Congress and events ranking
Seventh highest-rated Spanish city in the international congress ranking
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the most prestigious body in the field of congresses and conventions, lists San Sebastián as the seventh highest-rated Spanish city in the international congress ranking, only ranked lower than larger cities and those with greater infrastructures, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
San Sebastián has become one of the neurological centres of important medical, scientific and cultural events. This figure continues to rise, with increasing numbers of national and international events choosing to move to the Capital of Culture, attracted by the scientific, technological and societal progress made by the city.
Main events and congresses organised in San Sebastián

European capital of Culture 2016
Around 3,000 events.
Closing ceremony: More than twenty music, dance, micro-theatre and projection events for an audience of 3,000 people (in Tabakalera)..

European capital of Rugby for veterans
13th edition of the rugby for veterans tournament: 1500 players from 60 different teams deriving from 18 countries.

International Climate Change Conference
Change the Change: with 600 attendees and more than 50 different speakers, under the framework of the United Nations’ initiative.
Opening ceremonies and multitudinous events

Opening ceremony of the San Sebastián Film Festival
175.011 spectators. 44 countries.
194 films and 628 projections.
4.144 accredited.

Donosti Cup opening ceremony
Since 1992 / July
Illumbe
7.800 attendees
High-placed destination in the most important rankings
The biggest international travel rankings have chosen San Sebastián as one of the world’s best travel and congress destinations.
San Sebastián remains the highest-ranked Basque city for congress and convention tourists, in all aspects analysed in the study
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Success stories
Experience of congress and event organisers in San Sebastián
Guille Viglione
Director del Club de creativos de España
XV Certamen de la creatividad (Día C) y IX Encuentro entre creativos y anunciantes (Día A)
Unas instalaciones magníficas, un equipo profesional extraordinario y la ciudad con más alicientes para atraer gente con talento. La fórmula no podía fallar: Celebrar nuestro congreso en Donostia- San Sebastián ha supuesto triplicar la asistencia de delegados.”
David Mecerreyes
Profesor de Investigación IKERBASQUE BERC POLYMAT-UPV/EHU SAN SEBASTIAN
10th ECNP International Conference on Nnanostructured Polymers and Nanocomposites
La reunión de la Conferencia 10th European Conference on Nanostructured Polymers and Composites (10th ECNP 2018) que hemos tenido ocasión de organizar en San Sebastian, en el Palacio de Miramar, en octubre de 2018, ha permitido a los congresistas disfrutar de la belleza y del atractivo gastronómico y cultural de una ciudad como San Sebastián. Las vistas que pudimos disfrutar desde el Palacio de Miramar durante los descansos del Congreso, ofrecieran un auténtico relax a las densas y prolongadas sesiones del encuentro científico.”
Carmen Mijangos
Profesor de Investigación del Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros del CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS (CSIC) MADRID
10th ECNP International Conference on Nnanostructured Polymers and Nanocomposites
Los congresistas tuvieron oportunidad de alojarse en hoteles y residencias próximos al Congreso a precios asequibles y disfrutar de los paseos o de los deportes que la ciudad ofrece. La gastronomía en formato muy variado, pintxos, restaurantes, cena del congreso con esplendidas vistas sobre la bahía. El transporte en la ciudad no presenta ninguna dificultad ya que la mayoría se desplazaban a pie o en transporte público, cómodo y accesibles desde cualquier punto de la ciudad.”
