How to get to San Sebastian

Located on the picturesque coast of the Bay of Biscay, the elegant San Sebastian is the pearl of the Basque Country and one of the most prestigious resorts in Spain. Famous for its exquisite gastronomy and magnificent beaches, this city attracts travellers from all over the world, offering excellent transport accessibility. When planning how to get to San Sebastian, you can choose a quick flight, a comfortable train journey, or a scenic route by car or bus.

The fastest way to reach the heart of the Basque Country is by air. The city is served by the compact San Sebastian Airport (EAS), located just a 20-minute drive from the centre, making your arrival maximally comfortable. Although the airport is small, it provides vital connections to the country's major transport hubs.

Many travellers also choose to fly into neighbouring cities to expand the geography of their route. Convenient alternatives include the airports of the French cities Saint-Jean-de-Luz (27 km) and Biarritz (39 km), as well as the Spanish Pamplona (62 km). This variety of options allows you to find the most favourable tickets and reach the resort with minimal time expenditure.

Travelling by rail is an excellent opportunity to enjoy views of the lush green hills and the coast of northern Spain. Trains arrive at the San Sebastian railway station, which is located in the city centre and is convenient for further transfers to your hotel. The station accepts both regional and long-distance services, ensuring stable connectivity.

If there are no direct tickets, you can consider routes via nearby cities. It is convenient to travel through the French Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz or via the Spanish Pamplona. The railway network in this region is well-developed, making the journey reliable and pleasant.

Bus services connect the resort with numerous neighbouring cities, offering scenic and affordable routes. A trip from the French city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz will take just under an hour (about 0.9 h), covering a distance of 33 km. If you are travelling from the popular resort of Biarritz, expect to spend approximately 1.6 hours on the road, enjoying coastal views.

The route from the Spanish Pamplona is also popular: comfortable buses cover 66 km in about 1.5 hours. This is an excellent option for those who wish to save money while reaching their destination with comfort.

Travelling by car gives you freedom of movement and the chance to see hidden corners of the region. The drive from Saint-Jean-de-Luz takes only about 35-40 minutes (0.6 h), while the journey from Biarritz (49 km) requires approximately 50 minutes. The quality of roads here is excellent, making driving easy and enjoyable.

If you are heading from the direction of Pamplona, count on a trip lasting about 1.1 hours (83 km). Renting a car or taking a taxi is a wonderful choice for a family or group, allowing you to plan your time independently and make stops in the most beautiful places.

To ensure your stay in San Sebastian is as comfortable and memorable as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations. This city has its own unique features, and knowing them will help you adapt faster.

1. Clothing and Weather. The weather in the Basque Country is changeable even in summer. Be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat, as well as a light jacket for the evenings, as a cool breeze may blow from the ocean.
2. Transport. The historic city centre is compact and ideal for walking. For trips to Ondarreta Beach or the funicular, it is convenient to use the local Dbus buses — they are clean and punctual.
3. Finances. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for small purchases in local eateries (for example, for a single pincho).
4. Language. Spanish and Basque (Euskera) are spoken here. English is understood in tourist areas, but a couple of phrases in Spanish ("Hola", "Gracias") will always bring a smile to the locals' faces.
5. Gastronomic Etiquette. In dining venues, it is customary to eat pinchos (local snacks) while standing at the counter. Payment often takes place at the end: you simply tell the staff what you have eaten. Honesty is highly valued here.
6. Dinner Time. Note that restaurants open for dinner late, usually after 20:30. If you get hungry earlier, head to the pinchos venues, which operate throughout the day.
7. What to Avoid. Do not try to visit every venue at once and do not stay too long in one place. The local tradition of "txikiteo" implies moving from place to place, trying one beverage and a snack in each establishment.
8. Best View. Be sure to go up Mount Igueldo on the vintage funicular — from there opens that famous panorama of La Concha Bay.

San Sebastian is a city that makes you fall in love at first sight with its atmosphere and flavours. By following these simple tips, you will feel not just like a tourist, but like a welcome guest.