How to travel from San Sebastián to Santander, Spain

The distance between San Sebastián and Santander is around 197km (123 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 5m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from San Sebastián to Santander by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out SantanderSan Sebastián if you're planning a return trip.

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Bus via Bilboko Autobus Geltokia

Take the bus to Bilboko Autobus Geltokia and then to Santander.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    €23($23)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

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Train

Take the train to Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo-Bilbao and then to Santander.

  • Duration5h 30m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    €15($15)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

🚀 Fastest
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Drive

Drive to Santander.

  • Duration2h 5m
  • Distance198km (123 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between San Sebastián and Santander

There are several options for getting from San Sebastián to Santander by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €13 ($13) and will take around 2h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €37 ($37).

The distance between San Sebastián and Santander is around 197km (123 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 148km (92 miles)

It takes around 2h 45m to get from San Sebastián and Santander by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from San Sebastián to Santander is to drive which takes around 2h 5m and will set you back approx €37 ($37).

The cheapest way to travel between San Sebastián and Santander, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €13 ($13) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between San Sebastián and Santander. It typically takes around 5h 30m and departs every 20 mins.

There are no direct train services that runs from San Sebastián to Santander. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo-Bilbao and Bilbao. These services run every 20 mins and will take a minimum of 5h 30m.

Euskotren and Renfe Feve run train services between San Sebastián and Santander. Trains depart every 20 mins and will take around 5h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from San Sebastián and Santander. It typically takes around 2h 45m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between San Sebastián and Santander with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 2h 45m.

FlixBus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., Socibus, Blablabus and ALSA run regular bus services between San Sebastián and Santander. Buses run once daily and take around 2h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from San Sebastián to Santander. We recommend that you take the bus to Santander. instead which will take 2h 45m.

The closest major airport to Santander is Santander Airport (SDR) (SDR) which is approximately 4km (3 miles) from Santander. Bilbao Airport (BIO) (BIO) and Vitoria Airport (VIT) (VIT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from San Sebastián and Santander. The distance is around 198km (123 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 5m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from San Sebastián to Santander is to take the bus which takes, on average, 2h 45m and will usually cost around €13 ($13).

How do I get from San Sebastián to Santander

Compare travel optionsbetween San Sebastián and Santander

Transport options from San Sebastián to Santander
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus via Bilboko Autobus Geltokia + 1 similar
2h 35m
€23($23)
hourly200km (124 miles)
Bus2h 45m
€13($13)
every 2 hours197km (123 miles)
Train
5h 30m
€15($15)
every 20 mins222km (138 miles)
Drive
2h 5m
€37($37)
on demand198km (123 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between San Sebastián and Santander

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Santander

The following major airports near Santander offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Spain and internationally.

SDR
Santander Airport (SDR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
4km (3 miles) from Santander
BIO
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
International Airport
Distance
75km (47 miles) from Santander
VIT
Vitoria Airport (VIT)
Domestic Airport
Distance
109km (68 miles) from Santander