Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian bus with Alsa

Wed, Nov 26
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Alsa
Alsa Supra
BlaBlaCar
Infobus
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
1,000+ travel companies
Alsa
Alsa Supra
BlaBlaCar
Infobus
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Showing times and prices for Nov 26

Cheapest price

$4

Average price

$11

Fastest journey

50 m

Average duration

1 h 2 m

Buses per day

17

Distance

77 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao 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 Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.

Fast buses

Of the 17 buses that leave Bilbao for Donostia-San Sebastian on Wed, Nov 26, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 26 the direct buses cover the 77 km distance in an average of 1 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .

On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest buses will take 1 h 10 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.

BlaBlaCar
12:00PM0h50
Bilbao
12:50PMDonostia-San Sebastian
$41One-way
0 transfers
BlaBlaCar
01:00PM1h30
Bilbao
02:30PMDonostia-San Sebastian
$71One-way
0 transfers
BlaBlaCar
11:00PM1h10
Bilbao
12:10AMDonostia-San Sebastian
$91One-way
0 transfers
BlaBlaCar
07:10AM0h50
Bilbao
08:00AMDonostia-San Sebastian
$91One-way
0 transfers
BlaBlaCar
08:00AM1h20
Bilbao
09:20AMDonostia-San Sebastian
$91One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Omio recommends booking the bus 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 prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 18m. 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 €5, and a bus costs an average of €8.

Distance: 47 miles (77 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€8

Average price

€5

Average price

Cheapest

1h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Alsa

Most popular bus company

Renfe (13)

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
05:45AM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:30AM
Arrival Time
07:30AM
Duration
1h00
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
08:10AM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:10AM
Arrival Time
08:00AM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$8
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
08:50AM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
1h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$13
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
12:50PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$8
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
1h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$4
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$6
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
01:50PM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$7
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
1h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$13
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
01:40PM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
02:20PM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
0h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$8
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
06:10PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
1h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$8
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$9
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
Alsa
Departure Time
08:20PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
BlaBlaCar
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
12:10AM
Duration
1h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$9

Live departures

Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:14 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
alsaNormal12:40 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal1:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
2:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal1:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
3:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal5:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
6:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal5:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
6:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal6:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h10
7:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal7:20 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h10
8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, November 26
alsaNormal3:15 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h30
4:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal6:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
7:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
9:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaNormal10:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
11:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect
alsaSupra Economy10:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
1h20
11:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
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Nov 29
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Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of bus

Buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by train.

There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 47 miles (77 km) distance in 1h 10m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $6 (€5)
Distance
47 miles (77 km)
Average bus duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$10 (€8)
Buses per day
12
Direct buses
12
Fastest bus
1h 10m
First bus
00:50
Last bus
23:10

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian start from as low as $10 (€8) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $10 (€8) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 12 daily trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with 12 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 10m but the average duration is 1h 18m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, and Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Alsa.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses and arrive in Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses
  • First train typically departs at 12:50 AM and the last at 11:10 PM
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $6 (€5)

Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus from Bilbao to Donostia-San SebastianYou can travel by bus between Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for as low as $6 (€5). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Alsa

About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 10m
Cheapest Price
$10 (€8)
Alsa frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.

Alsa Supra

About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an "Ociobus" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
Alsa Supra frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 10m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

BlaBlaCar Bus

About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.

BlaBlaCar

About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day

Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 16m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A. frequency
16 a day

My Journey from Bilbao to San Sebastián by Bus

Introduction

While exploring Northern Spain, I wanted to squeeze in a visit to San Sebastián without complicating my itinerary. That’s when I discovered how quick and convenient it is to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus. The ride takes just over an hour, and booking through Omio made it super easy. If you’re considering this route, here’s exactly what to expect, from stations and schedules to tips and budget advice.

Route Overview

The route from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus begins at Bilbao Intermodal Station and terminates at San Sebastián Bus Station, taking roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

The bus exits Bilbao via the N-637, merges with the AP-8 inland, and then veers north to join the GI-20 before arriving in San Sebastián. It’s by far the fastest route, meaning the Bilbao to San Sebastián train is notoriously slow!

