20 8:15Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h38 | 13:53 13:53Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 18012+00280 | Delayed 8:59 10:57Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h25 | 18:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 18012+00438 | Delayed 8:59 10:57Donostia-San Sebastián | 4h56 | 13:53 13:53Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 18012+04267 | Delayed 8:59 10:57Donostia-San Sebastián | 12h05 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 18014+04267 | On time 13:51 Donostia-San Sebastián | 9h11 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04176 · 04267 | 16:25 Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h37 | 23:02 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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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Why should you book Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains with Omio?
Renfe MD as well as Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Euskotren and more offer trains services from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe MD?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe MD, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Euskotren to find the best option for your trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Renfe MD with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Why book with Omio over Raileurope, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Euskotren to find the best option for your trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
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 1 day 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.
Trains
from £7Coaches
from £7Journey information
Overview: Train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao
SpainSpain
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 2h 31m.
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 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 31m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 17:35 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Euskotren from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trainsRenfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Euskotren trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe MD
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
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
Renfe
About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Euskotren
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Euskotren Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Euskotren Price
£5
Euskotren frequency
10 a day
Complete guide to Bilbao
Things to do in Bilbao
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
- Must visit
Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa
Fine arts museum with collections from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture. A strong choice for a broader art visit beyond the Guggenheim.
- Recommended
Euskal Museoa
Museum on Basque archaeology, ethnography and maritime life in the old quarter. A clear introduction to regional history and identity.
- Must visit
Casco Viejo
Bilbao’s old town of narrow lanes, churches, shops and lively squares. Ideal for walking, local atmosphere and understanding the city’s historic core.
- Must visit
Mirador de Artxanda
Hilltop viewpoint above the city reached by the Artxanda funicular. Worth it for broad views over Bilbao and the surrounding green hills.
- Recommended
Plaza Nueva
Elegant central square with arcades, cafés around the edges and frequent city events. A convenient stop between the old and newer parts of Bilbao.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al pil-pil
Salt cod cooked slowly with olive oil, garlic and chilli until it forms a silky sauce. A Basque classic closely linked with Bilbao’s taverns and home cooking.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao a la vizcaína
Salt cod baked or simmered in a red pepper and tomato sauce, often with onion. A traditional Biscayan dish emblematic of local Basque cooking.
- Gluten-free
Angulas a la bilbaína
Baby eels sautéed with olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served very hot in a clay dish. A classic celebratory pintxo in Bilbao.
Gure Toki
Bustling pintxos bar in Casco Viejo with a wide counter selection and a lively, informal atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Sorginzulo
Well-known tavern for inventive and traditional pintxos near Plaza Nueva, with a busy bar scene and strong local following.
Victor Montes
Historic Old Town restaurant known for classic Basque dishes and seafood in a traditional, polished setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and dining cost more than in many inland Spanish cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change in cafés is enough.
Bilbobus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €0.53
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Bilbao-Abando -> Plaza Circular, Bilbao
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Use a Barik card for cheaper integrated fares on metro, tram and buses across Bizkaia.
- Bilbao-Abando is beside Plaza Circular in the city centre, so many central sights are walkable from the station.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £5.
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao covers a distance of 77 km and takes approximately 2h 31m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is 77 km.
The first train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao leaves at 4:45.
The last train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao departs at 17:35.
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Yes, there is a direct train between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao. The service operates 12 times per day, provided by Euskotren.
To get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
The cheapest way to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is by train, costing approximately £5.
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.
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.
A day trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 31m. Trains run 12 times per day. The distance is 77 km.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Most popular train connections from Donostia-San Sebastian
More options for your journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian
Most popular train connections to Bilbao
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