How to get from Biarritz to San Sebastián

Start planning your Spain holiday

Experience the beauty of Spain. Find the best ferry fares and accommodation to suit your style and budget. Your perfect getaway is just a few clicks away.

Book a ferry

Holidays in Spain

Find our lowest fares

Book a ferry

One of the primary reasons people choose ferry travel over other forms of transport is the incredible freedom having access to a car on holiday gives you. Taking your own car means you can enjoy being spontaneous and having the total independence to do as you please, without relying on public transport or expensive taxis to get around.

Driving from Biarritz to San Sebastián takes approximately 50 minutes via the A63, and it’s a route which boasts the incredible coastal views quintessential to the Basque Country. (If for whatever reason you’d prefer not to drive - you might be planning a wine-heavy lunch - there’s a bus which shuttles between Biarritz and San Sebastián.)

Both Biarritz and San Sebastián have a lot in common, and you can expect to find some similarities between the cities when you visit - not to mention the fact they even share a language, Basque.

Despite sitting on opposite sides of an international border, both France and Spain are in the Schengen Zone - so however you’re travelling across, you won’t have to stop to deal with any lengthy border checks. (It’s recommended that you carry your passport, just in case you’re asked for it - but this is a rarity.)

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to tackle parking. On-street parking is usually quite time-limited, but there are multiple parking garages at the city’s edge where you can park up and pay to leave your car safely.

In this sense, nipping between France and Spain is straightforward, and you’ll be able to tick off one of Europe’s most beautiful and sought-after destinations from your list of must-see places, without driving too far.

In fact, if you leave Biarritz early enough, you’ll arrive in San Sebastián in time to see the local fishermen bringing in their freshly-caught fish - ready to be served in the city’s famous pintxos spots on the same day.

Holidays to San Sebastián

Discover San Sebastián, a beautiful coastal gem in Spain's Basque Country.

If you’re staying in Biarritz for a few days or longer, you may find you’ve got some spare time to go exploring further afield. With San Sebastián so close, it’s a great opportunity to head along the coast and take in some of the Basque Country’s world-famous charm.

Steeped in history, boasting beautiful architecture and an exceptional culinary culture, visiting San Sebastián from Biarritz is a no-brainer for travellers looking to soak up both French and Spanish sides of Basque culture.

Begin in Biarritz

As a pioneer of beach tourism, Biarritz has been attracting surfers, beachcombers and sunbathers for hundreds of years, as one of the most sought-after spots to see (and be seen!) on the Basque coast.

The Grand Plage becomes extremely crowded in the summer - which is true of most beaches in the region - but the Port des Pêcheurs is a lesser-known, particularly picturesque beach to the south, which makes a gorgeous alternative to the busier Biarritz spots. Starting your road trip to San Sebastián by swinging by one of Biarritz’s own hidden gems will set your day up nicely.

Les Halles is the colourful, vibrant market Biarritz residents and visitors love in equal measure. You’ll find everything from cheese, charcuterie and baked goods in its myriad food stalls. Grab a collection of patisserie to take with you in the car, as long as you don’t mind a few crumbs. If you’re having to do breakfast on the go, do it properly. Bon appetit!

Saint Jean de Luz

From Biarritz, head to Saint Jean de Luz, a beautiful summer fishing village you’ll find only 20 minutes down the road. As it’s protected by a bay, it’s a naturally peaceful area and the atmosphere is typically more relaxed than that of Biarritz in the height of summer, as it’s not overcrowded to the same degree.

It’s worth stopping to admire the beach and beautiful Basque houses which overlook it. As it was traditionally one of the most important fishing ports in France, Saint Jean de Luz is steeped in history, with architecture dating back to the 17th Century. Stop by the Maison Adam patisserie - said to be the birthplace of the ‘macaron’ in 1660 - for a sweet treat.

Hendaye

Hendaye is one of France’s most popular seaside spots, and as it’s on the way from Biarritz to San Sebastián, we’d definitely encourage you to swing by. (Should you prefer to switch up your travel, the train from Hendaye to San Sebastián runs frequently, taking only half an hour.)

Sitting on the right bank of the River Bidassoa, the natural marker of the French/Spanish border, Hendaye exemplifies Basque culture beautifully. Known as a surfer’s paradise, Hendaye’s soft beach break waves are suitable for beginners as well as confident surfers, so if you fancy taking your board and wetsuit along for the ride, this is the beach to stop off at.

Hondarribia

Hondarribia marks the first city on the Spanish coast you’ll come to on your journey from Biarritz - and it’s a really special place. Boasting the rare combination of sea, river, bay and mountains, there are breathtaking views to take in everywhere you turn your head in this beautiful gem of the Basque Country. Take a stroll around the cobbled streets and enjoy this well-preserved, colourful old town, before embarking on the final stretch of your road trip.

Once you’ve arrived in San Sebastián, the city’s your oyster, so to speak. Whether you’re booked into a 12-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, prefer to sample the pintxos, have a big hike in mind, or fancy stopping by the various cultural hubs along the seafront, San Sebastián has bags to do for everyone.

A road trip from Biarritz to San Sebastián represents the perfect coastal tour of the Basque region. Upon your arrival in one of the Basque Country’s most beloved cities, we recommend a stroll along its famous crescent-shaped bay before you pick a spot to unwind in.

Why wait? Book your ferry and begin your road trip adventure.