Bilbao to San Sebastian:
Drive Time, Distance &
Transport Options (2025)

Wondering how far Bilbao is from San Sebastian? It’s exactly 80 miles (130 kilometers) through some of Spain’s most beautiful Basque Country landscape.

I fell in love with both cities on my first visit in 2017 and have been making this journey regularly ever since. These two northern Spanish gems are home to two of the 12 Treasures of Spain and are incredible individually, but even better as a pair.

The best part? Getting between them is surprisingly easy. I’ve tested every transport option myself – from the €7.50 bus (1 hour 20 minutes) to scenic driving routes that take 3.5 hours but will absolutely take your breath away. The drive time varies dramatically depending on which route you choose, and trust me, some are worth the extra time.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re looking for fresh insider tips, I’ve got you covered on traveling between these two Basque treasures.

How Far is Bilbao to San Sebastian?

Bilbao and San Sebastian are 80 miles (130 kilometers) apart. Depending on your transport choice, you’ll spend anywhere from 1 hour 20 minutes to 5 hours traveling between these two Basque cities.

Here’s every transport option with exact times and costs:

Transport	Time	Cost	Best For
Bus (Alsa)	1h 20m	€7.50-26	Budget + convenience
Drive (Direct)	1-2h	Car rental + fuel	Speed + flexibility
Drive (Coastal)	3.5h	Car rental + fuel	Scenic routes + Game of Thrones
BlaBlaCar	1-2h	€10-15	Budget car travel
Taxi	1-2h	€155-170	Airport pickup + groups
Train	4-5h	€58-81	Avoid this option

Bottom line: Take the bus if you want cheap and easy. Rent a car if you want to explore the stunning Basque coastline – trust me, the scenic route is absolutely worth the extra time.

Bilbao to San Sebastian Drive Time & Routes

Driving from Bilbao to San Sebastian takes 1-2 hours depending on your chosen route. Renting a car is my top recommendation if you want flexibility to explore the stunning Basque countryside and experience authentic village life along the way.

The drive time from Bilbao airport to San Sebastian varies based on traffic, weather, and which route you choose. Here are your four main options:

Route 1: Via AP-8 Toll Road (Fastest – 1 hour)

Distance: 62 miles | Drive time: 1 hour | Tolls: €5-30

This is Google Maps’ default route and your fastest option. You’ll take the N-637 then join the E-70/AP-8, one of Europe’s major highways. If time is tight, this is your best bet.

Pros: Fastest, most direct, excellent road conditions Cons: Toll costs, less scenic Perfect for: Business travellers, tight schedules, rainy weather

Route 2: Via N-634/GI-632 (No Tolls – 2 hours)

Distance: 80 miles | Drive time: 2 hours | Tolls: Free

This local route takes you through beautiful Basque villages and countryside. You’ll travel via N-637 → N-634 → GI-627 → GI-632 → GI-2632 before rejoining the coastal route near San Sebastian.

Pros: No tolls, authentic villages, countryside views Cons: Longer journey, winding roads Perfect for: Budget travelers, cultural experiences, good weather Stop recommendation: Durango – a cinematic village with great mountain hiking.

Route 3: Coastal Route via San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Most Scenic – 3.5 hours)

Distance: 95 miles | Drive time: 3.5 hours | Tolls: Free

Game of Thrones fans, this route is absolutely unmissable! Just 25 miles (45 minutes) from Bilbao airport lies San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – the dramatic hermitage on an islet that served as Dragonstone in the hit series. You can actually climb the 241 steps to the top yourself.

The route: BI-2238 → BI-2405 → N-634 → GI-11, hugging Spain’s spectacular northern coastline.

Essential stops along the way:

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – The Dragonstone location where you can walk across the bridge and climb to the hermitage. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Lekeitio – One of the Basque coast’s most important fishing ports. Perfect for authentic seafood and traditional Basque dishes in a working harbor setting.

Playa de Saturraran – This 300-meter beach is famous for its twin rock formations called “the two sisters” (Satur and Aran). Great photo opportunity.

Zumaia – Another Game of Thrones filming location! This picturesque coastal town’s beach was where Daenerys Targaryen first set foot on Westeros. The dramatic cliff formations are stunning.

