Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao bus

Buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao

For the trip from the beautiful sea-side city of San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, to Bilbao, the city of the Guggenheim, travelers can grab a bus ticket for one of the many buses operating daily. Buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao take about 2h or less to make the 63-mile (102-km) journey across the northern part of the country. Once in Bilbao, you’ll want to visit La Ribera Market, the largest indoor market in Europe. Here you’ll find food, drinks and lots of entertainment.

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

Journeyers in northern Spain who opt to travel by bus from San Sebastian to Bilbao will find that the route typically takes just over 1h 10min, with some rides taking up to 2h; however, with such a quick ride, trips run direct between the two cities. While passengers are not required to transfer to other buses at any point along the way, buses that operate the route are not non-stop. You can expect to make a few stops in other towns along the route.

How many buses are there from San Sebastian to Bilbao?

The bus companies providing service from San Sebastian to Bilbao offer passengers many direct options throughout the week. The frequency of buses is greater on weekdays, making it easy to secure a bus ticket; Monday through Friday, the first bus departs around 6:30 a.m. and then almost every half-hour, with the exception of around the off-peak lunch hours when they run hourly. The final bus departs around 10:00 p.m. On weekends and holidays, service is reduced; the bus schedule commences around 7:30 a.m. and concludes before midnight, with departures roughly every hour. Passengers can expect a few stops along the journey.

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

Departure bus station: There are two stations in San Sebastian from which buses leave: San Sebastian Bus Station, close to the center of the city, and San Sebastian Airport, located east of the city. The bus station is just 0.3 miles (500 meters), or a 6-minute walk, from the city center. To get from the city center to the airport, you will want to grab a taxi or bus to travel the 12.7 miles (20.4 km). The trip takes about 22min. Departure locations offer amenities for individuals with limited mobility, Wi-Fi, restroom facilities, food, places to purchase tickets and more.

Arrival bus station: Upon arriving in Bilbao, bus passengers will reach Bilbao Intermodal Station or Bilbao Airport. From Bilboa Intermodal it is just 1 mile (1.6 km) from the city center, making it an easy walk for passengers with minimal luggage. If you’re heading to the city center and have luggage, opt for a taxi, city bus or the subway. From the airport, which sits 8 miles (13 km) north of the city, you can reach the city center via taxi, city bus or the subway. At both locations there are facilities for travelers with additional accessibility needs, restrooms, food and ticket desks.

Which bus companies travel from San Sebastian to Bilbao?

There are two bus companies that provide options for buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao: Lurraldebus and Alsa. Lurraldebus offers multiple routes regularly each day, making it likely that passengers will easily be able to secure a bus ticket for their journey. Rides with Lurraldebus take approximately 1h 15min. While Alsa also offers a regular schedule of buses from San Sebastian to Bilbao, the bus company only offers four departure times each weekday and one departure time on Saturdays, on Sundays and on holidays. The routes for Alsa typically take about 1h 20min.

Larraldebus San Sebastian to Bilbao

With bus services running about every 30min on weekdays and every 60min on weekends and holidays, the schedule that Larraldebus offers passengers includes man reliable options for traveling from San Sebastian to Bilbao. All the routes run about 1h 15min and are direct, meaning there are no transfers; however, whichever bus you choose, there will be a few stops along the way. Passengers should take note that Larraldebus ticket policy requires passengers to purchase their bus ticket at least 30min in advance of the bus’s departure, so be sure to secure your ticket on the Omio website well in advance. Larraldebus also asks that all passengers arrive at the bus station to check in for the departure at least 45min ahead of time. Expect your bus type for any ride to be a Comfort bus that will either shuttle you between each city’s airports or between their bus stations.

Alsa San Sebastian to Bilbao

The bus services provided by Alsa run on a regular schedule and depart from San Sebastian daily; however, passengers will find that Alsa offers just four routes Monday through Friday, and one route on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The direct bus from San Sebastian to Bilbao typically takes about 1h 20min, calling at a few towns along the route. For ticket holders who need to cancel their ride, Alsa’s ticket policy, allows passengers to cancel their bus ticket any time prior to departure; this can be done for free if the cancellation is made at least 48h in advance, but a fee is applied to any cancellations made closer to the departure time. Passengers are encouraged to review the details of the policy on the Omio website. Expect your bus type for these journeys to be Alsa’s Comfort buses, which depart from San Sebastian Station and arrive at Bilbao Intermodal Station.

San Sebastian to Bilbao Bus: Services on board

The buses that are run by Larraldebus and Alsa provide passengers with a range of services to keep them comfortable along the journey from San Sebastian to Bilbao. With free Wi-Fi onboard every ride, passengers can keep up-to-date with news, work emails and social media—or even research how to get around the city of Bilbao upon arrival. Passengers may also benefit from onboard entertainment and ample room for luggage—specifically, Alsa allows passengers to carry on up to 66 pounds (30 kg) of luggage per person free of charge. While there is limited space for bicycles, up to four bicycles can be accommodated on each bus service, so passengers are encouraged to book space in advance. For individuals who would like to bring their pet along, Alsa’s pet policy allows passengers to purchase a reduced price ticket for one small domestic pet weighing no more than 22 pounds (10 kg). However, guide dogs are allowed on board the buses at no additional cost, which is one of the accommodations provided to passengers with limited mobility on each bus route. Alsa also offers special seating for passengers with greater accessibility needs and will take additional measures to accommodate the requirements of passengers, as requested.