San Sebastian Seafront View

Transportation Experience

Booking your Bilbao to San Sebastián bus tickets on Omio is quick and simple. Just a few taps on the website or app, and your ticket is sent straight to your email and stored in the app, ready whenever you need it. The most widely used operator is ALSA, which operates buses throughout Spain and is generally reliable. I'd considered the train, but I had already taken the Santander to Bilbao train, which was slow and even delayed due to a line closure, so the choice was easy. There are no flights between Bilbao and San Sebastián since they’re simply too close. However, if you’re flying into Bilbao, you can easily connect to San Sebastián by taking the Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián bus.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Buses depart from Bilbao Bus Station (Bilbao Intermodal), approximately 1.6 kilometers (or 1 mile) from the city center and well-connected via the Bilbao metro. Check-in was easy: I just showed my QR code ticket when boarding. The station has a few cafés and takeaways, but I suggest exploring the wider city for better options.

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum

The bus arrives at San Sebastián Bus Station, just under 1 km from downtown. There are fewer amenities here, so plan to eat once you're in town.

Schedule & Frequency

There are around 12 buses per day from Bilbao to San Sebastián. The first bus leaves at approximately 5:00 AM, and the last around 9:00 PM, with buses departing every 90 minutes or so. I chose the 2:00 pm bus, as we wanted to do some sightseeing in Bilbao in the morning and enjoy the beach at San Sebastián in the evening!

Onboard Experience & Services

There’s only one class on ALSA coaches, and you’ll receive a reserved seat when booking. Wi-Fi was available but patchy, so it’s worth having mobile data. There’s no catering, but since the journey is just over an hour, you probably won’t need it. The buses also have toilets, which were clean during my trip. The route mostly follows the highway and isn’t particularly scenic, so don’t expect any stunning coastal views.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Tickets for Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus are pretty affordable, even at the last minute. That said, it’s still best to book ahead, as buses can and do sometimes sell out.

Budget breakdown:

  • Bus ticket from Bilbao to San Sebastián: €9  
  • Metro ticket from central Bilbao to the bus station: €1.70  
  • Coffee at Bilbao Bus Station: €2.40  
  • Total: €13.10

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

  • Arrive early at Bilbao station: It’s large and can take time to navigate.
  • Keep valuables with you: Don’t store anything important in the luggage hold.
  • Download your ticket in advance: Signal reception in the station can be unreliable.
  • Check the operator: ALSA is most common, but occasionally others run this route (double-check the luggage policy).
Bilbao Intermodal Station

Conclusion

Traveling from Bilbao to San Sebastián by bus is hands-down the easiest way to experience two of Northern Spain’s most charming cities. It might not be the most scenic journey, but it gets you where you want to be quickly and comfortably. Just make sure you book with Omio at least a day or two in advance to secure your spot.

About the Author: Claire Martin

  • Job Title: Travel Journalist and Videomaker

  • Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.

Claire Martin

Buses from Bilbao to San Sebastian

In general, there are between three to five daily buses from Bilbao to San Sebastian, with an approximately total of 25 buses per week. This trip is usually direct and does not require travelers to change buses or have any transfers. Depending on how many stops there are before reaching your final destination and the traffic conditions at the time, you can expect for the duration of the journey to be approximately 1h 20min. Once you have reached San Sebastian, you can begin exploring some of the city’s most famous sights, including the San Telmo Museum and Playa de la Concha.

How long is the journey by bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

You can expect for the journey from Bilbao to San Sebastian to take you approximately 1h 20min if there is no additional traffic. This trip is generally direct, which means that you do not have to worry about changing buses or having a transfer during your travels.

How many buses are there from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

There are normally between three to five daily buses that depart Bilbao for San Sebastian, with the approximate total being 25 buses traveling between the two cities each week. While these journeys may have stops in additional cities, they are direct in the sense that they do not require travelers to transfer buses in order to reach their final destination. Most of the daily journeys that are offered are in the afternoon. This route is particularly popular during the summer, so make sure to book your ticket well in advance if you will be traveling then. The first daily bus is usually around 7:30 a.m., while the last departs around 6:30 p.m.

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

Departure bus station: Your bus will normally depart from the Bilbao bus station. To ensure that you have enough time to board and properly store your personal items, try to arrive at the bus station a minimum of 30min before your voyage is scheduled to depart. This station is in the northwest part of the city and can be reached from the city center by local bus or metro in approximately 20 to 25min. The station has a waiting area, luggage storage, shops, and restaurants.

Arrival bus station: Buses for this route generally arrive at the San Sebastian / Donostia bus station. This station is placed in the southern region of the city, and you can travel to the city center from here by public bus in approximately 25min. This bus station provides passengers with standard facilities, such as access to free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, and sitting areas.

Which bus companies travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian?

The main company that services trips between these two cities is Alsa. This company, which is a Spanish subsidiary of the UK company National Transport Group, is a large transport provider in Europe that offers trips to many different countries, including Austria, Germany, and Portugal.