Best for: Photography enthusiasts, Game of Thrones fans, coastal scenery lovers, foodie adventures

Route 4: Via Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Capital – 2 hours)

Distance: 110 miles | Drive time: 2 hours | Tolls: Some sections

Want to visit the actual capital of the Basque Country? While Bilbao and San Sebastian get all the attention, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the seat of the regional Basque government and offers a more authentic, less touristy experience.

The route: AP-8 → N-622 (Vitoria-Gasteiz stop) → N-240 → AP-1 → AP-8

What to see in Vitoria-Gasteiz:

• Medieval old town with ancient walls and watchtowers
• Renaissance architecture throughout the historic center
• Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (White Virgin Square)
• World-class street art scene – the city is famous for its murals

This route adds cultural depth to your journey and lets you experience a side of the Basque Country most tourists miss.

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, architecture lovers, avoiding tourist crowds, authentic Basque experiences

Drive from Bilbao to San Sebastian: What to Expect

The drive from Bilbao to San Sebastian is genuinely straightforward – these cities are well-connected with excellent roads, and I’ve never had major issues making the journey. However, after multiple trips, I’ve learned a few things that’ll make your drive much smoother.

Here’s the reality about Basque weather: San Sebastian is Spain’s rainiest city with 141 rain days yearly. I’ve been caught in intense downpours on coastal routes, and it changes everything. When weather turns nasty, stick to the AP-8 toll road – it has better drainage and wider lanes than winding coastal routes.

Timing matters hugely. I’ve found the sweet spots are mid-morning (10am-12pm) and mid-afternoon (2pm-4pm). Avoid rush hours and Friday evenings like the plague – Spanish commuter traffic is brutal, especially around Bilbao.

If you’re from the UK or Australia, give yourself time to adjust to driving on the right. Spanish drivers can be enthusiastic, and roundabouts feel backwards initially.

One thing that catches international visitors: automatic cars aren’t standard in Spain. Most rentals are manual, and automatics cost €10-20 extra daily with limited availability. Book ahead if needed.

There are two periods I’d seriously consider postponing your drive. Aste Nagusia in late August turns Bilbao into chaos – nightmare traffic and impossible parking. San Sebastian’s Film Festival in late September has the same effect. Summer weekends pack the coastal routes too.

I’ve learned to travel midweek during shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) for the best experience – fewer crowds, easier parking, and more pleasant driving conditions overall.

Bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian (Cheapest Option)

Taking the bus is honestly my preferred way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Spanish coaches are excellent quality, arrive on time, and are incredibly easy to navigate. Best of all? They’re seriously inexpensive compared to other European countries.

Alsa Bus Service

Alsa is hands down the best option for the Bilbao to San Sebastian route. Their network covers all major Basque cities plus smaller towns throughout the region, so you’re guaranteed regular, reliable service.

I’ve travelled with Alsa multiple times throughout the Basque Country, and every single journey impressed me. The buses were punctual, spotlessly clean, and comfortable for the 1 hour 20 minute journey. No stress, no navigation worries – just sit back and enjoy the Basque countryside rolling past your window.

Alsa operates two service levels. Their standard buses are perfectly comfortable and get the job done efficiently. If you fancy treating yourself, their Supra range costs a bit more but includes free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and extra legroom – brilliant for longer journeys.

Ticket Prices and Booking

Tickets range from €7.50 one-way to €26 return – incredible value for money. Your luggage is included, and you can add optional extras like guaranteeing the seat next to you stays empty (perfect for spreading out), sports equipment transport, or carbon offset payments.

Booking advice from experience: Multiple departures run daily, so booking a few days ahead is usually fine. However, those faster Supra buses can sell out, especially at weekends. During major events like Aste Nagusia or the San Sebastian Film Festival, book well in advance – I’ve seen routes completely sold out during these periods.

The beauty of bus travel? No parking headaches, no weather stress, and you arrive refreshed in the city centre.

Alternative Transport Options

BlaBlaCar Rideshare

BlaBlaCar is a bit of a Spanish phenomenon and a brilliant option if you fancy the comfort of a car without the hassle of driving or the expense of car hire. This rideshare app connects drivers with fellow travellers, making it good for both the environment and your wallet.

The concept is simple: select your start and end points, and see if anyone’s heading the same way. Prices vary depending on each driver and pickup location, so always check the exact meeting point – sometimes these aren’t in city centres, which can be a bit inconvenient.

