- 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
$10
Average price
$17
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
77 km
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 $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Of the 11 buses that leave Bilbao for Donostia-San Sebastian on Tue, Jun 16, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 77 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 1 h 20 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.
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NormalOmio 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 $6. 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 $6, and a bus costs an average of $10.
Distance: 47 miles (77 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$11 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train 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 $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $11 (€9).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 16m.
Tickets start at around $11 (€9) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 1h 18m versus 1h 11m 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 Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Avanza Gipuzkoa.
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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:30 PM Bilbao | 1h30 | 12:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 PM Bilbao | 1h10 | 12:10 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:50 PM Bilbao | 1h10 | 1:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
Normal | 4:15 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h30 | 5:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:30 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 6h45 | 11:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 5h20 | 2:10 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 1:40 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 3:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 2:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 3:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 2:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 4:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 5h10 | 10:35 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 6:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 7:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 7:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h10 | 8:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:20 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h10 | 9:30 PM 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
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By Claire Martin
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.

San Sebastian Seafront View
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!
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.

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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €9 |
| Food & drinks | €2.40 |
| Travel to departure station | €1.70 |
| Travel from arrival station | €0 |
| Total | € 13.1 |
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.
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.
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 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.

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