Flights, transport, where to stay—and how to best experience these cities
If you’re planning a trip to the Basque Country, chances are San Sebastian and Bilbao are already on your list—and for good reason.
But figuring out how to get here, where to stay, and how to move between cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian isn’t always as straightforward as it should be.
This guide is designed to help you plan your trip in a way that feels easy, thoughtful, and genuinely local—so you can spend less time organizing, and more time enjoying.
Finding Flights to San Sebastian (and When to Fly into Bilbao)
San Sebastian has its own small airport (EAS), just 20 minutes from the city center. It’s convenient—but flight options can be limited depending on where you’re coming from.
That’s why many travelers choose to fly into Bilbao instead.
A simple way to compare both options is using platforms like KAYAK, where you can check different airports, dates, and prices in one place.
A few tips:
- Check both San Sebastian (EAS) and Bilbao (BIO)
- Be flexible with dates if you can
- Morning arrivals make it easier to transfer the same day
Extra tip: Search flights to San Sebastian, Bilbao and even Biarritz airport which is also closeby to find the best option for your trip
How to Get to San Sebastian
From San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
- Easy and straightforward if you find a direct flight
- San Sebastian Airport is actually in Hondarribia, a gorgeous Medieval village around 20 minutes away from the city by car or 45 minutes by bus
- Regular buses connect the airport with the center
- Bus line from San Seb Airport is E21 (30 mins) and E20 (45 mins). Check times on LurraldeBus. You can pay in small notes, cash, or tap debit card
- You can take a taxi approx €40-50. Sometimes people share the ride.
From Bilbao Airport – Loiu (BIO)
This is often the best option because there are more connections.
- Direct buses connect Bilbao Airport to San Sebastian with AVANZA. Check timetables here.
- Buy your bus ticket before boarding; you can’t buy it on the bus.
- Travel time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Comfortable, frequent, and no need to go into Bilbao city first
By Train
San Sebastian’s train station is centrally located and well connected to Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona. It’s a good option if you’re traveling within Spain. Buy train tickets on RENFE.
Biarritz Airport Bus line connection
Biarritz has fewer bus connections than Bilbao, so you should definitely check the times and info here. Another option is renting a car from the airport and driving to San Sebastian, Bilbao and around the Basque Country.
By bus
Buses sometimes have better connections than trains here. ALSA has really good connections and their premium buses are very comfy.
Blabla Car
If you’re feeling more adventurous bla bla car is an online carpool service. It’s like an Airbnb for cars. Rides are usually posted a few days before, and you can have alerts sent to you. Visit the website here.
By Car
Driving gives you flexibility—especially if you plan to explore the Basque coast or inland areas like Rioja. Main routes: A-8 (coastal road), AP-1 and A-15.
What neighbourhoods to Stay in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is compact, but where you stay shapes your experience.
City Center: Perfect if you want everything within walking distance: Shops, restaurants, cultural spots. Near Buen Pastor Cathedral. Best for: first-time visitors
La Concha: If you want views, calm, and proximity to the sea: La Concha beach, Promenade walks, Close to iconic landmarks. Best for: relaxed stays, couples
Gros: More local, slightly edgier, and full of life: Surf culture, Great cafés and bars, Younger, creative atmosphere. Best for: food lovers, longer stays
TIP: Search for accommodation in San Sebastian and choose based on how you want to experience the city.
Visiting Bilbao (And Why You Shouldn’t Skip It)
Bilbao is just over an hour away—and offers a completely different perspective on the Basque Country.
More urban, more industrial, but also deeply cultural and full of art and an exciting energy.
How to Get to Bilbao
By Air: Bilbao Airport (Loiu) has more international connections than San Sebastian. From the airport to Bilbao Bus Station in the center (Intermodal): Bizkaibus A3247. Travel time to city 25 minutes
By Train: Direct connections from: Madrid and Barcelona. RENFE
By Car: Easy drive via: AP-68 and AP-1
By Bus: Frequent and affordable routes from San Sebastian and other cities. ALSA
Where to Stay in Bilbao
- Near the Guggenheim: central and convenient
- City center: best for first-time visits
- More local neighborhoods for longer stays
- Casco Viejo: Historic, vibrant, full of life—perfect for wandering, eating, and getting lost. Warning: evening can be very noisy. So look for places on the edges of the Old Town.
- Indautxu: Lively, modern, full of bars and nightlife.
- Deusto is more local, great for pintxos, and a younger atmosphere. Still well communicated.
Experience the Food the Right Way
San Sebastian and Bilbao are two of the best food cities in Europe—but it’s not always easy to navigate.
Too many options, crowded bars, and not knowing what to order can quickly turn into a frustrating experience.
That’s why many travelers choose to join a food tour in the Basque Country
With a local guide, you:
- Skip the guesswork
- Avoid tourist traps
- Taste the right dishes in the right places
- Understand the culture behind the food.
Explore our food tours in San Sebastian and Bilbao, and experience the city like a local
Remember!
If you book a food tour, do it at the beginning of your trip to get the tips and ideas on what to do for the rest of your stay. Move slowly, and choose experiences that help you understand—not just see—the place you’re visiting.
If you’re still figuring out flights, it’s worth quickly checking both Bilbao and San Sebastian options on KAYAK and choosing what fits your plans best.
