When visiting Madrid, many travelers also want to experience San Sebastián in the Basque region of Spain. San Sebastián is located on the north coast of Spain, near the French border, 464 kilometers from Madrid.
Travelers like to go there mainly for its fantastic cuisine, particularly the pintxos (the Basque word for tapas). Also, the San Sebastian area has many Michelin star restaurants for foodies to try.
In San Sebastián, there are beautiful beaches such as Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta with a promenade. As you stroll through the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town, you will not only enjoy the picturesque historic architecture, but you will also find many tapas and pintxo bars.
Arriving in San Sebastián
You can get to San Sebastián by car, bus, train and plane, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each mode of transport. The train is only slightly faster than the bus, so if you are on a budget, the cheapest option would be to take the bus. You can also interrupt the trip with one or two stops along the way.
Itineraries with stops
Although most people who go to San Sebastián go for tapas, there is also a city en route that is worth a stop for its cuisine. Logroño, capital of the Rioja wine region, is one of the best cities for tapas in Spain and makes a great stop for lunch on the way to San Sebastián. It is also a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and has a beautiful cathedral.
For the ultimate culinary experience, stop in Aranda de Duero for lunch on the region’s favorite roast lamb. Then spend the night in Logroño and go to San Sebastián in the morning.
Madrid to San Sebastián by train
The train from San Sebastián to Madrid takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes and costs less than 60 euros. Trains from Madrid to San Sebastián leave from the Chamartin train station.
Madrid to San Sebastian by bus
There are regular buses throughout the day between Madrid and San Sebastián. The trip lasts six hours and fares start at 15.75 euros.
Buses from Madrid to San Sebastián leave from the transport center on Avenida de América, the Estación Sur bus station or Madrid Barajas Airport – Terminal 4.
Madrid to San Sebastian by car
Driving to San Sebastián allows you to stop along the way to enjoy the views and enjoy some of the towns that stand out for their gastronomy. You will drive the A-1 to Burgos and then you will continue on the AP-1 San Sebastián. Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, deserves a stop along the way to finish the trip and see the medieval architecture. The 453-kilometer journey should take around 4 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. Compare car rental rates in Spain
Flights from Madrid to San Sebastian
There are some flights from Madrid to San Sebastián (with Iberia), but it is much cheaper to fly to nearby Bilbao and then take an hour-long bus trip to San Sebastián.
