How to get to San Sebastián from Bilbao Airport
Most visitors arrive at Bilbao Airport (BIO), 1h-1h15 from Donostia via the AP-8. To start the weekend without wasting time, a taxi from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián at a fixed price takes you directly to your accommodation and avoids transfers with luggage:
| 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 |
Day 1: La Concha, the Old Town and pintxos
Morning: La Concha beach and the promenade
Start at La Concha beach, one of the most famous urban beaches in the world, with its perfect bay shape. Walk its elegant promenade with the characteristic white railing, pass the City Hall and the Alderdi Eder gardens, and enjoy the views of Santa Clara island in the centre of the bay.
Midday: pintxos in the Old Town
The Old Town (Alde Zaharra) is the gastronomic heart of Donostia. Get lost in its pedestrian streets and try the best pintxos bar by bar: the Gilda, the txuleta, the cod... Discover our dedicated guide to the best pintxos in the Old Town.
Afternoon: Monte Urgull
Climb Monte Urgull, the hill that closes the bay next to the Old Town. From the top you'll have a lovely panorama of the city and can visit the Castillo de la Mota and the Christ crowning the summit.
Evening: dinner and atmosphere
End the day dining again around the Old Town or in the Gros district, with more modern options. San Sebastián is a city to enjoy without rushing.
Day 2: Monte Igueldo, Peine del Viento and Gros
Morning: Monte Igueldo
Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo, one of the oldest in Spain, for the most iconic panorama of La Concha. It's the postcard of San Sebastián and a view you won't forget. At the top there's a small historic amusement park.
Midday: the Peine del Viento
Come down and visit the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb), the sculptural set by Eduardo Chillida at the end of the bay, where the sea crashes powerfully between the rocks and blowholes expel air and water. It's one of the most photographed corners of the city.
Afternoon: Zurriola beach and the Gros district
Finish in Gros, the most modern and surfer district, next to Zurriola beach. This is also home to the Kursaal Palace, venue of the Film Festival. Perfect for a final stroll, watching the surfers and having a few last pintxos.
How many days do you need for San Sebastián?
A weekend (2 days) is enough to see the essentials described above. If you have a third day, you can take a trip to nearby coastal towns like Getaria, Zarautz or Hondarribia, or cross to Biarritz, in the French Basque Country, less than an hour away.
Tips for your weekend in San Sebastián
- Book accommodation in advance: Donostia fills up, especially in summer and during events like the Film Festival.
- Get around on foot: the centre is compact and walkable; only Igueldo requires the funicular.
- Direct transfer: arrive and leave stress-free with a door-to-door taxi to/from Bilbao Airport.
- Try the pintxos at midday and in the evening: it's the best way to eat in Donostia.
- Staying in Bilbao and want a day trip? Check our taxi from Bilbao to San Sebastián.