Private car transfer
from San Sebastian to Bilbao

Besides its attractions, beautiful landscapes, and scenery, Bilbao is also known for its gastronomy. The cuisine offered in the city is an art form, so you must be sure to try the many incredible local dishes when you visit. From buzzing bars and family restaurants to prestigious Michelin-starred eateries, there is somewhere for everyone to sate their appetite and tantalize their taste buds.

The city is also well-known for its parks like Doña Casilda de Iturrizar, where you'll see hills and can ride the Artxanda cable car if you dare. Should you brave it, you'll be treated to a bird's-eye view of the city. Then, there are the nearby coastal activities that are worth your time. From people-spotting at the beach, paddle surfing, or renting a boat to see the Vizcaya Bridge in Portugalete, there are lots of activities to fill your day.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao with a car service like Daytrip to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

The temperatures vary, and even during the summer, you can expect cloudy and rainy weather, so come prepared with the right clothing and possibly a raincoat or umbrella if you're going to stop and sightsee outside attractions.

Most places are card-friendly

Cash might be king in other regions of Europe, but the card is king in Bilbao and the many places you might visit along the way to this city. Most attractions, cafes, hotels, shops, and restaurants accept cards. So don't be surprised that you can go days without using any cash to pay for your drinks, taxis, meals, bus fare, and more.

Memorize the emergency number

Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans can encounter snags, such as medical emergencies, so it is best to memorize the emergency number commonly used in Spain before you travel from San Sebastian to Bilbao. This number is 112, and it can be contacted for any emergency, not only medical. You also don't need a Spanish SIM card to dial it.

From San Sebastian to Bilbao by private car transfer service Daytrip

A private car service from San Sebastian to Bilbao is the travel option of choice for travelers who want to explore the best of the Basque region. A highway connects the two cities, and it takes roughly an hour via the AP-8 highway. However, even though the trip is short, there are ample opportunities to immerse yourself in Basque culture when you ride with Daytrip.

With Daytrip, you can stop and sightsee in many of the towns and cities along the way. These places hold several must-see attractions, such as the Animas Museum in Durango, St. Mary Church in Guernica, and the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on the coast of Biscay in Bermeo. You can also ask your friendly English-speaking driver for travel tips about the places you want to visit while they navigate the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay and you enjoy exceptional views.

Those who choose to drive with Daytrip will also get to choose when and where they are fetched and dropped off, eliminating many of the travel stresses commonly experienced. Plus, the trip costs only 57 euros per seat per trip.

From San Sebastian to Bilbao by train

Surprisingly, the trains are the slowest way to travel the distance between San Sebastian and Bilbao, with an average trip taking about an hour and a half. Although a train trip is often scenic, there are no sightseeing opportunities.

To book a train, you will need to visit the station in San Sebastian and check the train's timetable or book online with the Euskotren train line. This train line offers trips every hour, with the last train leaving late in the evening. If you book your ticket online, you can check the timetable and choose a flexible fare ticket option, which will let you modify your trip if your plans change. The average ticket costs about $8 to $12.

From San Sebastian to Bilbao by bus

The bus is a convenient option for budget travelers who want to get to Bilbao from San Sebastian fast for a day trip but don't have the funds to book a door-to-door private car service Daytrip or similar.

On average, a bus trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes, which is comparable to driving. The main difference is that, like the train, you won't get to stop and sightsee, which is a bummer considering how beautiful the route is and how much you can do.

The typical bus ticket price is $8 to $19, depending on when you travel. Bus lines offering routes between these two cities include Lurraldebus, ALSA, Eurolines FR, and Transportes Pesa.

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the best museums in Spain, with its cutting-edge, contemporary design. When you visit, the museum's architecture is likely to sear itself into your mind with its unmissable characteristics.

It's a museum that is enjoyed for the art it exhibits and its structural design. From oddly shaped striking metal-like facades to famous statues and breathtaking spaces, it's a place not to be missed if you enjoy art.

Riverside docks

After a long day of touring Bilbao, you'll have earned yourself a refreshing alcoholic beverage, a delicious plate of food, or both! The best place to enjoy both is at the riverside docks, which cater to those wanting to relax while enjoying views of the river or those seeking an evening of fun at a lively bar or club.

If you don't know where to go for nibbles and something cold once you're at the riverside docks, we recommend either Muella de Ripa, which is in front of the Arriaga Theater, or Muelle Marzana, which is behind the Mercado de la Rivera.