How to get from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

This stunning panoramic view of San Sebastian showcases the famous La Concha Bay through the lens of David Vives

Both Bordeaux and San Sebastian are distinctly beautiful cities renowned as much for their cuisine as for their outstanding architecture and landscapes. Enjoy a glass of wine in Bordeaux, one of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, before heading to San Sebastian, one of the planet's cuisine capitals, where you can relax on picturesque beaches and marvel at the seaside mansions. If you decide to take a car transfer from Bordeaux to San Sebastian, you can immerse yourself in some interesting experiences along the way, including a visit to the Teich Bird Reserve or the lush Bayonne Botanical Garden. Stop by the unique Rocher de la Vierge formation or the seaside village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz before swinging by the neo-Gothic Chateau d’Abbadie mansion. If you get hungry, take a break in Hondarribia for some delectable Basque cuisine. 

How to get from Bordeaux to San Sebastian

If you’re traveling from Bordeaux to San Sebastian, you have two travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. The fastest way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian is by car, which is, of course, the best way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian since it’s so convenient. Since there are no direct flights, it's not a viable option to fly from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. There are no direct trains from Bordeaux into the San Sebastian city center. The next best option is to take a train from Bordeaux’s main train station to Gare d’Hendaye, which is approximately 26 kilometers away from San Sebastian. In either case, the train and plane are more hassles than they’re worth.

Bordeaux to San Sebastian by bus

To travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian, you can take a bus from the main bus station, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, to San Sebastian’s Donostia station. Buses leave every few hours with an overnight option, leaving Bordeaux at 3:20 AM. The last evening bus departs at 11:59 PM. The 236-kilometer journey from Bordeaux to San Sebastian takes around 3 hours on Flixbus, Eurolines, or Iberocoach International Lines and costs between €9 and €25. All options offer direct service from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. 

• Time intervals 6 per day

• First/Last Departure 3:20 AM/11:59 PM

• Avg. Price $10-$27 (€9-€25)

• Distance ~236 km

• Duration ~3 hr

• Operating Companies Flixbus, Eurolines, Iberocoach

Bordeaux to San Sebastian Private Car Transfer

For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Bordeaux to San Sebastian. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Bordeaux, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in San Sebastian and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!

What makes this option truly unique is the flexibility to personalize your trip with sightseeing stops en route. Daytrip provides a flawless travel experience catered especially for you whether your interests are in visiting small French villages, tasting local wines, or finding hidden treasures along the Basque coast. Knowing you have seized every opportunity on the road, arrive fresh and ready to explore vibrant San Sebastian.

• Price from $88 (€81) per seat

• Distance ~237 km

• Duration door-to-door in 2 h 40 min

Read about how to get from San Sebastian to Bordeaux