Is there a train between San Sebastian and Bilbao

Yeah, you can totally get a direct train between San Sebastian and Bilbao. It's run by Euskotren — that's the Basque railway company — and they've got trains going pretty often throughout the day. The ride itself takes somewhere between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, just depends if you grab a regular one or the express. You'll leave from San Sebastian's Amara-Donostia station and end up at Bilbao's Atxuri station, though some trains connect further to Termibus or Abando if you hop on the metro after.

What is the train schedule between San Sebastian and Bilbao?

Trains start rolling around 6:00 AM and keep going till about 10:00 PM. During busier times, they come every 30 to 60 minutes. The main line is the E2 (Euskotren Trena), and you've got two flavors — the regular ones that stop at every little town, and the "E2 Express" that only hits the bigger spots like Zarautz, Zumaia, and Deba. Honestly, check the official Euskotren website or their app for the real schedule, because it shifts with seasons and what day it is.

How much does the train ticket cost?

Prices are pretty reasonable, and they change a bit depending on what train you take and if you're buying a single or return. Here's a rough breakdown:

Kids under 6 ride free, and you can snag discounts if you're a student, senior, or part of a group. You can buy tickets at the station machines, online, or through the Euskotren app. The Barik card is the way to go if you're traveling a bunch — it's the Basque transport card and saves you money.

Is the train faster than driving or taking the bus?

Driving on the AP-8 toll road takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes when traffic's light, but tolls will hit you for around €10-€12 each way. The bus — operated by Pesa or Alsa — is a bit quicker than the train, usually 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and fares run from €8 to €12. So the train's slower, but man, the scenery along the Basque coast is something else — you get views of the Cantabrian Sea, cliffs, and tiny towns. It's way more chill for relaxing, getting some work done, or staring out the window. For most people, the train's a solid, stress-free choice, especially if you're not racing against the clock.

What are the stations and connections?

• San Sebastian (Amara-Donostia): Right in the city center, close to shops and the bus station. From there, you can grab local buses, taxis, or just walk to the Old Town in about 15 minutes.
• Bilbao (Atxuri): This is where Euskotren trains end up. From Atxuri, hop on the Euskotren Tram (line A) to get to the city center (Abando, Moyua) in 5 minutes, or walk to Casco Viejo in 10. If you're heading to the Guggenheim, take the tram to Abando and then it's a short walk.
• Alternative station: Some trains stop at Bilbao Termibus (the main bus station) or Bilbao Abando (Renfe station), but those are less common. Always double-check your ticket so you know where you're getting off.

What is the best way to buy tickets?

You've got a few options:

• Online: Hit up the Euskotren website or their official app to buy ahead. That way you lock in a seat and sometimes get the best deals.
• Station vending machines: They're at Amara-Donostia and Atxuri. Cash or credit cards work fine.
• Barik card: Grab one at any machine or authorized retailer (costs €3 for the card itself, then you load money onto it). It gives you a discount per trip and works on all Basque public transport — trains, buses, metro, trams.
• Ticket offices: Staffed counters are open during busy hours if you need help.

Pro tip: If you're taking the train more than once, the Barik card is your best bet — cheapest and easiest.

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