--- title: "Trains from San Sebastian to Bilbao | EveryRail" description: "San Sebastian to Bilbao takes about 2 hours 35 minutes on the direct Euskotren E1 train. The bus is faster, at about 1 hour 20 minutes." image: "https://everyrail.com/api/route-image/san-sebastian-to-bilbao/" --- [Home]()[Europe by train]()[Spain]()San Sebastian to Bilbao by train [Home]()[Europe by train]()[Spain]()San Sebastian to Bilbao by train **Share** - - [Share on WhatsApp]() - [Share on X]() - [Share on Facebook]() - [Share by email]() **On this page** - [About San Sebastian to Bilbao by train]() - [Where to book]() - [Find places to stay in Bilbao]() - [Frequently asked questions]() - [More routes]() [Book now]() Last updated October 2026 # San Sebastian to Bilbao by train San Sebastian to Bilbao takes about 2 hours 35 minutes on the direct Euskotren E1 train. The bus is faster, at about 1 hour 20 minutes. ![Illuminated arched footbridge over a river at night.]() Typical duration About 2 hours 35 minutes by direct Euskotren E1; direct buses are faster, with the fastest advertised journeys taking about 1 hour 20 minutes. Frequency Euskotren E1 through trains run about every hour, on weekdays and at weekends; ALSA lists more than 12 daily buses. Changes No change needed. Euskotren E1 runs directly from Amara Donostia to Matiko Bilbao; ALSA also runs direct buses between the city bus stations. Origin [San Sebastian]() Destination [Bilbao]() Country [Spain]() [San Sebastian]() to [Bilbao]() takes about 2 hours 35 minutes on the slow, direct Euskotren E1 train. The bus is faster, so most travellers choose it. ## Taking Euskotren from San Sebastian The direct rail option is Euskotren's E1 line from Amara Donostia to Matiko Bilbao. It stays on one train, but it is a slow regional journey through the Basque Country, so it makes sense mainly when you want the rail route or a more flexible local service. The E1 starts at Amara Donostia in San Sebastian and finishes at Matiko Bilbao. Through trains also stop at Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo, about 4 minutes before Matiko, which is the more useful stop for the old town. Follow the E1 signs and check the destination display before boarding, since Euskotren also runs other lines from the same network. ## Journey time and frequency Allow about 2 hours 35 minutes for the direct E1 train. Every through train takes the same time. There is no rail change on this route. Through trains from Amara to Matiko run about every hour, on weekdays and at weekends. The extra E1 trains every 30 minutes only cover shorter stretches, such as Elgoibar to Bilbao, so do not count on them for the full trip. Timings change by season, so check the current E1 timetable for the day you travel. ## Why the bus is usually more practical For most visitors, take the direct bus. There are more than 12 ALSA buses each day between San Sebastian and Bilbao, and the fastest direct departures take about 1 hour 20 minutes. The bus leaves from San Sebastian bus station at Paseo Federico Garcia Lorca, 1, and arrives at Bilbao bus station on Calle Gurtubay, 1. The bus is a better default when you care about arrival time. Buy a ticket for the exact departure, arrive early enough to find the stand, and keep the ticket and the identification document used for the booking with you. Bus times and ticket conditions vary by departure. ## Tickets, reservations and rail passes Euskotren sells a separate local train ticket for the Gipuzkoa to Bizkaia journey. The ticket must be validated within 24 hours of purchase. There is no seat reservation on the E1 train, so buy and validate the ticket before boarding rather than looking for a reserved seat. An Interrail Pass does not cover Euskotren. Euskotren is outside the Interrail network, so a pass holder needs a separate Euskotren ticket or can choose a bus instead. A bus ticket is also separate from Interrail. ## If you miss the train or bus Euskotren's local ticket is tied to its validation window rather than a reserved seat. If you miss a train, use a later service while the ticket remains valid and follow the ticket conditions at the station. Bus tickets are tied to the booked departure. If you will miss an ALSA bus, use its change or cancellation rules before departure where the fare permits it. Leave extra time at both bus stations, especially with luggage or an unfamiliar city layout. ## Where to book ### Train tickets - Omio Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning. [Check times & prices]() ### Train service - [Euskotren]() Basque local trains: E1 from Bilbao Matiko to Donostia Amara in about 2 h 43 min, E2 to Hendaia, E4 to Bermeo. Interrail passes are not valid. [Official website]() [Check times & prices]() ## Find places to stay in Bilbao [![Bright bedroom with white bedding and a breakfast tray on the bed]()**Browse stays in Bilbao**Hotels and apartments via Booking.com]() ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a direct train from San Sebastian to Bilbao? Yes. Euskotren's E1 runs directly from Amara Donostia to Matiko Bilbao without a train change. ### How long does San Sebastian to Bilbao take by train? Allow about 2 hours 35 minutes on the direct Euskotren E1 train. The fastest published E1 journeys are about the same length. ### Is the bus faster than the train from San Sebastian to Bilbao? Usually. ALSA lists more than 12 daily buses, and its fastest advertised departures take about 1 hour 20 minutes. The train takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. ### Can I use an Interrail Pass on Euskotren? No. Euskotren is outside the Interrail network, so you need a separate Euskotren ticket. Interrail also does not cover the bus. ### Do I need a seat reservation on Euskotren? No. The E1 is a local train without seat reservations. Buy an Euskotren ticket and validate it within 24 hours of purchase before boarding. ## More routes [![View of Bilbao, Spain]()Barcelona to Bilbao by trainOne direct Renfe Alvia a day links Barcelona and Bilbao in around 7 hours, with weekend engineering works and no full high-speed line.]()[![View of San Sebastian, Spain]()Barcelona to San Sebastian by trainRenfe runs Barcelona to San Sebastián/Donostia on one direct Alvia train a day each way, no change needed, taking around 6 hours 30 minutes.]()[![Temple of the Sacred Heart on Tibidabo hill in Barcelona at sunset]()Bilbao to Barcelona by trainRenfe Alvia trains take 6 to 7 hours from Bilbao Abando to Barcelona Sants; one-way tickets range from €35 to €85.]()[![La Concha Bay and beach in San Sebastian, Spain]()Bilbao to San Sebastian by trainDirect Euskotren E1 trains run from Matiko in Bilbao to Amara in San Sebastian about hourly, taking about 2 hours 45 minutes. The bus is faster.]()[![Temple of the Sacred Heart on Tibidabo hill in Barcelona at sunset]()San Sebastian to Barcelona by trainRenfe ALVIA to Barcelona Sants in around six hours. Advance fares from the low €20s. 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