Jordi Llop
CIC biomaGUNE Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales
European Molecular Imaging Meeting (EMIM)
Creo que el congreso, que juntó a casi 700 personas fue todo un éxito. La gente quedó muy satisfecha con la gastronomía, la ciudad y la oferta hotelera. Todos los actores clave son altamente proactivos. Las instalaciones son excepcionales y cuentan con personal competente y flexible que ofrece soluciones. Junto con la excepcional oferta gastronómica, esto hace que la ciudad sea ideal para la organización de cualquier evento.”
Doris Kracht
Director Ejecutivo. ESMI-Sociedad Europea para Imagen Molecular
European Molecular Imaging Meeting (EMIM)
Disfrutamos mucho la organización de nuestra 13ª reunión anual en el Kursaal en San Sebastián. Más allá de la extraordinaria organización profesional y las habilidades técnicas, apreciamos mucho el ambiente personal: con sus habilidades de resolución de problemas orientadas a los resultados, el compromiso comprometido y dedicado, el Kursaal contribuyó enormemente al ambiente especial, familiar y relajado de nuestro congreso. Además, la ciudad en sí misma, con su carácter acogedor y su encanto único, fue simplemente perfecto para una reunión científica de alto nivel y mentalidad abierta.”
Karen Inostroza
Director Ejecutivo. ESMI-Sociedad Europea para Imagen Molecular
Automotive Glazin Europe
El nivel tecnológico, la calidad de los servicios, infraestructura, gastronomía y el atractivo turístico de la cuidad han conseguido traer la “Glazing Conference” a Donostia. Traer la “Glazing Conference Europe” a San Sebastián tras 11 años en Alemania, donde tuvo su origen, fue todo un reto, pero fue una gran apuesta para enseñar a gente de diferentes partes del mundo el nivel tecnológico y de infraestructuras de la cuidad. Los organizadores (alemanes) comparaban Guipúzcoa con el Silicon Valley a nivel España. La gastronomía, ha sido fundamental para conquistar al público internacional. Y por supuesto la belleza de la cuidad Donostia San Sebastián como marco natural , juega un papel importante para poder traer el congreso aquí.”
Letizia Cenni
Gestor de Eventos, Video Publicidad y Noticias
TV Rise: The OTT Advertising Leadership Forum
San Sebastián es una joya preciosa en Europa, es un lugar ideal que garantiza la organización de un evento a un nivel muy alto. Hermosos paisajes, lugares destacados y, por supuesto, la imperdonable gastronomía es la combinación perfecta para garantizar el factor WOW al asistente. Volverán una y otra vez.”
Jonathan Marco
Socio ITB DMC. ITB DMC Partner. ITB DMC partenaire
Convención de empresa extranjera del sector digital
Gracias a la ciudad, sus valores inigualables y el rendimiento de alto nivel de los proveedores y habitantes, y gracias a San Sebastián Convention Bureau por su apoyo pudimos ofrecer una experiencia magnífica, a nuestro entender, dentro de un hermoso escenario que es el País Vasco. Definitivamente continuaremos ofreciendo su Historia, Cultura y Gastronomía, aportess exclusivos de esta tierra única.”
When to bring an event to San Sebastián
Its perfect location between the mountains and the sea, its fantastic characteristics and wonderful climate make all times of year equally good for visiting San Sebastián. In all four seasons, you can enjoy the open and innovative character of the city’s cuisine, art, culture and Basque traditions, each with their own distinctive style.

