Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
30/08/2025
Catalinush Mcr, Pexels
San Sebastián is served by the Estación del Norte, its main railway station, and a modern underground bus station, both centrally located. San Sebastián Airport (EAS) handles domestic flights, while larger international connections are facilitated by Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Biarritz Airport (BIQ).
By Air to San Sebastián Airport (EAS):
Flights are available from major Spanish cities. For example, direct flights from Madrid (MAD) take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes with Iberia, and from Barcelona (BCN) about 1 hour 15 minutes with Vueling Airlines. Prices can start from around €55-€58 for one-way tickets.
From Bilbao Airport (BIO) to San Sebastián:
Bilbao Airport is about 98-105 km away. The most convenient option is a direct bus service by PESA or Lurraldebus, which takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes to the San Sebastián bus station, with fares typically ranging from €10 to €17. Buses depart hourly or every 30 minutes. Taxis and private transfers are also available, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes and costing approximately €85-€180.
By Train (Renfe Alvia):
The Estación del Norte in San Sebastián connects the city to major Spanish destinations.
From Madrid (Chamartín): Direct Alvia trains typically take between 4 hours 47 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes. Ticket prices can range from €13.74 to €90.
From Barcelona (Sants): Direct Alvia services average between 5 hours 33 minutes and 6 hours 38 minutes, with ticket prices starting from approximately €6.85 to €80.
By Bus (ALSA, Monbus, Vibasa):
The central bus station offers extensive connections.
From Madrid (Avenida de América): Buses take around 5 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes, with some services taking up to 10 hours. Fares generally range from €35 to €85.
From Barcelona (Sants or Nord): The journey by bus typically lasts between 6 hours 50 minutes and 8 hours. Indicative costs are around €26-€55.
By Car Rental:
Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region.
Driving from Madrid takes approximately 4 hours, with tolls around €10-€20.
From Barcelona, the drive is about 5 hours 30 minutes (570 km).
From Bilbao Airport, expect a drive of about 1 hour 15 minutes on the AP-8 motorway, with tolls around €10.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.