San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, is a beautiful coastal city in the Basque Country of Spain, renowned for its stunning beaches, rich culinary scene, and charming Old Town. Hike to the top of Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city where you can also check out the Castillo de la Mota fortress. Ocean lovers can swim, sunbathe, or take a walk along La Concha Beach and wander around the grounds of nearby Miramar Palace.
When visiting this seaside haven, the main transport options from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre are a taxi or private transfer, or the public bus. A taxi, or private transfer, provides a door-to-door service and takes around 25 minutes in light traffic. The public bus, on the other hand, is very affordable but has a journey time of 35 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
3 options to go from San Sebastian Airport to city center
Tipping isn't expected in San Sebastian, but if your driver helps with your baggage or provides exceptional service, you can leave them your change or round the fare up to the nearest euro.
Other 'E' bus lines may depart from bus stop 'B' which is located on the opposite side of the terminal.
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How to get from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre by taxi
Taking a local taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre is very quick and straightforward, allowing you to transport between these two destinations – or directly to your hotel – in around 25 to 30 minutes, in light traffic conditions.
Taxi fare from San Sebastian Airport to the city
San Sebastian taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the distance travelled. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day you are travelling. The average price when travelling with up to 4 people during the day, Monday to Friday (07:00 to 22:00) is €45, and at night (22:00 to 07:00) the cost is around €50. On weekends and holidays, you can expect to pay more.
Where can I take a taxi from?
You’ll find official metered taxis outside the Arrivals Hall of San Sebastian Airport at the designated taxi rank.
Convenience
Taking a taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city is the most convenient transport option as you won’t need to worry about bus timetables or carrying your luggage on hot and crowded buses.
For a more personalised service where you can skip the taxi queue and head straight to your accommodation, book a private transfer in advance with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups, and have one of our English-speaking drivers introduce you to the city as a local.
Useful Tips
Most taxis should accept credit/debit card payments but check that the payment machine is available before you begin your trip.
Have your destination's address ready in Spanish to show your driver in case they don't speak English.
How to get from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre by bus
There are several public bus services, run by Ekialdebus, that depart from the airport towards San Sebastian/Donostia city centre with varying journey times. These include the E20, E27, and the E28. The most direct and quickest route, however, is the E21 line which travels between the airport and the Gipuzkoa Plaza 10 bus stop in downtown Donastia in 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How much is the bus from San Sebastian Airport to the city?
Bus tickets cost €1.85 per person and can be purchased on board by either tapping your credit/debit card on the ticket machine or paying the driver in cash.
Cost
€1.85
Trip Duration
35 Min.
On weekdays, the bus runs every 35 to 50 minutes. On weekends, the bus runs hourly between 07:05 and 20:05 and then at 20:35 and 21:45.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
On weekdays, the bus runs between 06:55 and 21:45. On weekends, services start at 07:05.
Where do I take the bus from?
The E21 bus line towards San Sebastian city centre departs from San Sebastian Airport bus stop ‘A’ which is located to the right as you exit the building from the ground floor of the Arrivals terminal.
Convenience
Taking the public bus from San Sebastian Airport to the city is by far the cheapest transit option and the E21 bus runs fairly frequently. Due to road restrictions, however, it is only permitted to drop passengers off at a single point within the city, so you may have to walk some distance to your accommodation.
If you are travelling with heavy luggage or if you don’t fancy walking in the summer heat, a private transfer is a more suitable option that will deliver you directly to your door, and your driver will assist you with any baggage.
Timetables
San Sebastian Airport – Gipuzkoa Plaza 10
E21 Bus Timetable
Useful Tips
If you plan on using public transport during your stay, download the LurTicket App so you can purchase tickets online at a discounted rate.
If you are paying for your ticket in cash, notes over €20 are not accepted, so be sure to carry some coins or smaller notes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre?
