San Sebastián is small and its airport has few flights, so most visitors arrive through Bilbao or Biarritz. Here is what we would tell a friend. Times are typical; check the operator's timetable before you travel.
From Bilbao airport
A direct bus runs from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián's bus station in about 1 h 15 – 1 h 20, roughly every hour (more often in summer); tickets from the driver or online. This is the easiest way for most international arrivals. More in Bilbao airport.
From Bilbao city
- Bus: the fastest, about 1 h 15 from Bilbao's main bus station (Termibus, by San Mamés) to San Sebastián's, with frequent departures through the day.
- Train (Euskotren): a slow, scenic local line along the inland valleys, about 2 h 30 to well over 3 hours depending on the route. Take it for the views, not the time.
From Biarritz airport and France
Biarritz airport is about 40 minutes from San Sebastián by car or by the buses that link the two (some run direct, others via Hendaye or Irun). From Hendaye, on the French side of the border, the Euskotren "Topo" runs into central San Sebastián in about 40 minutes. See Biarritz.
San Sebastián airport
The city's own airport is in Hondarribia, about 20 minutes away, with mainly domestic flights (Madrid, Barcelona). Buses run into the centre.
By car
From Bilbao the AP-8 motorway takes about 1 hour 15 (tolls in Gipuzkoa); from France, the A-63 becomes the AP-8 at the border. Parking in the centre is limited and paid: use the underground car parks.
Staying connected
Bus times, tickets and the map to your hotel all live on your phone the moment you land. A data eSIM for Spain gives you local data from the airport, without removing your own SIM.