In Basque Country, most people who want to go to San Sebastian fly into the Bilbao airport. After doing a lot of research, that’s what I settled on. Usually, I prefer taking trains instead of buses. However, buses are literally twice as fast in this area of Spain. They are cheaper and incredibly efficient. Unless you are renting a car, taking the bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian is definitely the quickest mode of transportation.
Going from Bilbao to San Sebastian: everything you need to know
The Bilbao airport is compact, and it’s rather artistic. Upon arrival, walk past the baggage terminal. Continue going straight and head to the end of the building. Please note, this walk doesn’t take long. On the farthest wall, look for the machine that dispenses tickets for the Pesa bus. Purchase a voucher which costs a little more than €17.
Be sure to keep the flimsy paper that you receive, because you will need to show it to board the bus. This machine is easy to use. But, if you have any issues, the staff is helpful at this airport. The bus leaves once every 45 minutes.
Pro Tip: You are probably thinking that you need to purchase a Pesa ticket ahead of time online. Trust me, it’s much easier to do this at the airport.
Bilbao to San Sebastian: a few more things
- There aren’t a ton of food options in the waiting area, but you can certainly pick up a snack.
- The bus ride takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. If you arrive at the airport during rush hour, it will inevitably take a little longer.
- The seats are comfortable, and if you arrive in the morning, your bus most likely won’t be full.
- There is supposedly WiFi onboard, but my phone never connected. This is not a lengthy trip, so I was unphased. Since I arrived early in the morning, I caught up on my sleep.
- If you need to contact a friend or host to let them know what time you arrive, you might have problems. If you are desperate, you could always spring for international calling or use a Sim card.
- I hoped that we would drive along the coastline. However, no such luck. To be fair, I prefer efficiency over traffic, especially after a flight.
Overall
The bus ride from Bilbao to San Sebastian is ridiculously convenient. The staff is friendly, and the buses are clean. As I said, I usually prefer trains over buses but not in Basque Country.
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Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
This is a wonderful place that captures your imagination 🙂
Good to know about this bus ride. Between buses and trains, I would normally favor trains because it feels safer, you won’t have to worry about traffic, and it’s easier to know the stops. But I’d choose a bus if it’s significantly cheaper and faster.
Yes, I agree that trains are usually better. However, Basque Country is a small area, so the bus system is ridiculously convenient. Plus, this area is incredibly safe 🙂
I much rather trains too, but in Spain they can be painfully slow. The bus for this route sounds like a far better option. Thanks for sharing all the details to plan the trip 🙂
I would probably want to rent a car, but you make a great argument for taking the bus! 🙂
We have a few Basque friends – it is always fun to hear about this region and the people. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips on traveling there!
This is such a useful travel guide. I would have never thought to take a bus over a train in Basque Country but now I know!
This is the perfect post for me as I want to return and explore Bilboa and Basque Country more. I did a day trip from Madrid and it was not long enough!
Must have been a gorgeous, scenic bus ride! Great idea to take a bus, takes you right through all of the good spots 😉
Great tips! It’s good to know that you don’t need to worry about getting the ticket ahead of time! That saves some stress for sure!
I also prefer trains over buses, but sometimes you can get some pretty beautiful bus rides so it’s always worth checking out both options before settling in on one. Thanks for sharing your experience, will definitely take the bus if I’m travelling around this area 🙂
Yes, I am usually partial to trains as well. However, in Basque Country, I think the bus system is superior. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient.
I haven’t explore this part of Spain yet so it’s really good to know that I should take buses instead of trains there!
Yes, the buses here are incredibly convenient and super cheap. I think they are easier than the trains.
My home country!! I’d highly recommend going to the little bar just as you walk out of the terminal and grabbing yourself a Jamon baguette… they are delicious. We do it everytime before jumping in the car. Great to know about the bus service!
I’ve had some really good bus rides… and some really not so good rides haha this one sounds like it would be ok. I get motion sickness pretty easily so in South America bus rides I usually get sick 🙁
Hi there. Yes, this is a super easy bus ride. I’m a fan of this route!
I love that you point out the food situation – that’s always such an issue when you need to travel between places.
Oh, Europe and your buses that promise wifi but rarely deliver. Still, it definitely sounds like a convenient way to get to Bilbao and around the country.
I haven’t visited Northern Spain much. However, I am saving this post for future trips. I would love to explore San Sebastian, it’s been a while since I visited it.
This is so helpful. I took one long-distance bus in Spain and had the hardest time figuring out where to get off, so I stuck with the train for the rest of my time there — posts like this make me feel much more comfortable braving the buses!
I’m so glad this was helpful! I know what you mean about the bus system being tricky in Europe. I remember having issues in Austria. Anyway, if you are in Basque Country in Spain, definitely stick with the bus system!
This is a great post. Thanks for outlining exactly what is needed to make this trip!
That does sound like an easy bus ride! I also usually prefer trains, but that bus sounds super convenient!
I usually prefer trains as well. But, in this area, trust me, the bus is definitely your best option 🙂
I always struggle to find the best mode of transport between destinations in foreign countries. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Helpful article. Great detail on transportation route.
Oh gosh – an hour and 15 minutes sounds lovely! I did San Sebastian to Valencia by bus and it was rough, but affordable, for a broke college student!
I know what you mean – I did a really rough bus trip for super cheap from Cadiz, Spain to Portugal. It took forever, and the bus driver stopped to play slot machines at a roadside casino. I’m pretty confident that place wasn’t even legal. That trip was a few years ago, and I still laugh about it. Anyway, the bus trip in my post was a much different (and really great) experience.
This is so detailed and helpful! Thank you!
My hubby and I have been wanting to do this trip FOR YEARS! It is looking like fall 2022 for us since we have other trips, but I cannot wait! You have confirmed that is an exceptional trip for us!
You will LOVE this trip … it’s awesome!!!!
I love it when buses are this comfortable and good value! Thanks for the tips Jamie!
Yes, it’s such a good option, and it’s a really nice ride!
I’ve taken some buses in Spain and I was impressed by their efficiency. This is a very helpful post with all useful info.
Very helpful post as I was not knowing about this connection – Bilabao to San Sebastian.
Thankyou for the post
Helpful