- 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 18 Oct
Cheapest price on 18 Oct
£16
Average ticket price on 18 Oct
£22
Fastest journey on 18 Oct
4 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 18 Oct
7 h 7 m
Trains on 18 Oct
8
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 £22 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.
04166+
0426713:559h07Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£161One-way1 change- 04176 · 0426716:256h37Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£161One-way1 change
- 04086 · 004388:207h33Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change
- 04086+002808:2010h02Donostia-San Sebastián18:22Bilbao-Abando£211One-way1 change
18012+0426710:5812h04Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£241One-way1 change
- 18012+0043810:584h55Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£261One-way1 change
- 04176 · 0426716:256h37Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£161One-way1 change
- 18012+0028010:587h24Donostia-San Sebastián18:22Bilbao-Abando£281One-way1 change
- 04086 · 004388:207h33Donostia-San Sebastián15:53Bilbao-Abando£181One-way1 change
- 18014+0426713:559h07Donostia-San Sebastián23:02Bilbao-Abando£241One-way1 change
Journey 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 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 3h 51m.
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 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 3h 51m |
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
Live departures
Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao train times
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18012+00438 | On time 10:59 Donostia-San Sebastián | 4h54 | 15:53 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 18012+00280 | On time 10:59 Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h23 | 18:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| Sunday 18 October | |||||
| 04086 · 00438 | 8:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h33 | 15:53 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
| 04086+00280 | 8:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 10h02 | 18:22 Bilbao-Abando | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains with Omio?
Renfe MD as well as Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe 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 or Renfe 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 or Renfe 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 £8Train companies: Renfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trainsRenfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao from £4. 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
Average Renfe MD Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£4
Renfe MD frequency
4 a day
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
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
3h 51m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£4
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 a day
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
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
Average Renfe Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest Renfe Price
£5
Renfe frequency
3 a day
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
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
Average Renfe INTERCITY Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£5
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
2 a day
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
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.
Best day trips from Bilbao by train
The most popular day trips by train from Bilbao are Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastian and Miranda de Ebro. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bilbao on Omio.
Day trip from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz by train
Why visit Vitoria-Gasteiz for the day?
Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for its medieval old town, green spaces and role as the capital of the Basque Country. Its calm streets, elegant squares and pintxos culture give it a measured, local character.
How to get from Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz by train?
The earliest train runs at 06:48, the last at 18:46. The fastest train covers the 49 km distance in 1h 18m.
Day trip from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train
Why visit Donostia-San Sebastian for the day?
Donostia-San Sebastian is known for La Concha bay, elegant architecture and a deeply rooted pintxos culture. Its beaches, compact centre and strong Basque identity give the city a polished but relaxed feel.
How to get from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train?
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 3h 17m.
Day trip from Bilbao to Miranda de Ebro by train
Why visit Miranda de Ebro for the day?
Miranda de Ebro is a riverside city in Burgos known for its railway history, industry and strategic position near the Basque Country. The Ebro, the old quarter and castle ruins give it a grounded sense of place.
How to get from Bilbao to Miranda de Ebro by train?
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:52, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 1h 0m.
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 £4, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao covers a distance of 77 km and takes approximately 3h 51m. 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.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
There is no night train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
The train station in Donostia-San Sebastian that goes to Bilbao is Donostia-San Sebastián, and it arrives at Bilbao-Abando.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao
Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains use the Donostia-San Sebastián to Bilbao-Abando station pair. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian
Arrival train stations in Bilbao
Which Donostia-San Sebastian station do trains to Bilbao leave from?
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao leave from Donostia-San Sebastián. The station is 1 km from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre at De Francia Ibilbidea, 22, 20012 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
Donostia-San SebastiánDe Francia Ibilbidea, 22, 20012 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Donostia-San Sebastián from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre
Bus9, 37, B3, 42 · 6m · £2 · every ~14 min
Donostia-San Sebastián train station facilities and services
Donostia-San Sebastián has practical services for this route, including Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastián. Information desks are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Which Bilbao station do trains from Donostia-San Sebastian arrive at?
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao arrive at Bilbao-Abando. Bilbao-Abando is from Bilbao city centre.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre
Bus03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · £2 · every ~51 min
A3631, A3632 · 8m · £2 · every ~7 min
TramTr · 1m · £2 · every ~16 min
Bilbao-Abando train station facilities and services
Bilbao-Abando has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao-Abando. Information desks are available at Bilbao-Abando.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bilbao-Abando: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bilbao-Abando: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Abando.
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
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