San Sebastian to Bilbao by train

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.