Autum
During autumn, the trees and seasonal produce on display at the local markets add a dash of vivid colour to the city’s streets.
The climate is mild and the days are still long, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy a pintxo tour, a stroll around the parks and secluded spots of each neighbourhood, immerse yourself in a dining society taste experience or to try your hand at one of the various cooking courses or workshops on offer.
This is unquestionably the best time of year for runners, as this season hosts the emblematic Behobia-San Sebastián race and the San Sebastián Marathon, in addition to a broad selection of short and middle distance races.
But autumn in San Sebastián is not your average autumn. It is synonymous with events and festivals. September begins with a spectacle of colour, culture and tradition, as the city hosts the annual La Concha Bay Regatta. In this event, small boats row around the bay in pursuit of the much-sought after Bandera de la Concha flag. A sport that dates back to ancient times.
The month ends on a glamorous note, with the San Sebastián International Film Festival. It is also the perfect time to visit the Balenciaga Museum: a home to authentic jewels of haute couture.
October is also ideal for film lovers, with zombies and scary characters invading the city during the week of the San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival. The Literaktum festival shines a light on literature in November, marking the end of the autumn chapter and turning the page onto winter in San Sebastián.
Más información

Winter
The city assumes a special charm in winter. The sea and the sky blend into the same colour as the waves take turns to jump over the rocks, creating a wonderful spectacle. Meanwhile, the streets are filled with lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts.
This is the perfect season for experiencing some of the Basque Country’s most deeply-rooted traditions, such as the Saint Thomas Fair, held on 21 December. On this date, the city is filled with the aroma of txistorra sausage and recently-made talos, with locals donning traditional Basque suits.
This is also the best time of year to visit a cider house and sample the typical menus based on cod and pork chops, with all diners rising to the call of “Txotx!” as the cider house owner opens a new barrel. It is also a great time to attend a game of Basque pelota.
The biggest day on the city’s calendar comes around every January. San Sebastián Day. An emblematic date on which locals of San Sebastián, dressed as Napoleonic soldiers and chefs, play their drums to the ‘March of San Sebastián’, written by Raimundo Sarriegui, for 24 hours.
This is unquestionably the best time to feel like a real local, as you will witness the waves breaking over the Paseo Nuevo and playing with the Peine del Viento [Comb of the Wind] sculpture – as depicted by many postcards – and be able to enjoy Basque culinary traditions.
More information

