- 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
$100
Average price
$106
Fastest journey
11 h 40 m
Average duration
13 h 47 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
536 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
Of the 3 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Donostia-San Sebastian on Sat, Aug 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 536 km distance in an average of 13 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 14 h 55 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
Normal · Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus
Normal
Normal · Normal
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a flight costs an average of $99.
Distance: 333 miles (536 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price Cheapest | $120 Average price | $450 Average price | $134 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 29m Average total duration 10h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 36m Average total duration 9h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $120.
A bus is $333 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $450.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 6m.
Bus takes on average 10h 59m.
Tickets start at around $118 compared to roughly $134 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16. The journey takes 10h 59m versus 6h 37m 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, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus.
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 05:40AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:10 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 14h55 | 8:05 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 12h15 | 5:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
Normal · Normal | 8:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 14h45 | 10:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 11h40 | 8:40 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
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $77 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 18:05. The fastest bus covers the 333 miles (536 km) distance in 11h 40m.
Distance 333 miles (536 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 40m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 6:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian buses use the Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses to Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Santiago de Compostela 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