After touring the home of the Targaryens, your professional English-speaking Daytrip driver will take you to the Sanctuary of Loyola, a beautiful Baroque complex that is a feast for the eyes. This complex was the birthplace of Saint Ignatius, and it is adorned with breathtaking sculptures and artworks that you can view during your visit.

But don't forget about Onati, Getaria, or Guernica when driving with Daytrip. Our drivers are happy to indulge your travel wishes before dropping you off in San Sebastian. World-class culinary delights, timeless beauty, Basque Country culture and history, and a small-town feel await you!

So book a ride with Daytrip and prepare to be amazed by the city's quaint Old Town, lively pintxo bars, and architectural landmarks, which will have you taking another look. Depending on when you decide to visit, you can expect lots of cultural events where you can make memories that will last a lifetime. You also shouldn't miss out on visiting the city's incredible churches, museums, or mountaintop amusement parks.

Walk rather than take public transport when sightseeing

We know you're excited to sightsee, but try to avoid public transportation when visiting a new town or city with Daytrip. Once you're dropped off, most of the time, you can walk around with many of the attractions in Spain located near each other, as is the case with many other European countries.

The same applies to getting to San Sebastian. Most of the top attractions are only a mile or so apart, making walking the easiest way to get around and avoid high taxi fares.

Save your appetite for San Sebastian

The distance between Bilbao and San Sebastian is short enough that you won't work up too much of an appetite while driving or sightseeing. If you do, it's a good idea to save your appetite for when you get to the city. San Sebastian boasts some of the best food in the world, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Arzak, Mugaritz, and Akelarre offering premium cuisine worth waiting for.

Typically, buses take about an hour and 15 minutes, and a ticket costs between $8 and $19. Unlike many other areas, this isn't the cheapest option---that distinction goes to the train. The cost of your ticket will depend on when you choose to travel and which bus line you book with. The most popular are ALSA and Flixbus.

You should also be aware that you likely won't have access to many amenities on the buses and will be unable to stop and sightsee.

From Bilbao to San Sebastian by train

The train might be the slowest way to travel from Bilbao to San Sebastian, but it is one of the more scenic options. A train trip usually takes about two hours and 40 minutes, and the train line most people book with is Euskotren.

This train line offers trips every hour on average, and tickets cost between $5 and $9, making it the most affordable way to travel between the two cities.

From Bilbao to San Sebastian by private car transfer service

Taking a taxi might be tempting, considering the short distance between the two cities, but it will be incredibly pricey. A better alternative is to book with a private car service like Daytrip.

A one-way trip starts at $62 (57 euros) per person, and if you travel directly, you'll be able to get to San Sebastian in only an hour and 10 minutes. Where Daytrip stands out is the guaranteed quality service.

You'll have an English-speaking driver who will handle your luggage when they meet you in Bilbao, and will happily share their insights on local culture on the drive to San Sebastian. They might not be a tour guide, but we can help educate you on the area and what to expect.

Even better, Daytrip lets you stop for sightseeing along the way, so you don't have to miss San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Oñati as you cruise through Basque Country! So sit back and relax while we navigate the roads and you plan where to visit.

Several bars offer the best Pintxos in the city, and places like St Vincent's Church and the Basilica of St Mary can be toured. There are also shops and restaurants to visit.

San Telmo Museum

If you love to explore museums, you'll want to stop at the San Telmo Museum. This 16th-century museum was once a Dominican convent and a military barracks before becoming a museum.

Nowadays, it holds important relics, artworks, sculptures, and knowledge about Basque citizenship and society. There is also a small cloister and ancient church at the museum that you can visit after you've learned more about San Sebastian and what makes it a culturally significant city.

La Concha Beach

The jewel of San Sebastian is undoubtedly La Concha Beach. For years, it has been named the best beach in Spain and Europe, and it's not difficult to see why, given that it is located in the center of Santa Clara Island.

Besides its pristine shore and sparkling shallow blue waters, perfect for sunbathing and frolicking in the water, the beach also has a gorgeous promenade. You can stroll down the promenade or lean against its rails and take in the gorgeous view you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Eat!

A cornerstone of Basque culture are pintxos bars. Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, is a culinary delight, and hopping from bar to bar to sample these small dishes is a must. San Sebastian also has 11 different Michelin-starred restaurants (some with 3 stars!).

If you've never eaten at a Michelin restaurant this is a great opportunity! While a menu at 3-starred Arzak or Martin Berasategui’s restaurant will set you back around $325 (not including a wine pairing), others, like Beti-Jai Berria or Bergara, are pintxos bars that won't break the bank!

Although you can consider the summer months, this is peak tourist season, so there are more crowds, higher accommodation prices, and the reservation books for the best restaurants in San Sebastian are filled.