Dreaming of traveling from Biarritz, the charming seaside town on the French Basque Coast, to San Sebastian, the jewel of the Spanish Basque Country?
How to get from Biarritz to San Sebastian for travelers ?
Whether you’re seeking a gastronomic getaway, a sunny beach, or a cultural immersion, you’ll be delighted to learn that these two cities are just a short distance from one another.
Here are the different transportation options from Biarritz to San Sebastian, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Biarritz to San Sebastian by Bus: An Affordable and Convenient Option
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus is an appealing option. Several bus companies offer regular routes between Biarritz and San Sebastian.
- Companies: Operators such as FlixBus, ALSA, and BlaBlaCar Bus offer direct routes.
- Travel time: The bus trip takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic and intermediate stops.
- Cost: Bus tickets are very affordable, starting at around €7, depending on the season and the company. It’s recommended to book in advance for the best rates.
- Departures and arrivals: Buses usually depart from Biarritz bus station or the airport and arrive at San Sebastian’s bus station (Estación de Autobuses), located close to the city center.
Biarritz to San Sebastian by Train: A Scenic Journey
Traveling by train offers extra comfort and stunning views of the Basque countryside.
- Train routes: You can take a train from Biarritz to Hendaye (the last French town before the Spanish border) with SNCF.
From there, a change is needed to take the Euskotren, a regional Spanish train, which will take you to San Sebastian.
- Travel time: Plan for about 1.5 hours for the entire trip.
- Cost: The total cost for both the SNCF train and the Euskotren is around €20 to €30, depending on the schedule and season.
- Advantage: This option is perfect if you prefer to avoid driving or dealing with traffic.
Biarritz to San Sebastian by Taxi or Ride-hailing: Comfort at a Price
If you’re looking for a fast and hassle-free way to travel, a taxi or ride-hailing service is a great option.
- Duration: The trip takes about 45 minutes.
- Cost: The price for a taxi from Biarritz to San Sebastian is higher than other options, typically around €130 or more, depending on traffic and the exact starting point.
- Main companies: Smart Moov Biarritz Chauffeur and Atlantique Taxi
- Ride-hailing services may sometimes offer slightly lower prices, especially if booked in advance.
- Advantage: A taxi or ride-hailing service is ideal for those who want a comfortable and direct journey without worrying about schedules or logistics.
Biarritz to San Sebastian by Car: Freedom to Explore
Driving is perhaps the most flexible way to travel from Biarritz to San Sebastian. The distance between the two cities is about 50 kilometers (around 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic). Here are the main options:
- Car rental: If you don’t have a car, it’s easy to rent one from one of the agencies in Biarritz or at Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport.
- Route: You’ll take the A63 highway, a well-maintained road that runs along the Atlantic coast, offering beautiful ocean views.
- Cost: Expect to pay toll fees (around €5 to €10) as well as parking fees in San Sebastian, especially if you’re heading to the city center.
- This option is ideal for those who want to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace, such as the charming Basque villages like Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye along the way.
Biarritz to San Sebastian by Carpool: A Social Experience
Carpooling is an increasingly popular way to travel between Biarritz and San Sebastian. It allows you to share costs while meeting other travelers.
- Popular platforms: BlaBlaCar is the main platform for finding carpools between the two cities.
- Duration and cost: As with driving, the trip takes about 45 minutes, and prices range from €5 to €10, depending on the driver.
- Advantage: It’s both a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, often providing the opportunity to make new friends while enjoying a direct ride.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to drive, take the bus, train, carpool, or even a taxi, there are plenty of ways to get from Biarritz to San Sebastian.
Each option has its advantages: driving for freedom, the bus for affordability, the train for relaxation, and the taxi for comfort. Depending on your priorities—whether it’s time, budget, or comfort—you’ll surely find the perfect mode of transport to make the most of your journey between these two beautiful destinations in the Basque Country.
Quick FAQ on How to get from Biarritz to San Sebastian
How to get from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian?
Upon arriving at Biarritz Airport, you’ll find bus stops on one side of the terminal and a taxi stand or car rental agencies on the other.
The train station is just a few minutes away, about 2 km from the airport if you prefer to take a train. Unfortunately, walking from the airport to the station is difficult because the road is a highway with no sidewalk. Walking there is somewhat risky! Opt for a taxi, which costs around €10.
How to get from Biarritz train station to San Sebastian?
- Train routes: You can take a train from Biarritz to Hendaye (the last French town before the Spanish border) with SNCF.
From there, a change is needed to take the Euskotren, a regional Spanish train, which will take you to San Sebastian. The trip is rather long!
Upon arriving at Biarritz station, you’ll find a taxi stand in front of the station or car rental agencies.
The bus stops are about 2 km away, at the airport, if you wish to take a bus. Unfortunately, walking from the airport to the station is risky due to the fast road without sidewalks. Opt for a taxi, around €10, but the trip will be just as long!
What’s the fastest way?
Driving or taking a taxi is the fastest way to reach San Sebastian, about 45 minutes from Biarritz.
What’s the cheapest option?
The bus is generally the cheapest option, with tickets starting at €7.
Can I book in advance?
It’s recommended to book bus and train tickets in advance, especially during the high season.
Prepare to enjoy a memorable experience connecting two of the most beautiful cities on the Basque coast. Have a great trip!
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