The quickest way to transit from San Sebastian Airport to San Sebastian city centre is to take a taxi or private transfer which takes 25 minutes in light traffic. Alternatively, you can take a public bus which takes around 35 minutes, if traffic is on your side – excluding wait times or any time taking to navigate from the bus stop to your desired destination in the city.
What’s the cost of a taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city?
Your taxi fare will be calculated by a taximeter based on the distance travelled, the time of day, and the day of the week. During the day on a weekday (07:00 – 22:00), you’ll pay around €45 for up to 4 people. At night (22:00 to 07:00), you’ll pay closer to €50, and this may increase further on weekends and holidays.
If you’re someone who likes to plan and budget ahead of time, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance to secure a guaranteed set rate fee with no hidden costs.
How far is it from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre?
San Sebastian city centre is located 22 km from the airport which can be covered by taxi or a private transfer in 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taking a local taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre is very quick and straightforward, allowing you to transport between these two destinations – or directly to your hotel – in around 25 to 30 minutes, in light traffic conditions.
Taxi fare from San Sebastian Airport to the city
San Sebastian taxis calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the distance travelled. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and the time of day you are travelling. The average price when travelling with up to 4 people during the day, Monday to Friday (07:00 to 22:00) is €45, and at night (22:00 to 07:00) the cost is around €50. On weekends and holidays, you can expect to pay more.
Where can I take a taxi from?
You’ll find official metered taxis outside the Arrivals Hall of San Sebastian Airport at the designated taxi rank.
Convenience
Taking a taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city is the most convenient transport option as you won’t need to worry about bus timetables or carrying your luggage on hot and crowded buses.
For a more personalised service where you can skip the taxi queue and head straight to your accommodation, book a private transfer in advance with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups, and have one of our English-speaking drivers introduce you to the city as a local.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThere are several public bus services, run by Ekialdebus, that depart from the airport towards San Sebastian/Donostia city centre with varying journey times. These include the E20, E27, and the E28. The most direct and quickest route, however, is the E21 line which travels between the airport and the Gipuzkoa Plaza 10 bus stop in downtown Donastia in 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
How much is the bus from San Sebastian Airport to the city?
Bus tickets cost €1.85 per person and can be purchased on board by either tapping your credit/debit card on the ticket machine or paying the driver in cash.
On weekdays, the bus runs between 06:55 and 21:45. On weekends, services start at 07:05.
Where do I take the bus from?
The E21 bus line towards San Sebastian city centre departs from San Sebastian Airport bus stop ‘A’ which is located to the right as you exit the building from the ground floor of the Arrivals terminal.
Convenience
Taking the public bus from San Sebastian Airport to the city is by far the cheapest transit option and the E21 bus runs fairly frequently. Due to road restrictions, however, it is only permitted to drop passengers off at a single point within the city, so you may have to walk some distance to your accommodation.
If you are travelling with heavy luggage or if you don’t fancy walking in the summer heat, a private transfer is a more suitable option that will deliver you directly to your door, and your driver will assist you with any baggage.
Timetables
San Sebastian Airport – Gipuzkoa Plaza 10
E21 Bus Timetable
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre?
The quickest way to transit from San Sebastian Airport to San Sebastian city centre is to take a taxi or private transfer which takes 25 minutes in light traffic. Alternatively, you can take a public bus which takes around 35 minutes, if traffic is on your side – excluding wait times or any time taking to navigate from the bus stop to your desired destination in the city.
What’s the cost of a taxi from San Sebastian Airport to the city?
Your taxi fare will be calculated by a taximeter based on the distance travelled, the time of day, and the day of the week. During the day on a weekday (07:00 – 22:00), you’ll pay around €45 for up to 4 people. At night (22:00 to 07:00), you’ll pay closer to €50, and this may increase further on weekends and holidays.
If you’re someone who likes to plan and budget ahead of time, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance to secure a guaranteed set rate fee with no hidden costs.
How far is it from San Sebastian Airport to the city centre?
San Sebastian city centre is located 22 km from the airport which can be covered by taxi or a private transfer in 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
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