Alsa Bilbao to San Sebastian

Alsa generally offers between three to five daily buses from Bilbao to San Sebastian, with an approximate total of 25 buses being serviced per week. This journey is almost always direct, which means that you will not have to have a transfer or change buses during your trip. However, there may be additional stops before you reach your final destination of San Sebastian. The trip will take you approximately 1h 20min, but may vary slightly if there is additional traffic at the time. The bus type that Alsa generally uses for its voyages is either standard or express. For this route, you can expect your trip to leave from the Bilbao bus station and ultimately arrive at the San Sebastian / Donostia bus station. With Alsa’s ticket policy, it is possible to either change or cancel your reservation. If you choose to do this up to 48h before your scheduled departure, you will be required to pay a 20% fee. If you would like to change or cancel your ticket up to 24h before your expected departure, you will then be required to pay a 30% fee. Keep in mind that it is not possible to amend your reservation if you are within a 2h timeframe of your planned departure. The company’s schedule generally remains the same on weekdays and weekends, but may vary slightly during public holidays, with fewer buses usually being serviced.

Bilbao to San Sebastian Bus: Services on board

A large majority of the buses in Alsa’s fleet are equipped with unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi for its passengers. To take advantage of this free service, simply connect your portable device to the company’s network, go to their official website, and accept the terms and conditions. Once this is completed, you will be able to browse the Internet on most of your devices, included tablets and laptops. Additionally, Alsa has its own radio station for travelers to listen to, which plays a variety of genres for you to enjoy during your trip. There is also an entertainment channel that you can access on your electronic devices, and it is filled with recent television show episodes, movies, and news programs. Some buses even feature screens that will play this content throughout the duration of your trip. Each passenger has the right to bring one piece of luggage with them for free, and you can pay a small fee in order to bring additional pieces. Each passenger is also allowed to bring one pet, as long as they remain in a proper pet carrier for the entirety of the journey. There is room on every bus for up to four bicycles, so if you would like to bring one with you, make sure to contact the company ahead of time to ensure that there will be space. Almost all of Alsa’s buses are wheelchair accessible, including their toilets. Special seats are designated in each bus for travelers that have disabilities. If you contact Alsa ahead of your departure, you can ensure that an employee will be there to help you with boarding, stowing all of your luggage, and disembarking the bus once you have reached your final destination.

FAQs: Bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian can start from as little as $10 (€8) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is $10 (€8); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian bus time is 1 h 10 min   covering the 48 mile (77 km) long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 3: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 7: 20PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian without having to change trains with Alsa, Alsa Supra, FlixBus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S. A. Or BlaBlaCar Bus. There are 12 direct buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
Take the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian bus with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, FlixBus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S. A. Or BlaBlaCar Bus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the journey between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses, which is located around 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses, located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by bus is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian:
  • Alsa
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible seating.
  • Alsa Supra
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Accessible restrooms.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian for bus companies Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Donostia-San Sebastian are:
  • La Concha Beach, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach known for its golden sand and clear waters
  • Old Town (Parte Vieja), a historic district filled with narrow streets, vibrant pintxo bars, and traditional Basque architecture
  • Monte Igueldo, a hill offering panoramic views of the city and a vintage amusement park
  • San Telmo Museoa, a museum dedicated to Basque society and culture housed in a 16th-century convent
  • Miramar Palace, a former royal summer residence with beautiful gardens and views of the bay.
The best things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian include:
  • Surfing at Zurriola Beach, a popular spot for surfers of all levels
  • Enjoying a pintxo tour in the vibrant bars of the Old Town
  • Riding the funicular to Monte Igueldo for stunning views and amusement park fun
  • Exploring the Aquarium, featuring a variety of marine life and an impressive ocean tunnel
  • Attending a concert or event at the Kursaal Congress Centre.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian depends on the bus companies:
  • Alsa
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
  • Alsa Supra
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian:
    • Alsa
      • One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
    • Alsa Supra
      • One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
    • Infobus
      • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian:
    • Alsa
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    • Alsa Supra
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    • Infobus
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian. The following conditions apply:
    • Alsa
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets must travel in the hold.
    • Alsa Supra
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    • Infobus
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with the following bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with the following bus companies: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian with the following bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

    Bilbao
    Donostia-San Sebastian
    The major bus station for departures in Bilbao is Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses for your trip from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
    Bilbao, Estación de AutobusesWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    1 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Gurtubay Kalea
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café de la Estación (in the station)
    • Fast Food Express (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses
    • Bus: 58, 62, 77 Metro: L1, L2 Train: C1, C2
    Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea
    information

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