San Sebastián's big festivals
These are the three events that fill the city most, and where it's worth having your airport transport booked in advance:
Tamborrada (20 January)
Donostia's big day. At midnight from 19 to 20 January, the whole city fills with drums and barrels for 24 hours in honour of Saint Sebastian. It's one of the most crowded and moving celebrations in the Basque calendar, drawing visitors from across the region.
Jazzaldia (late July)
The San Sebastián Jazz Festival, one of the oldest in Europe, fills the city with concerts —many free— at venues like the Zurriola beach and the Trinity Square. It blends international music with Donostia's summer atmosphere.
Semana Grande / Aste Nagusia (mid-August)
Nine days of festivities around 15 August, with the famous International Fireworks Competition over La Concha bay as the star each night. It is probably the busiest week of the year in the city.
Why book a taxi during the festivals?
During these events, hotels fill up, traffic increases and public transport gets saturated. Also, some city-centre streets are closed for the festivities. Booking your airport transfer in advance avoids last-minute surprises:
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi (fixed price) | From €170 / vehicle | 1h – 1h15 | ✅ Yes |
| PESA bus (Bilbao–Donostia) | ~€17 / person | 1h15 – 1h30 | ❌ No |
| Train (Renfe/Euskotren) | ~€10–25 / person | 2h30+ (with transfer) | ❌ No |
Matching PESA bus timetables loaded with luggage and among crowds is uncomfortable. The taxi from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián picks you up at your accommodation door at the time you need, and the driver knows alternative routes when there are closures.
Return transfer: from San Sebastián to Bilbao Airport
After the festivals, many travellers need to return to Bilbao Airport for their flight. It's exactly the moment of highest taxi demand in Donostia, so booking in advance is key. With us:
- You set the pick-up time at your accommodation with the margin needed for your flight.
- Fixed price from €170, with no surcharge for festivals or time of day.
- Door to door and with space for all your luggage.
- Available 24 h, including very early flights after a night out.
- The driver knows the detours for street closures during the events.
Plan your transfer by event
- Tamborrada (January): it's cold and the city is packed 24 h; a door-to-door taxi avoids waiting outdoors.
- Jazzaldia (July): concerts until late; the 24 h taxi is ideal for getting back after the music.
- Semana Grande (August): the fireworks close areas by La Concha each night; book with a margin and trust the driver's alternative routes.
Tips for getting around during the festivals
- Book both ways: you secure the transfer in both directions and usually get a better price.
- Allow extra time: during fireworks or concerts, some streets are closed; leave early.
- Share the vehicle if there are several of you: the price is per car, not per person.
- Add your flight number so we adjust the pick-up for possible delays.