Spring
Spring is the perfect time of year for open air events, with San Sebastián’s multiple parks and gardens exhibiting blossoming flowers, lending the city a burst of colour.
After winter, San Sebastián comes into bloom in spring. This season bursts into life with the dFeria International Festival in which dance and theatre take the baton, impregnating the city with art and transforming it into a gigantic open-air stage.
In Spring, the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, making it the perfect season to walk along the 6km coastline or to grab your surfboard and take to the waves in Zurriola: one of the world’s best surfing beaches.
Food lovers need to find time in their schedule to visit a traditional txakoli house, where the traditional Basque wine Txakoli is made. Another option could be to visit a cheese shop, where they can learn how shepherds make artisan Idiziabal cheese.
This season also has its fair share of festivals. One such example is the Olatu Talka, which submerges the city under waves of citizen energy. Another is the International Human Rights Film Festival, where San Sebastián outlines its clear decision to extend a culture of peace and cohabitation to residents and visitors alike.
More information
National holiday Calendar
- 01januaryNew Year’s Day
- 06januarEpiphany
- 20januarSan Sebastián Day
- 19marchSaint Joseph’s Day
- 01mayWorkers’ Day
- 25julySaint James’ Day
- 15augustAssumption of the virgin Mary
- 12octoberSpain Day
- 01novemberAll Saints’ Day
- 06decemberSpanish Constitution Day
- 08decemberImmaculate Conception
- 25decemberChristmas Day
San Sebastián, a business destination
Any excuse is a good excuse to visit San Sebastián. Apart from the matchless beauty of the Concha Bay which dazzled royalty at the start of last century and continues to captivate all who visit it, San Sebastián is the scene of a cutting-edge gastronomy thanks to which it has earned worldwide fame, several festivals that have turned the city into an out-and-out cultural phenomenon and an active, healthy lifestyle in close contact with its natural resources.
This, together with its numerous conference infrastructures, its wide range of accommodation and its strategic location promise not only a successful business trip, but also an unforgettable stay.
San Sebastián Turismo & Convention Bureau
San Sebastián Turismo & Convention Bureau is the perfect companion for organising your meeting in the city. We provide quality information, professional advice, and broad experience in the sector. In order to be able to give you the best possible service, San Sebastián Turismo & Convention Bureau is associated to more than 300 partners from the fields of infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, tours, ancillary conference services, OPCs, etc.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any doubts you may have:
- Boulevard, 8
- 20003 Donostia / San Sebastián
- T: (+34) 943 48 14 66
- bureau@donostia.eus
10 reasons to choose the city
Its incomparable beauty
San Sebastián is a city with 186,000 inhabitants, sitting not unlike an amphitheatre looking out towards the sea and recognised the world over for its spectacular Bay, known as the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea. Its outstanding beauty, cosmopolitan air and the quality offered to all those who come here has seen the city become a top-level congress destination in recent years.
Its privileged setting
The city enjoys a privileged position in Europe. Only 20 kilometres from the border with France and less than 100 kilometres from the other Basque capitals, staying in San Sebastián will lend you the opportunity to visit iconic cities and places like aristocratic Biarritz and the famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Its easy access
San Sebastián is easy to reach whatever form of transport you choose: it has a constantly improving road infrastructure, national and international rail connections by the French TGV and its own airport. The city is also less than an hour by car from another two international airports (Bilbao and Biarritz).
The fact that it is so easy to get around
San Sebastián is the perfect size to get around on foot or by bike, meaning that business tourists can take a stroll as they move around from one place to the other and make the very most of their stay. The city has several pedestrian areas, parks, gardens, and spectacular riverside walks, making it very easy to reach the most interesting features and places on foot or by bike.
Its huge experience
San Sebastián is one of Spain's leading event-hosting cities thanks to its long-standing organisational experience and wide network of installations. Modern infrastructures, equipped with cutting edge technology and highly-experienced professional teams ensure not only the success of your event, but also that it will be an unforgettable occasion.
