- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Cheapest price
$65
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
10 h 10 m
Average duration
18 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
566 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $169 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Of the 2 buses that leave Alicante for Donostia-San Sebastian on Thu, Jun 18, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct buses cover the 566 km distance in an average of 18 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 10 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest buses will take 1 d 3 h 45 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.
BILMAN
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
BILMAN
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 351 miles (566 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $224 Average price | $165 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 14m Average total duration 13h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $103 (€84).
A bus is $134 (€109) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $224 (€183).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 36m.
Bus takes on average 13h 44m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€74) compared to roughly $165 (€135) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $74 (€61). The journey takes 13h 44m versus 7h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Bilman Bus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $265 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
The table below shows live departures for Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:50 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 27h45 | 10:35 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 2 transfers | |
BILMAN | 8:20 PM Alicante, Estación de Autobuses | 10h10 | 6:30 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Buses from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 351 miles (566 km) distance in 9h 10m.
Distance 351 miles (566 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastián — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastián trip today.
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
A major contemporary culture center in a former tobacco factory, known for exhibitions, visual arts, and creative programming. Popular with locals and visitors for its architecture and city views.
A high-quality fashion museum in nearby Getaria dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is one of the most internationally notable museums in the region and worth the short trip.
The city’s signature bayfront walk is the essential Donostia-San Sebastián experience, combining beach views, classic architecture, and a polished seaside atmosphere. It is the top place for a first-t
The Old Town is the city’s historic heart, with narrow streets, lively squares, and a dense concentration of traditional architecture. It remains one of the most atmospheric areas to wander.
A hilltop area known for panoramic views over La Concha and its nostalgic amusement park. It is especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels, central to local social eating culture and especially famous in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, one of the city’s classic seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently emulsified with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce, a hallmark Basque preparation.
World-famous fine dining institution blending Basque culinary roots with innovation, ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Iconic pintxos bar famous for creative hot pintxos such as carrilleras and seared foie, with a lively standing-room setting.
Well-known Old Town restaurant and pintxos bar celebrated for grilled meats, local seafood, and a classic bustling Donostia atmosphere.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining. Pintxos can help keep food costs lower.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, leave 5-10% only for very good service; it is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación de Autobuses -> Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación del Norte
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alicante to Donostia-San Sebastian by bus. 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 bus, 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.

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