How to Get from Barcelona to San Sebastian in 2025
Are you wondering what’s the best way to get from Barcelona to San Sebastian? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve personally traveled to San Sebastian, and explored all the different options so you don’t have to.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the best ways to get to San Sebastian from Barcelona, whether you’re looking for convenience, affordability, or scenic routes.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your travel style and budget. I’ll also share some tips to save money, find the best price, and make the most of your visit.
Ready to make your San Sebastian travel plans easier? Let’s get started!
Best Ways to Get from Barcelona to San Sebastian
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get to San Sebastian from Barcelona:
| Transportation Method | Duration | Cost |
| Flight | 1 hour 15 minutes | From 30€ one-way |
| Train | 6 hours 20 minutes | From 20€ one-way |
| Bus | 8 hours | From 30€ one-way |
| Car | 5 hours 45 minutes | Varies |
ℹ️ What’s the difference between San Sebastian and Donostia? When booking your tickets, you’re probably going to see both of these names for this Basque city. San Sebastian is the Spanish name, while Donostia is the Basque name. Both names refer to the same place so don’t be alarmed when booking your train rides or tickets.
Fly from Barcelona to San Sebastian
Flying is the fastest option to travel from Barcelona to San Sebastian, with an average flight time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Vueling offers multiple direct flights daily from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to San Sebastian Airport (EAS). Flying into Bilbao Airport (BIO) is also an option, but it’s about 75 km (46 mi) from San Sebastian.
However, considering the time spent traveling to and from airports, as well as for check-in and security, this option may not save as much time as it seems. Barcelona Airport is about 30 minutes from the city center, and the main airport in San Sebastian is also about 30 minutes away.
Flight prices can also be more expensive compared to other transportation. Budget airlines like Vueling have strict baggage limits and extra fees for seat selection and checked luggage. Booking early can help you find cheap flights and get the lowest price.
Take the Train from Barcelona to San Sebastian
Personally, I think taking the train from Barcelona to San Sebastian is the best way to go because it’s cheaper, more comfortable, and offers nice views along the way. Plus, there’s no luggage restrictions and it takes you right to the center of San Sebastian.
This is personally what I did when I visited San Sebastian and it was a great experience! You can take the Alvia high-speed train service operated by Renfe, which takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes and standard class ticket prices start at around 20€ for one-way tickets.
The train departs from Barcelona Sants station and arrives at San Sebastian/Donostia station. From there, you can easily walk or take a taxi to your accommodation. There’s a taxi stand right outside of the train station.
Onboard the train is very comfortable with spacious seats, restrooms, and a dining car. Unfortunately, there wasn’t wifi available but the cell service was decent for most of the route.
Tickets can be booked on the Renfe website or Omio with the departing station as “Barcelona-Sants” and the arrival station as “San Sebastián/Donostia”. Make sure to select the Alvia trains with the fastest route as there are some alternative routes with connecting options that take a bit longer.
Tip: The cheapest train tickets are available when booked in advance so try to book your tickets as far in advance as possible. Otherwise, the prices can get much higher closer to the travel dates.
Drive from Barcelona to San Sebastian
Renting a car and driving from Barcelona to San Sebastian is another option and the drive takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.
The advantage of driving is that you have more flexibility in terms of your travel route and can make pit stops at different cities or attractions along the way. Zaragoza and Pamplona are two of the country’s major cities to visit along the way.
It’s a pretty scenic drive through the mountains and countryside, and can be a good option if you’re comfortable renting a car in Spain.
Take the Bus from Barcelona to San Sebastian
Lastly, you can also take a bus from Barcelona to San Sebastian, which takes approximately 8 hours. However, I’d only recommend taking the bus as a last resort because it can cost just as much as taking the train and is less comfortable.
Monbus offers a bus service from Barcelona to San Sebastian departing from Barcelona-Nord or Barcelona-Sants station. Prices start at around 30€ for a one-way ticket and can be booked on the Monbus website.
Make sure to check the schedules in advance as the bus service only operates on certain days of the week.
Tips for Traveling to San Sebastian from Barcelona
Follow these tips to save money and make the most of your trip to San Sebastian:
- Book in advance: Booking your transportation tickets in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Both train tickets and flights get considerably more expensive closer to the departure date. It’s also best to book your return ticket in advance as seats can fill up quickly.
- Visit during off-peak season: San Sebastian is a popular destination, especially during the summer months, so visiting during the off-season (September to May) can help you save on travel costs and avoid crowds.
- Download the Renfe app: If you’re taking the train, make sure to download the Renfe app on your phone before your trip. It’s an easy way to manage your train tickets, as well as check train schedules.
- Stay in the city center: San Sebastian is a walkable city, so staying in the city center will save you time and money on transportation. I stayed at Barcelo Costa Vasca and was wishing I was closer to the city center so I didn’t have to take taxis to get around!
- Pack some snacks: If you’re taking a long train or bus ride, pack some snacks and drinks for the long journey. There are restaurants and convenience stores at Barcelona-Sants train station where you can stock up on some food for the trip.
- Be prepared for no wifi: There isn’t good wifi service on the train from Barcelona to San Sebastian so I’d recommend bringing some books or downloading some movies or music before the ride.
Traveling to San Sebastian Spain: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to San Sebastian:
Is it better to fly or take the train from Barcelona to San Sebastian?
Flying is the quickest option with a direct route, but considering travel to and from the airports, the train is often the best choice for a balance of cost, comfort, and convenience directly to the city center.
Is it worth going to San Sebastian Spain?
San Sebastian is worth visiting if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, delicious food, and a charming Basque city in Northern Spain. It’s also a great destination for foodies, with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain.
How many days do you need in San Sebastian?
I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in San Sebastian to fully experience its main attractions, including the beach, Old Town, and trying out some of its famous pintxos (Basque tapas).
Is it a fast train from Barcelona to San Sebastian?
No, while the Alvia train is a high-speed train, it’s not as fast compared to other bullet trains in Europe. However, it’s still a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities.
Is it safe to drive to San Sebastian?
Yes, driving to San Sebastian is generally safe, as Spanish roads are well-maintained, and the route is well-traveled. However, it’s important to observe local driving laws and stay attentive, especially when driving through mountainous areas.
How often do trains run from Barcelona to San Sebastian?
There’s typically 1 Alvia train from Barcelona to Sebastian daily, along with 2 other trains with connecting services that take longer.
Is it a direct train from Barcelona to San Sebastian?
No, the train time from Barcelona to San Sebastian is about 6 hours and 20 minutes and there are several stops along the way.
Is there a taxi stand at the San Sebastian train station?
Yes, there’s a taxi stand right outside of the San Sebastian train station, where you can easily take a taxi to your accommodation. Credit cards are accepted for payment.
Final Thoughts: Barcelona to San Sebastian Travel Guide
I hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip from Barcelona to San Sebastian!
Whether you decide to fly, take the train, or drive, San Sebastian is a great place to visit and you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful Basque city.
I’d highly recommend taking the train if you have some spare time and want a scenic option. It’s what I did and I really enjoyed the views along the way.
Just remember to book your tickets well in advance to save the most money. I hope you enjoy your trip to San Sebastian!
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