How long does it take from Bilbao airport to the Kursaal?

From Bilbao airport to San Sebastián it is about 100 km and 1h-1h15 via the AP-8 in normal traffic. The taxi drops you straight at the Kursaal or the venue you need.

Does the taxi drop me at the festival venue door?

Yes. The taxi takes you door to door to the Kursaal, the Victoria Eugenia, the Príncipe, Tabakalera or your hotel, dropping you as close as possible to the entrance given the red-carpet closures.

How much is the taxi from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián?

The price is fixed per vehicle, with tolls and VAT included, and you see it before confirming. It does not change with traffic, waits or night-time hours.

Do you provide invoices for press or industry?

Yes, we issue an invoice if you travel for work. Mention it when booking so we prepare it with your details.

What if my flight lands late at night?

There is no night surcharge: the fixed price is the same at any hour. With your flight number we track it and adjust the pick-up to the real arrival, even in the early hours.

Can I also book the return to the airport?

Yes, and it is highly recommended. Booking the return from San Sebastián to Bilbao airport secures your flight after the closing without a last-minute scramble.

Is the taxi or the bus better for the festival?

The bus is cheaper per person but leaves you at the station, not your venue, and with waits. With luggage, in a group or on a tight schedule, the door-to-door taxi pays off.

From Bilbao airport to the Kursaal and Film Festival venues: price, time and door to door

If you fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) for the San Sebastián Film Festival, chances are you want to reach the Kursaal or the venue of your screening, gala or accreditation as fast as possible. From the airport to Donostia it is about 100 km and 1h-1h15 via the AP-8, and a fixed-price taxi drops you door to door, with no transfers or dragging luggage. Here is the price, time and how to arrange it.

The route: Bilbao airport → San Sebastián

Bilbao Airport, in Loiu, is the main air gateway for those heading to the Zinemaldia on domestic and international flights. To San Sebastián the drive is direct by motorway:

Distance: about 100 km via the AP-8.
Time: 1h-1h15 in normal conditions.
Tolls included in the fixed price, no surprises.
Destination: straight to the Kursaal, your hotel or any festival venue.

See the times in more detail in how long it takes from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián.

Straight to the festival venue

The big advantage of a taxi over the bus or train is that it does not leave you at a station, but at the door of your destination. During the Zinemaldia, that means being able to arrive straight at:

Kursaal Palace (Av. de la Zurriola), home to the galas and red carpet.
Victoria Eugenia Theatre, on the banks of the Urumea.
Príncipe Theatre, in the Old Town.
Tabakalera, next to the station.
Your hotel, to drop the luggage before the first session.

If you arrive just in time for a screening or gala, the driver drops you as close as possible to the entrance, taking into account the road closures for the red carpet.

Fixed price, no surprises

You book with a fixed price per vehicle that you see before confirming. Unlike the meter, it does not change with traffic, waits or time of day:

Fixed price known in advance, tolls and VAT included.
No night surcharge for late flights or galas that finish in the early hours.
Luggage included, no charge for suitcases or gear.
Invoice available if you are travelling for work (press, industry).

Flight tracking for accredited guests and press

Professionals attending the festival usually have tight schedules. If you share your flight number, we track it in real time and adjust the pick-up to the actual landing time. Even if your flight is delayed, the driver will wait for you at the terminal with your name, at no extra charge for the wait.

Round trip: secure the return to the airport

The festival ends and many fly out the day after the closing, often early. Booking the return trip from San Sebastián to Bilbao airport too guarantees you make your flight without a last-minute scramble. See it in taxi from San Sebastián to Bilbao airport.

Taxi vs bus vs train for the festival

The direct bus and the train are cheaper per person, but they mean waits, transfers and arriving at a station rather than your venue. With luggage, in a group or on a tight schedule, the taxi pays off. Full comparison in taxi vs bus vs train.

Tips for your transfer to the Zinemaldia

Book in advance: the festival concentrates many arrivals at once.
Share your flight number and the time of your first session or gala.
State the exact venue (Kursaal, Victoria Eugenia…) so we drop you as close as possible.
Ask for an invoice when booking if you are travelling for work.
Book the return to the airport for your departure day too.

From Bilbao airport to the Kursaal and Film Festival venues