The cheapest and fastest buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Cheapest price
$4
Average price
$11
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
1 h 2 m
Buses per day
17
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 $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
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.








Normal
NormalTravel 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 12:40 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 2:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:45 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 3:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:00 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 6:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 6:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h10 | 7:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:20 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h10 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 26 | |||||
Normal | 3:15 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h30 | 4:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 7:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 9:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 11:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 10:30 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 11:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
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 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
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
Alsa Supra
Infobus
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
BlaBlaCar
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 58, 62, 77 Metro: L1, L2 Train: C1, C2
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station)
- Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 28, 42, 45 Train: E2
More options for your journey from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
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