Flights to San Sebastian
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Why visit San Sebastian?
San Sebastián (or Donostia in Basque) is frequently cited as one of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities, and for good reason.
Whether you’re there to surf the waves at Zurriola or take a stroll along the crescent-shaped La Concha Beach—widely considered one of the finest urban beaches in Europe—the city offers a scenic backdrop that feels like a living postcard.
The real heart of the city, however, is its world-famous culinary scene. San Sebastián has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square meter on the planet, but you don't need a formal reservation to eat like royalty.
The local tradition of pintxos (Basque tapas) involves hopping from bar to bar in the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the Parte Vieja (Old Town). Each counter is stacked with creative, bite-sized masterpieces, best paired with a glass of effervescent local Txakoli wine.
Airports near San Sebastian
Planning a trip to San Sebastian? Enjoy flexibility with our selection of 4 airports, which offer different routes and options when travelling to Valencia.
San Sebastián Airport (EAS)
EAS is a very small, convenient airport located in the border town of Hondarribia. It mainly handles flights from Madrid and Barcelona, but it also offers seasonal international routes to cities like London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Because of its short runway, it only services smaller aircraft.
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
Located just across the border in France, this is a popular choice for international travellers. It’s well-connected to major European hubs like Paris, London, and Dublin. There are frequent bus transfers (about 45–60 mins) that take you directly from the Biarritz terminal to the San Sebastián bus station.
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
This is the primary international gateway to the Basque Country. It offers the widest variety of airlines (including Lufthansa, Air France, and Vueling) and destinations across Europe and beyond. There is a very convenient direct bus (the Lurraldebus PESA) that runs every 30–60 minutes from the airport straight to San Sebastián.
Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport (VIT)
While it’s about the same distance as Bilbao, it's a much smaller, quieter airport. Low-cost carriers often use it for flights from cities such as Milan, Brussels, or Seville. It’s a solid "Plan B" if you find a bargain flight, though ground transport to San Sebastián is less frequent than from Bilbao.
Things to do in San Sebastian
Need ideas on what to do once you get to San Sebastian?
Here are our top 3 attractions you can't miss!
The Panoramic View from Monte Igueldo
For the iconic bird's-eye view of the bay, head to the western end of the city and take the vintage 1912 wooden funicular up Monte Igueldo. At the summit, you’ll find a quirky, retro amusement park that looks like a movie set. Even if you don't ride the rollercoasters, the views from the "terraces" are the best in the city.
Catch a Wave (or a Sunset) at Zurriola Beach in Gros
Zurriola Beach is for action. Located in the trendy Gros neighbourhood, this beach is the city’s surfing centre. It’s younger, more casual, and less "aristocratic" than the main bay. Even if you don’t surf, it’s the best place in the city to grab a beer, sit on the low sea wall, and watch the sunset alongside hundreds of locals.
Boat Trip to Santa Clara Island
Sitting right in the middle of La Concha Bay, this tiny island is the "third mountain" of the city. During the summer, a regular ferry service runs from the harbour, offering a short, scenic ride across the turquoise water. Explore the winding paths up to the lighthouse, have a drink at the small chiringuito (beach bar), or swim at the island’s hidden beach, which only appears for a few hours at low tide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to fly into San Sebastián (EAS) or Bilbao (BIO)?
If you find a direct flight to San Sebastián (EAS) that fits your budget, take it—it’s only 20 minutes away. However, because EAS has a very short runway and is prone to wind diversions, flights are often pricier and occasionally get rerouted to Bilbao anyway. Most international travellers choose Bilbao (BIO). It has significantly more flight options, better prices, and the transit to San Sebastián is incredibly smooth.
How do I get from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián without a car?
Many people worry about the 100km distance, but it’s actually one of the easiest airport transfers in Europe. There is a dedicated bus line called Lurraldebus (Line DO50B) that runs directly from the airport arrivals curb to the San Sebastián bus station (Donostiako Autobus Geralekua). It runs every 30 to 60 minutes, takes about 75 minutes, and costs around €13. You can buy tickets from the machine at the airport or directly from the driver if you have a card.
If I fly into Biarritz, do I need to worry about crossing the border?
Since Biarritz is in France and San Sebastián is in Spain, first-timers often worry about passport control or customs. Both countries are part of the Schengen Area. Most of the time, the "border" is nothing more than a sign on the highway that you’ll zoom past at 120 km/h. While there isn't a train that connects the two directly, several bus companies (like FlixBus or ALSA) run shuttles from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastián, usually taking about 45–60 minutes.
Should I rent a car at the airport?
No, unless you are planning to spend your entire trip driving through remote mountain villages. San Sebastián is a very compact, walkable city with excellent public transit. Parking is notoriously difficult and expensive (think €25+ per day in a garage). Most travellers find that a car is more of a "heavy suitcase" than a helpful tool. If you want to explore the coast for a day, you can easily rent a car in the city centre for 24 hours and return it before dinner.