- Must visit
Centro Botín
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 18 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
149 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 buses that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Santander on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 149 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 3 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.
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Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander 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 | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 14m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $57 (€46) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $36 (€29). The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 7m 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, Alsa Supra.
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 Alsa | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 10:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 3h25 | 1:25 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 3:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 3h35 | 7:30 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 4:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 3h35 | 8:05 PM Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
Normal | 12:50 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 2h55 | 3:45 AM Santander, 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander run on average 14 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 8 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 55m.
Distance 92 miles (149 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Important archaeological museum presenting prehistoric cave culture, Roman material, and key finds from across Cantabria.
Leading maritime museum covering Cantabrian Sea ecology, fishing, naval history, and aquariums; a strong family-friendly cultural stop.
Scenic headland combining gardens, sea views, beaches, and the palace grounds; ideal for walking and one of the city’s top experiences.
Santander’s best-known beach area, famous for its elegant promenade, broad sands, and lively atmosphere in good weather.
Grand waterfront promenade lined with historic buildings, sculptures, and access to the bay; essential for a first walk through Santander.
Lightly battered and fried squid rings, one of Santander’s most iconic tapas, especially popular for aperitif time by the bay.
High-quality Cantabrian anchovies, usually served in olive oil on bread or as a tapa; a flagship product of the region.
White tuna from the Cantabrian Sea, prized for its delicate texture and often served grilled, stewed, or preserved in olive oil.
Michelin-starred restaurant known for contemporary tasting menus rooted in Cantabrian products, with polished service and elegant ambiance.
Well-known Santander restaurant and tapas bar, famous for refined Cantabrian cuisine, seafood, and a lively central atmosphere.
Historic and established dining room serving classic Cantabrian dishes in a traditional setting with strong local character.
Moderate by Spanish standards: tapas and set lunches are affordable, while waterfront dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change in cafes is enough. Taxis are usually rounded up, and hotel tips are appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Santander, Estación de Autobuses -> Santander Centro
San Sebastian-Santander buses run daily for 200 kilometres between the two Spanish cities. During this pleasant route, which runs along the coast of the Gulf of Viscaya and lasts less than 3 hours, travelers can relax, watch television and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views.
The ALSA company operates every day this busy journey by means of buses of 2 categories: Premium and Normal. Both have spacious armchairs with footrests, free wifi connection and the Ociobus channel with a wide range of series, films and other audiovisual content. Premium San Sebastian Santander buses also have plugs, individual screens, press and headphones.
The journeys on board Premium class coaches are shorter, have fewer stops and last 2 hours and 40 minutes. The rest of the San Sebastian Santander buses stop at a greater number of localities, so the duration of their journeys ranges between 2 hours and 50 minutes and 4 hours. All routes between the two cities are direct.
From Monday to Friday there are 10 daily connections between San Sebastian and Santander. On Saturdays the frequency of departures is reduced to 9 a day, while on Sundays there are 10 daily buses. Depending on the route and category of the bus, intermediate stops are made in places such as Éibar, Bilbao, Baracaldo, Laredo, Deba or Zarautz.
San Sebastian Bus Station/Donostia: is located 7 minutes walk from the Old City and a short walk from the beaches. The station offers 15 minutes of free underground parking, keyed and coded lockers, pastries, vending machines, ticket offices, cafeterias, ATMs and ticket vending machines. Buses 09, 17, 24, 27, 37, 41 and 42 connect the railway enclosure with other urban areas.
Santander bus station and airport: the first one is located in the centre of the city, one step away from the train station. Its premises have a leisure area, slogans, information points, ticket sales, kiosks, cafeterias, shops and a bakery. Every 30 minutes the buses of Transporte de Cantabria link the station with the airport of Santander.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander 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 Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Santander buses use the Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses to Santander, Estación de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Santander 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.
Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander is 4 km from Santander city centre. Public transport options include:
Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, and WC.
Food options include: Cafeteria (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Available at Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander, Aeropuerto De Santander: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need