4.9
4.6
Omio recommends booking the train 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 an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. 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 £8, while a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 77 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is £0.96 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average £9.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 4h 9m versus 1h 11m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
How to get to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
NormalNormalNormal
04186 · 0408704366 · 0416700437+
04257NormalNormalNormalFind all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Donostia-San Sebastian are Bilbao, Pamplona, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bayonne and Biarritz. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian on Omio.
Bilbao is known for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its blend of industrial heritage with contemporary design. Along the river, Basque culture shapes the city’s food, architecture and lively old quarter.
Pamplona is best known for San Fermín and the running of the bulls, but its compact old quarter and medieval walls give it a steadier character year-round. Navarrese traditions, green parks and a lively pintxos scene shape daily life.
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.
Bayonne is a historic city in the French Basque Country with a lively old town and a strong regional identity. It is known for Sainte-Marie Cathedral, traditional chocolate-making and the culinary fame of jambon de Bayonne.
Biarritz is a stylish Basque coast resort known for surf beaches, elegant seafront buildings and Atlantic views. Its mix of ocean culture, smart promenades and lively food gives the city a refined yet relaxed character.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 £0.96 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average £9.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 39m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian as scheduled services by train and coach can vary by season or day of the week.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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.