Its commitment to quality
San Sebastián is outstanding as a destination for the quality of its services and tourist resources. The city, constantly seeking inbound tourist excellence, has over a hundred tourist services, infrastructures and resources that hold some kind of an award for their quality.
Its excellent gastronomy
San Sebastián is famous for its food all over the planet; it has more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world and is where Basque gastronomy was reborn through the "Basque nouvelle cuisine" movement. The quality of its ingredients and its world-famous "pintxos" delight visitors all year round.
Its exclusivity
San Sebastián is a place of remarkable beauty and offers all sorts of extras to make your event that little bit different. Cocktail parties, gala dinners and openings become exclusive events when held in an English-style cottage on the famous Concha Bay, in the Foyer of two translucent cubes that light up at night or in a hotel that provides accommodation for film stars every year...
Its impressive architecture
The Belle Epoque left its beautiful mark on San Sebastián, a city favoured for their summer holidays by European aristocrats since the beginning of last century. Fabulous buildings like the Gran Casino (today the Ayuntamiento) and the Palacio Miramar blend in perfectly with the impressive glass cubes of the Kursaal and the sculptures by Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. Tradition past and present, modernity and history merge in equal parts no matter where you look in this beautiful city.
Its busy cultural activity
Artistic, open, avant-garde, creative... these are just some of the qualities that earned San Sebastián the title of European Capital of Culture 2016. Numerous world-famous festivals -such as the International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival- rub shoulders in this enormously cosmopolitan city with everyday artistic expressions reflected in an intense and varied programme of theatre and cultural events.
Maps
Main infrastructures
Unique spaces
How to get here
Its strategic location and excellent infrastructures make San Sebastián a place easy to reach from anywhere in the world, no matter what your method of transport. Choose the one that suits you best and get travelling!
By plane
San Sebastián has 3 airports (2 international) within just over 100 km of the city.
Only 20 kilometers from the city centre, San Sebastián Airport has connections to the major Spanish cities; Madrid and Barcelona.
Bilbao Airport, with connections to all Europe, is 105km from the city, and Biarritz Airport, served by French and international low-cost companies, 47km.
By car
Getting to San Sebastián by car is extremely easy. The city is connected to the rest of Spain and France by the N-1 (the national highway connecting Madrid to Irun), the AP-8 (Bilbao-Irun) and A-63 (Paris-Irun) motorways and the A-15 highway (Pamplona-San Sebastián).
Once in San Sebastián, you can leave your car in one of the more than 6,000 parking places found in different parts of the city.
Underground pay parkings all around the town
Park and Ride free car parks with bus connection to the city centre.
You can park on the street but only on TAO / OTA blue areas where parking is limited by time.
- More information: Where do I park in San Sebastian?
By train
RENFE
The company RENFE rail service offers both long-distance train and suburban
The train station in the centre of San Sebastián, the "Estación del Norte", offers connections to numerous Spanish cities including Madrid and Barcelona, and to international destinations such as Paris and Lisbon.
Train journeys to and from San Sebastián will gain enormously in speed with the new Tren de Alta Velocidad (high speed train), due to connect the city with other destinations in the near future.
EUSKO TREN
There is also an underground railway, the Metro Donostialdea, a narrow-gauge train connection with Bilbao and cities along the Basque Coast, such as Zarautz. The service linking it also Hendaye (France) and the SNCF, french rail service, with Lasarte passing through Donostia. The train is popularly known as the "Topo" or "Mole".
SNCF
The French company SNCF connects with world capitals such as Paris from Hendaye train station.
By bus
SCHEDULED SERVICES
The San Sebastian new bus station has lines to cities throughout Spain and part of Europe.
The bus station “Estación DONOSTIA Geltokia”, is situated in Paseo Federico García Lorca 1, near the RENFE train station – Estación del Norte. Contact
The underground station has 21 bays, a café, newsstand and a left luggage office with 66 lockers where you can leave your belongings. It also has two floors of parking space for up to 384 vehicles.
