- Must visit
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
4 h 52 m
Average duration
6 h 9 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
77 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao 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 Bilbao will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
It's difficult to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao without transferring at least once.
04176 · 04267
04086 · 00438
04086+
00280
04056+
00438
16000+
00438
18012+
00438
04176 · 04267
16000+
04187
04056+
04187
04086 · 00438Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $10.
Distance: 47 miles (77 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$6 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao costing on average $11 (€9).
Other travel options to Bilbao take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 15m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Euskotren.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04056+ 04187 | On time 4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h12 | 12:07 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
04056+ 00438 | Delayed 4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 10h58 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
16000+ 04187 | Delayed 4:20 AM 6:20 AMDonostia-San Sebastián | 5h47 | 12:07 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
16000+ 00438 | Delayed 4:20 AM 6:20 AMDonostia-San Sebastián | 9h33 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
16000+ 00280 | Delayed 4:20 AM 6:20 AMDonostia-San Sebastián | 12h02 | 6:22 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
04086 · 00438 | Delayed 6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián | 7h13 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 00280 | Delayed 6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián | 9h42 | 6:22 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 04267 | Delayed 11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 11h27 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 00438 | Delayed 11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 4h52 | 1:53 PM 1:53 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 00280 | On time 11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h21 | 6:22 PM Bilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
18014+ 04267 | Delayed 1:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 8h33 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
04176 · 04267 | Delayed 4:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h41 | 8:28 PM 8:28 PMBilbao-Abando | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 47 miles (77 km) distance in 2h 31m.
Distance 47 miles (77 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 31m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 5:35 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Bilbao — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bilbao trip today.
Iconic contemporary art museum designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its titanium architecture and major modern art exhibitions.
One of Spain’s leading art museums, with strong collections spanning medieval works to modern Basque and Spanish art.
Maritime museum by the estuary covering Bilbao’s shipbuilding, port history, and relationship with the sea.
Bilbao’s historic Old Town, known for its narrow lanes, traditional architecture, lively squares, and local atmosphere.
Revitalized riverside district around the Guggenheim, ideal for walking, architecture, and skyline views.
Popular panoramic viewpoint above Bilbao with wide city views, especially attractive at sunset.
Salt cod gently cooked with olive oil, garlic, and chili until the sauce emulsifies. A Basque classic strongly associated with Bilbao and nearby coastal cuisine.
Salt cod served with a rich Bizkaian red pepper and onion sauce. It is one of the signature dishes of the province of Bizkaia.
A traditional Basque fisherman’s stew of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. It is especially emblematic of the Cantabrian coast.
Well-known fine dining restaurant overlooking the river, offering a seasonal tasting-menu approach rooted in high-level Basque cooking.
Popular pintxos bar on Plaza Nueva, celebrated for creative Basque bites and a busy, classic old-town setting.
Established Bilbao dining room and deli known for quality Basque produce, seafood, ham, and a polished but traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and local bars can be good value, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in bars, 5-10% in restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not expected.
Official public transport app
Bilbao-Abando, Bilbao -> Moyua, Bilbao
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bilbao, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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