San Sebastian is one of the most atractive cities in Spain and has been a well known resort for over a century. Its three beaches, mild weather and beautiful surroundings have made it a usual preference between Spaniards, and, nowadays, many Europeans.
Donostia is the cultural and turistical capital of Euskadi. There is no official title wich gives it this distinction but is nevertheless true that the varied programme of events and activities offered by the city is a major source of attraction for the inhabitants of the Basque Country and those of the nearby communities.
The spanish Gastronomic Mecca (two three-star restaurants in the Michelin Guide and four two-star restaurants), it also has wonderful shops for a shopping spree, and lovely promenades by the sea or on the mountains five minutes from downtown.
San Sebastian is surrounded by small fishing villages that still keep their typical and traditional ways and that are worth visiting.
Donostia is a well-communicated city regarding the possibilities of access by aeroplane, train or coach. The airport of San Sebastián is situated in Hondarribia, 20 km from the centre of the city, with a daily flight service to Madrid and Barcelona.
Other airports situated near San Sebastián are: the international airport of Biarritz (in France, 40 km away) and the domestic ones of Bilbao, 100 km away, and Vitoria, at a distance of 120 km from San Sebastián. There is the possibility of direct railway access from Paris to San Sebastián in 6 hours, since a high speed train (TGV) is serving the connection.
The main communication routes are the following:
SPAIN:
1. Airport of San Sebastián (EAS) - city of San Sebastián (distance: 20 km).
There is a bus service from the airport to the centre of San Sebastián (Bus company: Interbús) and a taxi service.
2. Bilbao (Airport of Bilbao (BIO) - San Sebastián (distance: 100 km).
Upon arrival at the airport of Bilbao, you have to get to the Interbus bus station. There is a coach service from Bilbao to San Sebastián every hour (Coach companies: Alsa and Pesa). The journey lasts for about 1 hour.
3. Vitoria (Airport of Vitoria (VIT) - San Sebastián (distance: 120 km).
There is only taxi service from the airport to the centre of the city of Vitoria. From Vitoria to San Sebastián there is a coach service (Coach companies: Burundesa, Pesa, Continental-Auto. Coach station address: c/ Los Herrán, 50) and a railway service (Company: Renfe, Address: Plaza de la Estación), with train departures every 3 or 4 hours. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
4. Madrid (International Airport of Madrid/Barajas (MAD) - San Sebastián (distance: 480 km).
· Flights: daily services to the airport of San Sebastián (concerning the connection between the airport and the centre of San Sebastián, please refer to section 1).
Railway: there are several daily services and the journey lasts between 6 and 8 hours (Madrid Railway station: Estación de Chamartín).
· Coach: there are several daily services and the journey lasts for about 5 and a half hours (Coach company: Continental Auto, Coach station: located in Alenza Street-calle Alenza).
5. Barcelona (International Airport (BCN)) - San Sebastián (distance: 500 km).
Flights: daily services to the airport of San Sebastián in Fuenterrabía. (Concerning the transport from Fuenterrabía to San Sebastián, please consult section 1).
Railway: there are several daily services and the journey lasts for about 8 to 10 hours (Railway station: Estación de Sants).
· Coach: there are several daily services covering the distance in about 8 hours (Coach company: Compañía Vibasa, Coach station: Estación de Sants).
FRANCE:
6. Biarritz (International Airport (BIQ) - San Sebastián (distance: 40 km).
Upon arrival at the airport, get a transport to the railway station of Biarritz and take a train to Hendaye (concerning the transport from Hendaye to San Sebastián, please consult section 7).
7. Paris (TGV) - San Sebastián (distance: 800 km).
It is highly recommended to travel from Paris to Hendaye, on the frontier with Spain (and only 22 km far from San Sebastián), on a TGV train, a high speed train which covers the distance in approximately 5 hours (the price is more economical if the ticket is reserved one month in advance). Departure of the train at the Montparnasse railway station. In order to get from Hendaye (France) to San Sebastián (distance: 22 km) take the tramway (short distance train known as the "Topo") of the "Eusko Tren" Company just next to Hendaye railway station. Services to San Sebastián run every half an hour and the journey lasts for about 45 minutes |
