- Must visit
Tabakalera
Major contemporary art center in a former tobacco factory. It hosts ambitious exhibitions, local culture, and one of the city’s strongest programs.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
149 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santander 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 Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 22 buses that leave Santander for Donostia-San Sebastian on Sat, Jul 18, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct buses cover the 149 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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 Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $18, and a bus costs an average of $20.
Distance: 92 miles (149 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration 9h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 19m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $41 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $20 (€16). The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 18m 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.
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 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 6:00 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2h50 | 8:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 7:00 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 3h20 | 10:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Supra Economy | 8:00 AM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h50 | 12:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 8:40 AM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h40 | 12:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 9:20 AM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h35 | 1:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 10:00 AM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h55 | 1:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 12:40 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h55 | 5:35 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 1:20 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h15 | 5:35 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 2:00 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h35 | 5:35 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:20 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h45 | 7:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 4:00 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h50 | 7:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 4:15 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2h50 | 7:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:00 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2h50 | 7:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 5:00 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h30 | 9:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 5:00 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 3h40 | 8:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 5:20 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h10 | 9:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 6:00 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h50 | 10:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 6:00 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2h40 | 8:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal · Normal | 6:40 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 4h10 | 10:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 8:00 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 2h50 | 10:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 2:30 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 3h15 | 5:45 AM 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
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 Santander to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 20 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by train.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 22:55. The fastest bus covers the 92 miles (149 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 92 miles (149 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 20 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
Major contemporary art center in a former tobacco factory. It hosts ambitious exhibitions, local culture, and one of the city’s strongest programs.
Fine arts museum in a historic building with Basque, Spanish, and international works. A compact stop for painting and sculpture lovers.
Aquarium with historic maritime displays and a famous underwater tunnel. It combines family appeal with local ocean and fishing context.
The city’s most famous beach promenade curves around La Concha Bay. Essential for classic views, elegant walks, and sunset atmosphere.
Historic Old Town of lively squares, churches, and traditional streets. It is the best area for atmosphere, architecture, and everyday city life.
Urban beach and neighborhood promenade popular with surfers and locals. Great for broad sea views, people-watching, and a more contemporary vibe.
Small bar snacks on bread or bites, central to local txikiteo culture. San Sebastián is famous for creative and classic pintxos in packed old-town bars.
Whole grilled turbot, prized on the Basque coast for its clean flavor and simple preparation with olive oil, garlic, and grill smoke.
Basque-style cod often cooked with garlic, olive oil, and peppers. It reflects the region’s deep seafood tradition and classic home cooking.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with innovative Basque cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant, destination setting above the city.
Refined modern Basque restaurant by the bay, known for seafood-focused tasting menus and a polished but welcoming dining room.
Well-known grill restaurant specializing in premium beef and Basque classics, with a smart, contemporary atmosphere near the center.
Moderate for Spain: lodging is pricier in peak season, but pintxos, set lunches, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change is fine in cafes. Taxi tipping is usually just rounding up.
There are several daily travel options from Santander to San Sebastian to the respective airports. The journey with a direct connection without change takes 1:05 hours. The last journey of the day starts at 17:55 o'clock from Santander, the earliest travel possibility starts at 7:30 o'clock in the morning.
The route by bus from Santander to San Sebastian is operated by the bus companies Iberia and Vueling. The direct connection is served by Iberia.
The buses company Iberia operates from Santander Airport SDR to San Sebastian de los Reyes, Madrid Airport Barajan MAD directly. The journey at 7:30 am lasts 1:10 hours, the journey at 9:15 am 1:05 hours
The direct bus connections from Santander to San Sebastian are only available until noon: at 7:30 am, 9:15 am and 13:50 pm. The journey with Iberia at 17:55 takes 5:00 hours. It passes through Barcelona. Vueling also runs the route from Santander to San Sebastian via Barcelona.
At which bus station does the bus depart in Santander? Iberia and Vueling depart from the bus station of Santander airport SDR.
At which bus station does the bus arrive in San Sebastian? Destination is the bus station at Madrid Barajas airport MAD.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander 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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