Eight of the city’s Dbus routes will stop in the area around the station: the lines 17, 24, 37 and 45 in front of Renfe train station; 9, 41, 42 at Duque de Mandas street and 27 in María Cristina bridge.
Private cars that need to leave or take friends and relatives at the bus station can use the "Estación" underground parking 15 minutes for free.
In addition to national and international routes such as those from Madrid, Barcelona, Santander, Asturias, Logroño, Pamplona, Bayonne - Biarritz or Paris the following provincial routes also have their departure / arrival at the new bus station:
- DO01 Bilbao – Zarautz - Donostia / San Sebastián
- DO02 Vitoria/Gasteiz – Zarautz - Donostia / San Sebastián
- DO03 Bilbao – Zumarraga - Tolosa - Donostia / San Sebastián
- DO50B Aeropuerto Bilbao-Loiu – Zarautz - Donostia / San Sebastián
- DB02 Ermua – Donostia / San Sebastián
- DB03 Lekeitio - Donostia / San Sebastián
- DG07 Eskoriatza - Donostia / San Sebastián
- UK01 Azkoitia – Loiola – Azpeitia – Zestoa – Donostia
En superficie, concretamente en la calle Federico García Lorca, nº 2, paran las siguientes líneas:
- E21 Hondarribia – Aireportua - Donostia
- UK09 Zumaia – Donostia (N634)
- UK10 Zumaia – Zarautz – Donostia (AP8)
NON - SCHEDULED SERVICES
HOW TO DROP OFF AND PICK UP PASSENGERS OF PRIVATE BUSES IN DONOSTIA / SAN SEBASTIÁN
Donostia Bus Station
Private buses coming to Donostia / San Sebastian must enter the new underground Bus Station (Pº Federico García Lorca, 1) in order to drop off and pick up passengers. It is forbidden to do it in any other place of the city.
The operating rules are as follows:
- Each “service”, that is, each entrance to drop off or to pick up, costs 12,50 € tax included per coach.
- This allows 15 – 20 minutes at the platform
- The entrance to the Station is through the lane marked BUS, and at the entrance, a platform number would be assigned and a ticket given, to consequently make the payment in the payment machines located at -1 floor.
- After the 20 minutes, coaches must leave the Station.
It is highly recommended to book the platform in advance at the station.
The booking can be made through:
- the reservation form on Donostia Bus Station web site: www.estaciondonostia.com
- Sending an email to info@estaciondonostia.com
- Via + 34 943 47 51 50 phone number
- Directly at the station
Pío Baroja (Behind Miramar Palace)
There is a boarding and alighting point at the west side of the town (Pio Baroja, behind Miramar Palace -43.314513 - 2.000097) where the bus can stay for 10 minutes for free. This point is very close from notorious monuments like Miramar Palace, Chillida’s “Comb of the Wind” sculpture or the Funicular to climb to Monte Igueldo Amusment park.
Coach Parking
The coach can be freely parked on a suitable place behind Garbera Commercial Centre, at the east side of the town. (43°18'33"N 1°56'42"W)
This commercial centre is connected by buses 33, 24 & 27 of the DBus bus company
Getting around
San Sebastián is people-friendly; it is easy to get around using the public transport services that connect the different parts of the city.
Taxis
San Sebastián has a large and modern fleet of taxis available 24hrs a day. The rates are official and operate with a taxi meter. In San Sebastián, unlike in other cities, taxis do not normally stop when hailed in the street. The best idea is to head for a taxi rank or phone for one:
Taxidonosti | 943 46 46 46 |
---|---|
Vallina Teletaxi | 943 40 40 40 |
Car rental
Rental of cars with a driver:
Tourist Card
- The TouristCard is the master key to the city.
- The TouristCard marks the difference between visiting or getting to know San Sebastián and Gipuzkoa.
- You can use the TouristCard on public transport, and it offers you excellent discounts in museums, restaurants and shops
Public transport
San Sebastián has a large city bus fleet run by the company Dbus for cheap, fast and easy city travel. Take a look at the different lines on the Dbus website.
Times
The times change depending on the line. Most services start at 07h30 and end at 22h30. The times and frequency of the different services can be found at the respective bus stops.
Dbus runs a night service known as the “Búho” (Owl). Most of the night bus lines start at 12 o’clock midnight and end at 4 in the morning. The Búhos only run on Fridays, Saturdays and the nights before public holidays. All leave from the Boulevard.
Car parks
In San Sebastián you can leave your car in one of the more than 6,000 parking places found in different parts of the city.
Underground pay parkings all around the town
Park and Ride free car parks with bus connection to the city centre.
You can park on the street but only on TAO / OTA blue areas where parking is limited by time.
- More information: Where do I park in San Sebastian?
Opening hours and contact numbers
Opening hours

