The 2026 Film Festival at a glance
The 74th edition of the San Sebastián Film Festival runs from 18 to 26 September 2026. Over those nine days the city fills with premieres, red carpets, international press, film industry and thousands of fans. Tickets for the most popular sections sell out fast, so it pays to organise in advance — including your transport.
Key dates 2026: 18 to 26 September. Closing gala and Golden Shell award on Saturday the 26th at the Kursaal.
The festival venues
The Zinemaldia is spread across several theatres in central Donostia, almost all within walking distance of each other:
- Kursaal Palace: the main venue, home to the opening and closing galas, the red carpets and the Official Selection screenings. Right by Zurriola beach.
- Victoria Eugenia Theatre: a historic venue on the banks of the Urumea, for official sections and tributes.
- Príncipe Theatre: several screens in the Old Town for various sections.
- Tabakalera: contemporary culture centre, home to Zabaltegi-Tabakalera and industry activities.
- Other cinemas (Trueba, Antiguo Berri) complete the programme across the city.
They are all within walking distance, but getting from a late-night gala to your hotel, or straight from the airport to a screening, is where a taxi makes the difference.
How to reach the festival from Bilbao airport
Many attendees fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), the nearest air gateway with international connections. From the terminal to San Sebastián it is about 100 km and 1h-1h15 via the AP-8. The options:
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi (fixed price) | Fixed price / vehicle | 1h – 1h15 | ✅ Straight to hotel or venue |
| Direct bus | ~€17 / person | 1h15 + waits | ❌ Bus station |
With luggage, in a group or with a tight flight schedule, the fixed-price taxi takes you straight from BIO to your hotel — or even to the venue door if you arrive just in time for a screening. Full details in taxi from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián: price, time and options and in the guide to reaching the festival from the airport.
Where to stay during the festival
Accommodation in Donostia sells out and gets pricier during the Zinemaldia. Some areas and how they relate to transport:
- Centre / Romantic Area: right by the venues, ideal but expensive and in high demand.
- Gros: next to the Kursaal and Zurriola beach, very convenient for the galas.
- Old Town: atmosphere and pintxos, near the Príncipe Theatre.
- Nearby towns (Hondarribia, Irún, Zarautz) if the centre is full: a taxi connects you to the venues without depending on train timetables.
Wherever you book, having your airport transfer and night-time trips sorted saves you the festival's biggest headache.
Getting around between screenings and galas
During the day almost everything is walkable. The problem comes at night: galas and late sessions finish late, public transport runs less frequently, and grabbing a taxi in the street as a packed screening lets out is tough. The answer is to book your taxi in advance for the ride back to your hotel or between venues. We cover it in how to get around at night or early morning.
Combine the festival with sightseeing and food
San Sebastián is far more than the festival. Make time to discover:
- The Old Town and its pintxos, the best plan between films (pintxos guide).
- La Concha bay and the promenade, a must.
- Monte Igueldo and Monte Urgull for the best views.
- A full weekend: what to see in San Sebastián in a weekend.
Tips for enjoying the Zinemaldia without a car
- Book your airport taxi in advance: the festival spikes demand and flights land at the same time.
- Fix the ride back from the night galas so you are not left without transport as they let out.
- If you come as a group, the van pays off and you travel together (taxi van up to 7 seats).
- Buy tickets online in advance for the popular sections.
- Share your flight number so we adjust the pick-up to the real arrival time.