- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
12 h 15 m
Average duration
13 h 38 m
Buses per day
2
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 $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Donostia-San Sebastian on Tue, Jun 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 536 km distance in an average of 13 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 15 h 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
FlixBus · FlixBus
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 $78. 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 $78, and a flight costs an average of $100.
Distance: 333 miles (536 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $455 Average price | $135 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 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $121 (€98).
A bus is $336 (€272) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $455 (€368).
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 $119 (€96) compared to roughly $135 (€110) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€13). 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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 15h00 | 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 | |
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 $78 (€63) 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 $78 (€63) |
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 Sebastián — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastián trip today.
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
A major contemporary culture center in a former tobacco factory, known for exhibitions, visual arts, and creative programming. Popular with locals and visitors for its architecture and city views.
A high-quality fashion museum in nearby Getaria dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is one of the most internationally notable museums in the region and worth the short trip.
The city’s signature bayfront walk is the essential Donostia-San Sebastián experience, combining beach views, classic architecture, and a polished seaside atmosphere. It is the top place for a first-t
The Old Town is the city’s historic heart, with narrow streets, lively squares, and a dense concentration of traditional architecture. It remains one of the most atmospheric areas to wander.
A hilltop area known for panoramic views over La Concha and its nostalgic amusement park. It is especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels, central to local social eating culture and especially famous in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, one of the city’s classic seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently emulsified with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce, a hallmark Basque preparation.
World-famous fine dining institution blending Basque culinary roots with innovation, ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Iconic pintxos bar famous for creative hot pintxos such as carrilleras and seared foie, with a lively standing-room setting.
Well-known Old Town restaurant and pintxos bar celebrated for grilled meats, local seafood, and a classic bustling Donostia atmosphere.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining. Pintxos can help keep food costs lower.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, leave 5-10% only for very good service; it is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación de Autobuses -> Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación del Norte
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.

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