Here’s where BlaBlaCar properly saved me: I was stuck in La Coruña after forgetting it was a public holiday in Santiago de Compostela and all the trains had sold out. Within minutes on BlaBlaCar, I’d secured a seat with three lovely Spanish people. The journey was quick, comfortable, and they dropped me closer to my accommodation than any bus would have managed.

The reality check: You can’t choose departure times, and if you’re a solo traveller who doesn’t speak Spanish, you might feel more comfortable on a proper bus. That said, the app is secure and monitored, and on popular routes like Bilbao-San Sebastian, you’ll usually find someone travelling your way.

Train (Not Recommended)

I hate to break it to train enthusiasts, but this route is absolutely dreadful by rail. Spain’s train network is phenomenal in many parts of the country, but the north definitely isn’t one of them. Seriously, just take the bus.

If you’re absolutely determined, there’s one option via Miranda de Ebro – 51 miles from Bilbao and a whopping 83 miles from San Sebastian. You’re looking at 4-5 hours total journey time with transfers, costing €58-81 return. Unless you’ve got urgent business in Miranda de Ebro, give this one a miss.

Taxi Service

Taxi is really a last resort option, costing around €155 during the day or €170 at night from Bilbao airport. That’s serious money for what buses do brilliantly for under €8.

That said, if you’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight with loads of luggage, or you’re a group of four splitting the cost, it might make sense. Just remember there are direct airport coaches to San Sebastian that’ll save you a fortune – but sometimes convenience trumps everything else.

Bilbao to San Sebastian: Which is Better?

This is honestly one of the most difficult questions I get asked – and after visiting both cities multiple times since 2017, I still can’t give you a definitive answer. They’re both absolutely brilliant, but in completely different ways.

Choose Bilbao if you’re drawn to:

• Modern art and architecture – the Guggenheim alone is worth the trip
• Urban energy – it’s a proper working city with fantastic nightlife
• Cultural immersion – fewer tourists, more authentic daily Spanish life
• Rainy day activities – excellent museums and indoor attractions
• Industrial heritage – fascinating transformation from steel city to cultural hub

Choose San Sebastian if you’re after:

• Beach life – some of Spain’s most beautiful urban beaches
• Food obsession – arguably Spain’s best pintxos and Michelin-starred restaurants
• Relaxed atmosphere – perfect for leisurely seaside strolls
• Scenic beauty – stunning bay views and Belle Époque architecture
• Summer vibes – brilliant beach culture and outdoor dining

My honest take? Bilbao surprised me more – I expected an industrial city and found this incredible cultural renaissance. San Sebastian lived up to every expectation – it’s as gorgeous and delicious as everyone says.

If you can only choose one: San Sebastian edges it for first-time visitors to northern Spain. The combination of beaches, food, and pure visual appeal makes it more immediately captivating.

But here’s the thing – they’re only 80 miles apart! If you’ve made it all the way to the Basque Country, spending 2-3 days exploring both gives you the complete northern Spanish experience. The contrast between Bilbao’s urban grit and San Sebastian’s seaside elegance is what makes this region so special.

Bottom line: Don’t choose. Do both. You’ll thank me later.

Final Thoughts: Bilbao To San Sebastian

So there you have it – everything you need to know about travelling between these two brilliant Basque cities. After testing every transport option myself, I can confidently say there’s a perfect choice for every type of traveller.

My top recommendation? If you’re travelling solo, watching your budget, or simply want hassle-free transport, take the Alsa bus. At €7.50 for a comfortable 1 hour 20 minute journey, it’s unbeatable value and gets you right into both city centres.

But here’s where it gets exciting: if you’ve got extra time, travelling in a group, or you’re a massive Game of Thrones fan, hiring a car transforms this from simple transport into a proper adventure. Those coastal routes via San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are genuinely spectacular – some of the most beautiful drives I’ve done anywhere in Spain.

The Basque Country really is such a stunning corner of Spain, and with a car you’ll discover hidden villages, dramatic coastlines, and authentic local experiences that most visitors miss entirely. Whether you choose the quick bus or the scenic drive, you’re in for an absolute treat.

The 80 miles between Bilbao and San Sebastian might seem like just a journey, but it’s actually your gateway to experiencing the full magic of the Basque Country. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment of this incredible region!