Private car transfer
from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

Before you reach nature, you must weave through Bordeaux's chic white streets and wave au revoir to the town's most iconic symbol, the Wine Museum. With wine fresh on your mind, you'll have to rub your eyes in amazement as neatly formed vineyards sprawl as far as you can see, just feet from your car window. As you flow south like the fermented grape juice in traditional cafes, the gusty sea air will cool you off as you bake under the southern French sunshine.

After crossing the Spanish border and into the thick jungle-like surroundings, it's a mere 13-mile (21 km) dash to the finish line, where La Concha Beach's golden sands wait for you to relax. This short, 1-hour trip seems like a fantasy. But if you keep reading our Bordeaux to San Sebastian travel guide, you'll uncover how to turn this dream into a reality!

Early San Sebastian

Evidence shows that mankind has lived in the surrounding hills since the Neolithic period. However, there's little written evidence of San Sebastian's past until the 11th century. Although several Roman settlements lay nearby, Sancho VI of Navarre established the city in 1180 AD as a port for trade between Europe and the Caribbean.

The city flourished as a trading hub and reached its golden age in the 15th century. The War of the Bands spread across the Basque Region, but San Sebastian was the only center to avoid destruction. As a result, the rulers ordered the construction of a fortified wall encircling the city to prevent future invasions.

Recent and modern San Sebastian

Unfortunately, the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century brought much damage to the town. However, locals were unaware that this was a significant turning point for San Sebastian. The city became a tourist hotspot after constructing a modern urban layout with traditional architectural styles.

Today, travelers recognize San Sebastian for its sundrenched beaches and stylish old town. The sheltered bay creates a balmy microclimate with lukewarm waters and a carefree aura. You can enjoy this setting while unwinding on one of the sandy shores or strolling the lively Concha Promenade.

However, this city has another trait that locals adore. San Sebastian is the breadbasket of Spain. Its mineral-rich soils and salty sea air form the quality products grown in the surrounding fields. It's no surprise that it's known as Spain's Gastronomy Capital, where you can find anything from authentic hole-in-the-wall eateries to Michelin-starred restaurants dotted along its narrow historic quarter!

• Languages: Spanish and Basque
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Oceanic
• Plug types: C and F

Pack the essentials

You're probably already expecting a sunkissed journey from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. You might not know that the beating sun is so powerful here that it can penetrate the glass and burn your skin. Traveling without essentials also makes it challenging to stop and explore sights en route.

Pack a light bag with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat for protection. But don't forget to pack plenty of water. A 3-hour journey on a crowded bus with no liquids will instantly sour your sweet venture.

Delve into the chateaus

Northern and central France get most of the attention for lavish castles. Yet the nation's southwest has just as captivating landmarks without the tourist crowds!

Chateau de la Brede is a fortress that looks like something from a children's storybook. Its moat surrounds this dominating structure, which is decorated with powerful turrets and leafy walls. But Chateau d'Abbadie is arguably more visually appealing and has a fascinating history.

Study Spain

You'll be surprised by how much everything changes after only a short drive from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. Not only will you travel from France to Spain, but you'll arrive in the Basque region, autonomous from the rest of the nation.

Some locals speak English. But it's a good idea to learn a few basic phrases. Understand that there's also a slower-paced lifestyle, and most shops close for a siesta during midday. Also, as you're visiting Spain's food capital, research dishes you wish to sample, such as Bacalao (salt cod) or Merluza en salsa verde (hake fish with green sauce).

Buses from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

The bus is the most popular way for local and international travelers to transfer from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. It's also the cheapest mode of transport, which is ideal if you're backpacking or traveling Europe on a budget.

BlaBlaCar Bus and Flixbus are the two operators on this route. Both services are similarly priced and offer modern facilities, including wifi and restrooms. Depending on your convenience, you can purchase a ticket from Bordeaux Floirac Dravemont, Bordeaux Pessac, or Bordeaux Saint-Jean. All buses arrive at San Sebastian Bus Station.

