Bilbao and San Sebastián are about 100 kilometres apart along the AP-8. It's one of the most popular day trips for visitors to Bilbao, and a common transfer for anyone staying in one city and sleeping in the other.
How much it costs
- One way, from central Bilbao: on weekdays and at night, at weekends or on public holidays. AP-8 toll included.
- Full-day trip, return: €290 per car. We drop you off on the Boulevard and pick you up whenever you like.
The price is per car, not per person. Split between four, it works out at a share each.
How long it takes
Around with no traffic. On Friday afternoons and at the end of long weekends, the roads into San Sebastián get busy, so allow a bit longer.
Taxi, bus or train
- Bus: leaves from the Termibus station and takes just over an hour. It's the cheapest option if you're travelling alone with little luggage.
- Euskotren: links Bilbao's Old Town with San Sebastián, but it stops in lots of towns and takes much longer.
- Taxi: worth it if there are three or four of you, if you have luggage or children, or if you want to make the most of the day without timetables. We pick you up at your hotel door and drop you off at the next one.
A day in San Sebastián
The full-day trip gives you time to stroll along La Concha, go up Monte Igueldo or Monte Urgull, see Chillida's Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) at the end of Ondarreta beach and have pintxos for lunch in the Old Town (Parte Vieja). If you like, on the way back we can stop at Getaria or Zarautz on the coast before taking the motorway back to Bilbao.
Coming from the airport?
If you land at Loiu and head straight to San Sebastián, read Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián by taxi.
