Travel & Stay

Your guide to traveling to San Sebastián and finding the perfect place to stay

GETTING THERE

    • By Train: Direct trains operated by Renfe from Madrid's Chamartín Station to San Sebastián (around 5 hours).

    • By Bus: Alsa operates direct buses, taking around 5–6 hours.

    • By Car: Driving takes approximately 4.5–5 hours via the A-1 highway.

    • By Air: You can fly from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to San Sebastián Airport (EAS) with Iberia or other regional airlines. Flight time is around 1 hour, plus additional time for airport transfers.

    • By Train: Renfe operates direct trains from Barcelona Sants to San Sebastián, which take about 5.5–6 hours.

    • By Bus: Alsa buses run between Barcelona and San Sebastián, taking around 7–8 hours.

    • By Car: The drive is approximately 5.5–6 hours via AP-2 and AP-68 highways.

    • By Air: There are direct flights from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to San Sebastián Airport (EAS). The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

    • By Train: Renfe connects many major Spanish cities to San Sebastián. There are also options to travel by train from France (Paris to Hendaye), followed by a local train (Euskotren) to San Sebastián.

    • By Bus: Alsa and FlixBus offer bus routes to San Sebastián from various cities across Europe.

    • By Air: Direct flights to San Sebastián Airport (EAS) are available from some European cities (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona, London). Alternatively, you could fly to Bilbao (BIO) and take a bus or car to San Sebastián.

    • By Car: Road networks from France and other parts of Spain are well-connected, with routes via the AP-8 highway linking to San Sebastián.

    • By Air: There are no direct flights from Manila to San Sebastián. You would need to:

      • Fly from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to a major European hub like Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris.

      • From there, connect via a domestic flight to San Sebastián or take a train/bus as mentioned above.

    • Alternative Route: You could fly to Bilbao (BIO), about 1 hour from San Sebastián by bus or car, and then take a bus or taxi to San Sebastián.

  • By Air: There are no direct flights from the U.S. to San Sebastián. Common routes include:

    • Fly to a major European hub like Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris.

    • From the European hub, connect with a regional flight to San Sebastián Airport (EAS) or take a train/bus from Madrid or Barcelona.

    • An alternative option is to fly into Bilbao (BIO), and take a 1-hour bus or car ride to San Sebastián.

 

You can use these websites to check for schedules, prices, and make bookings for your trip to San Sebastián:

Trainline: train options

Omio: train, bus, flight options

Iberia: flight options (Europe)

If you need any assistance with planning your trip or have any questions, please reach out to us and we would be happy to help you out.

Where to stay

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of accommodation options in the heart of the city, including hotels and BnB apartments. We recommend staying in the central area, near the iconic Hotel Maria Cristina, which is the pick-up and drop-off point of our wedding events and perfectly located for exploring San Sebastián.

Browse our recommendations below to find your ideal stay.

Hotels

apartments

GETTING AROUND

Donostia-San Sebastián is a walkable and compact city. Here’s a quick guide to getting around during your stay:

UPON ARRIVAL

🚆 Arriving by train

San Sebastián is well connected by train, with both Estación del Norte (RENFE) and Amara (Euskotren) stations located near the city center.

  • RENFE – For long-distance connections across Spain

  • Euskotren – For regional travel (Hendaye, Bilbao)

Both stations are a short walk or taxi ride to/from most hotels. Taxis are available right outside the station.

✈️ Arriving by air

  • San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is just 20 minutes from town. A taxi or Bus E21 will get you to the center with ease.

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) is about an hour away, connected via direct Pesa buses or by taxi.

  • Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is a great option for guests flying into France, just under an hour away.

Private transfer services are also available through:

DURING YOUR STAY

WALKING

This is the best way to see the city. Many of the main attractions are within a 1–2 km radius of each other. From La Concha Beach to the Old Town (Parte Vieja) is about a 10-minute walk, and you can cross the entire central area in 20–25 minutes on foot.

TAXI

Taxis are available at stands throughout the city, especially near transport hubs, major hotels, and the city center.

You can also call directly to order a taxi to pick you up:

  • Taxi Donosti – +34 943 46 46 46

  • Radio Taxi San Sebastián – +34 943 40 40 40

  • www.taxidonosti.com

Keep in mind:

  • All taxis accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash.

  • Taxis usually do not stop when hailed on the street, unless you are by a taxi stand.

City BUs (d-bus)

San Sebastián’s public bus system, D-Bus, is efficient and covers all areas of the city. It’s a great option for reaching areas that are a bit further out.

Popular routes run to Monte Igueldo, Gros, and Amara. You’ll find stops near most hotels and major landmarks.

  • Pay on board by cash (bring coins) or contactless credit card, MUGI card (available at kiosks or transport hubs).

Buses run frequently, even on weekends, and are a convenient option in case of rain or longer distances.

car rental

While a car isn't needed to get around the city, it's a great choice if you're planning to day trips to the nearby coastal towns, Rioja wine country, or the French Basque region.

Rental companies include:

  • Hertz – Downtown and airport options

  • Avis –Within the city

  • Europcar – Airport & train station locations

  • Sixt – Multiple pick-up points

⚠️ Parking in the city center is limited—if you're driving in, check if your accommodation offers parking.