• Cheapest/average cost: $15–$20 (€13.80–€18.40)
• Fastest/average duration: 3 hours, 5 minutes; 3 hours, 55 minutes
• First/last bus departure: 2:40 AM–11:34 PM

Trains from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

Trains are a scenic and relaxing way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. Although interrail users operate on this route, it's not as popular as other lines in central Europe. So you won't have to worry about overcrowded and loud carriages.

However, no direct services travel between the cities. After booking a ticket with SNCF from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you'll swap at the border town of Hendaye before continuing your journey to San Sebastian Donostia. Whenever you book a train in France, it's best to book at least 30 days before you depart for the lowest fares.

• Cheapest/average cost: $22–$30 (€20.25–€27.60)
• Fastest/average journey: 3 hours, 5 minutes; 3 hours, 20 minutes
• First/last departure: 6:14 AM–6:44 PM

Daytrip from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

If you prioritize speed, comfort, and convenience, Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the best way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian.

Having your professional driver collect you from the hotel before dropping you off at your new one in Spain makes traveling simple. You can sit back and relax as you travel in a clean, sanitized vehicle with no noisy passengers. As for speed, the ride takes only 2 hours and 40 minutes, so you acquire the gift of time to indulge in San Sebastian's exciting food scene.

Those are some benefits of traveling from A to B, but why not add C and D to the adventure? You can seek out the charming seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where King Louis XIV got married, explore the rainbow-colored city of Hondarribia, and much more en route! As you travel by car, your driver will stay behind to mind your luggage while you're free to wander.

• Seats in a sedan that seat 3, from: $88 (€81)
• English-speaking driver
• Complimentary bottled water
• Equipped for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before you depart!

Eat through Parte Vieja

At the center of San Sebastian's cultural and social life, Parte Vieja is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and narrow, winding streets filled with pintxo 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-do.

But while exploring this alluring neighborhood, be on the lookout for the key sites. You can't afford to overlook the Plaza de la Constitution and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, a stunning Baroque church.

Sunbathe on La Concha Beach

You could easily argue that La Concha is the prettiest European beach. Baby blue waters washing against the golden sand, the greenery of Santa Clara Island, and the light shades along the famous promenade are like an explosion of colors for your eyes.

But don't forget to give your eyes a well-deserved rest. Take a break and lay out under the beating sun while listening to the waves gently caressing the shores. Afterward, you'll feel charged for a day of sightseeing!

Climb Urgull

Sandwiched between two of San Sebastian's most popular beaches, a hill named Urgull rises over 400 feet (122 meters) above the sea. It may take 35–50 minutes to ascend, but it's all worth it when you witness the breathtaking vista stretching from the Old Town to the Atlantic Ocean.

As you trek up, you're rewarded with fragrant aromas of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. You can even taste the salt on your lips from the sea breeze. Pick up some goods from a local market before you set off to stay energized on this venture.

Visit San Telmo

San Sebastian receives almost 180 days of rain annually. If you're unfortunate enough to arrive without the sun, San Telmo should be number one on your travel itinerary.

The extensive museum showcases the Basque region's distinct art, culture, and ways of life. It also highlights its history in detail so you can understand why this area is unique today.

The establishment currently has over 35,000 pieces of artifacts housed inside its stunning 16-century mansion!

San Sebastian in the spring

Spring is the best time to travel. You can benefit from the glorious sunshine piercing through the gray winter overcast without the herds of tourists clogging the streets.

The average daily high temperature of 69° Fahrenheit (20.5°C) is also ideal for walking tours, hikes, or lounging on the beach. These natural parades will be at their most beautiful as blooming plants and flowers add a burst of color to the environment!

San Sebastian in the fall

Fall is the second shoulder season of the year, from September to November. However, mid-September to late October is perfect, as you'll still get pleasant weather and avoid crowds flowing over from the end of summer. Expect temperatures around 65° Fahrenheit (18° C)

The San Sebastian Film Festival also occurs in September, with an abundance of cultural events and celebrity-spotting opportunities. After this week, hotel and tour prices are much lower as companies offer discounts to attract customers after the busy summer.