The shops are open from Monday to Saturday. The normal opening schedule is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then from 4.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shopping centres do not usually close at lunch time, with usual opening hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lunch and dinner times tend to be later than other European destinations. Restaurants usually serve lunch between 1.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. and dinner between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.. You are not obliged to leave a tip. Feel free to leave a tip if you feel that the service was satisfactory.

Pintxo bars remain open all day; however, pintxos are served from 11 a.m. until well into the night (11 p.m.).

Night-time activities: bars (La Gintoneria Donostiarra, Museo del Whisky, gastropubs and chill-out bars) close at around midnight during the week. On the weekends, bars are permitted to remain open until 2 a.m.

Terraces in San Sebastián: during low season, terraces remain open until 10.30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and until 12 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holidays.

Banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Contact numbers
Donostia San Sebastián Turismoa Offices | 943 48 11 66 |
Citizen information | 010 |
Lost objects | 943 48 13 20 / 943 26 76 06 |
San Sebastián Tow-Vehicle Depot | 943 32 06 58 |
Pharmacies – 24h | 943 42 91 17 - Official College of Pharmacists Gipuzkoa |
San Sebastián Hospital | 943 00 70 00 |
Policlinica Gipuzkoa - Grupo Quirón Salud | 901 123 456 |
San Sebastián Accident and Emergency | 112 |
San Sebastián Local Police | 092 / 943 48 13 20 |
Basque regional police – Ertzaintza | 088 / 943 53 86 06 |
AAA2016 - Getting around
San Sebastián is people-friendly; it is easy to get around using the public transport services that connect the different parts of the city.
Taxis
San Sebastián has a large and modern fleet of taxis available 24hrs a day. The rates are official and operate with a taxi meter. In San Sebastián, unlike in other cities, taxis do not normally stop when hailed in the street. The best idea is to head for a taxi rank or phone for one:
Taxidonosti | 943 46 46 46 |
---|---|
Vallina Teletaxi | 943 40 40 40 |
Car rental
Rental of cars with a driver:
Tourist Card
- The TouristCard is the master key to the city.
- The TouristCard marks the difference between visiting or getting to know San Sebastián and Gipuzkoa.
- You can use the TouristCard on public transport, and it offers you excellent discounts in museums, restaurants and shops
![]() |
To get to know San Sebastián |
![]() |
To get to know San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa y Euskadi |
Public transport
San Sebastián has a large city bus fleet run by the company Dbus for cheap, fast and easy city travel. Take a look at the different lines on the Dbus website.
Times
The times change depending on the line. Most services start at 07h30 and end at 22h30. The times and frequency of the different services can be found at the respective bus stops.
Dbus runs a night service known as the “Búho” (Owl). Most of the night bus lines start at 12 o’clock midnight and end at 4 in the morning. The Búhos only run on Fridays, Saturdays and the nights before public holidays. All leave from the Boulevard.
Car parks
The city has more than 6,000 parking places spread over the city. On-street parking is controlled by parking meters OTA. The rates and times depend on the zone.
There are also more than a dozen underground car parks. The rates vary depending on the zone.
San Sebastián also has four park & ride car parks incentive car parks on its outskirts, with direct urban bus connections to the centre. Parking in these incentive car parks is either free or costs very little.
AAA2016 - How to get here
Its strategic location and excellent infrastructures make San Sebastián a place easy to reach from anywhere in the world, no matter what your method of transport. Choose the one that suits you best and get travelling!
By plane
San Sebastián has 3 airports (2 international) within just over 100 km of the city.
Only 20 kilometers from the city centre, San Sebastián Airport has connections to the major Spanish cities; Madrid and Barcelona.
Bilbao Airport, with connections to all Europe, is 100km from the city, and Biarritz Airport, served by French and international low-cost companies, 40km.
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SAN SEBASTIAN Airport shuttle service to SAN SEBASTIÁN | ||
BIARRITZ Airport shuttle service to SAN SEBASTIÁN |
By train
RENFE
The company RENFE rail service offers both long-distance train and suburban
The train station in the centre of San Sebastián, the "Estación del Norte", offers connections to numerous Spanish cities including Madrid and Barcelona, and to international destinations such as Paris and Lisbon.
Train journeys to and from San Sebastián will gain enormously in speed with the new Tren de Alta Velocidad (high speed train), due to connect the city with other destinations in the near future.
EUSKO TREN
There is also an underground railway, the Metro Donostialdea, a narrow-gauge train connection with Bilbao and cities along the Basque Coast, such as Zarautz. The service linking it also Hendaye (France) and the SNCF, french rail service, with Lasarte passing through Donostia. The train is popularly known as the "Topo" or "Mole".
SNCF
The French company SNCF connects with world capitals such as Paris from Hendaye train station.
By bus
The San Sebastián bus station has lines to cities throughout Spain and part of Europe. San Sebastian has a new bus station situated in Paseo Federico García Lorca 1, 20.014 Donostia, Near the train station. The other station at Pio XII square will no longer be in operation.
INFORMATION FOR BUS DRIVERS
Private coaches arriving to San Sebastian can find an appropriate place to stop, in order passengers to get off and get on. The bus can only stop for a maximum of 20 minutes at this place located in Avenida Zurriola, 6, in front of Kursaal Congress Hall, just 5 minutes walking from city’s Old Town and city centre. (43° 19' 26.1366"N 1° 58' 43.1898"W)
To park the bus, there is a suitable place behind Garbera Commercial Centre, at the east side of the town (43°18'33"N 1°56'42"W). This commercial centre is connected by buses 33, 24 & 27 of the DBus bus company.
By car
Getting to San Sebastián by car is extremely easy. The city is connected to the rest of Spain and France by the N-1 (the national highway connecting Madrid to Irun), the AP-8 (Bilbao-Irun) and A-63 (Paris-Irun) motorways and the A-15 highway (Pamplona-San Sebastián).
Once in San Sebastián, you can leave your car in one of the more than 6,000 parking places found in different parts of the city.
By motorbike
In the city of San Sebastian you can not park your motorbike in the side walk and if you do it you can be fined. The city have specific parking for motorbikes.
AAA2016 - Useful information
AAA2016 - Useful information
AAA2016 - San Sebastián, a business destination
AAA2016 - San Sebastián, a business destination
Practical information
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a medium-sized cosmopolitan city (186,700 inhabitants). It is renowned for its cuisine, award-winning urban beaches and Parisian-inspired architecture. The city is well prepared to welcome demanding visitors who want it all: high-quality services, unique spaces, memorable experiences and a full range of cultural and leisure opportunities.

