- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, set in a former convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
11 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
430 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Pau 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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 1 buses that leave Pau for Donostia-San Sebastian on Sat, Jul 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 04 the direct buses cover the 430 km distance in an average of 11 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .
On Sat, Jul 04 the slowest buses will take 11 h 40 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $79. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $79, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 267 miles (430 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $114 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 10m Average total duration 11h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration Fastest 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $35 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $114 (€94).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 40m.
You'll arrive about -6h -53m sooner (11h 40m by bus vs 5h 47m by car) and save roughly $-46.07 (€-37.78) compared to fuel and tolls ($79 (€65) vs $33 (€27)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 PM Pau | 1h55 | 1:35 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $79 (€65) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 01:25. The fastest bus covers the 267 miles (430 km) distance in 11h 40m.
Distance 267 miles (430 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€65) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 40m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 1:25 AM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastian — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastian trip today.
The city’s main museum, set in a former convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.
A major sculpture museum dedicated to Eduardo Chillida, combining monumental outdoor works with a restored farmhouse gallery. It is one of the Basque Country’s standout art destinations.
This museum in nearby Getaria presents the life and work of Cristobal Balenciaga through elegant fashion displays. A strong choice for design and couture lovers visiting the area.
The historic old quarter is packed with lively streets, traditional architecture, and a strong local atmosphere. It is essential for understanding the social and cultural heart of the city.
A classic waterfront walk running along the city’s most famous beach. It is one of the best places for views, people-watching, and the postcard image of Donostia.
A green hill with paths, fortifications, and excellent viewpoints over the bay and Old Town. It is a favorite for travelers who want both nature and history close to the center.
Basque bar snacks served on bread or as small bites, central to the city’s food culture and best enjoyed while hopping between bars in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, and brandy, a classic festive seafood dish closely associated with local cooking.
Salt cod gently cooked so its gelatin emulsifies with olive oil, creating a silky sauce; one of the most emblematic Basque dishes.
Legendary fine-dining restaurant known for creative Basque cuisine, polished service, and one of the city’s most celebrated gastronomic experiences.
Iconic destination restaurant with contemporary high-end Basque cuisine, sea views, and a refined tasting-menu experience.
Well-known traditional restaurant and pintxos bar in the Old Town, respected for seasonal Basque dishes and excellent grilled seafood.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though pintxos bars can be better value.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in bars and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación de Autobuses -> Donostia-San Sebastián Centro
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Pau 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.

Most Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian buses use the Els Límits, E-15 (Àrea de Servei La Jonquera - Porta Catalana) to Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Pau and Donostia-San Sebastian bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need