Currency
Euro, commonly used throughout the European Union.

Climate
Warm climate, characterised by mild temperatures, high humidity, frequent clouds and regular rain spells all year-round.

Time zone
GMT + 1 (Paris).

Electric network
In San Sebastián, the common voltage is 230 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are type F.

Healthcare
Hospital Donostia and Policlinica Gipuzkoa - Grupo Quirón Salud

Water
Tap water is high-quality and drinkable.

Telephone - Use of mobile phones
There are no roaming charges in the European Union. If you have a SIM card from a member state of the EU, you will be able to use your phone with no additional charges for calls, texts or internet use in any other member state.

Wifi
no password in the majority of establishments and meeting venues. Available outdoors in gardens, streets, markets, squares and bus stops. (Map of the free municipal Wi-Fi areas).

Banks and cash
More than 180 bank branches are open on midweek mornings. There is an extensive network of 24-hour cash machines, meaning you can take money out whenever you like.

Money exchange
- Money exchange Navinet (C/Narrika, 12). Open from 10:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday (exchange only available for U.S. dollars and British pounds).
- Money exchange Global Exchange (Alameda del Boulevard, 6). Open from 09:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday (more than 70 foreign currencies).
- Money exchange Eurochange (C/Ijentea, 4). Open from 09:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday (exchange is by appointment only and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance).
- Money Exchange Quickgold Donostia (Alameda del Boulevard, 21) Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00. (More than 20 currencies available).

Taxis
Taxis usually allow clients to pay with a bank card; however, we suggest asking before getting in.

Tourist tax
There is no tourist tax.
Location and how to arrive
Strategic, easy-to-access location
One of the most popular routes of arrival for congressmen, congresswomen and attendees is by plane. There are 3 airports less than 100km away from the city.
Its strategic location and vast infrastructure network has made San Sebastián an easy-to-access location, connected to the rest of the world via all kinds of transportation.
Nearby cities
City | Distance in Km. | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bilbao | 102 Kms. | 1h 5 min. | 1h 15 min. | 3 h. | - |
Vitoria-Gasteiz | 101 Kms. | 1h 10 min. | 1h 15 min. | 1h. 40 min. | - |
Biarritz | 50 Kms. | 45 min. | 1 h. 10 min. | 1h. 40 min. | - |
Pamplona | 82 Kms. | 55 min. | 1 h. | 1h. 40 min. | - |
Madrid | 457 Kms. | 4h 35 min. | 5h. 20 min. | 6h. 20 min. | 1h. 15 min. |
Barcelona | 570 Kms. | 5h 40 min. | 8h. | 5h. 50 min. | 1h. 5 min. |
Main ways of travelling to San Sebastián
By plane
San Sebastián has 3 airports (2 international) within just over 100 km of the city.
Only 20 kilometers from the city centre, San Sebastián Airport has connections to the major Spanish cities; Madrid and Barcelona.
Bilbao Airport, with connections to all Europe, is 105km from the city, and Biarritz Airport, served by French and international low-cost companies, 47km.
Airport |
Airport Bus |
|
SAN SEBASTIAN Airport shuttle service to SAN SEBASTIÁN | ||
BIARRITZ Airport shuttle service to SAN SEBASTIÁN | ||
There is no shuttle service. Alsa and Pesa bus companies offer this service from the Vitoria-Gasteiz Bus Station. |
By train
RENFE
The company RENFE rail service offers both long-distanceo train and suburban
The train station in the centre of San Sebastián, the Estación del Norte, offers connections to numerous Spanish cities including Madrid and Barcelona, and to international destinations such as Paris and Lisbon.
Train journeys to and from San Sebastián will gain enormously in speed with the new Tren de Alta Velocidad (high speed train), due to connect the city with other destinations in the near future.
EUSKO TREN
There is also an underground railway, the Eusko Tren, a narrow-gauge train connection with Bilbao and cities along the Basque Coast, such as Zarautz. The service linking it also Hendaye (France) and the SNCF, french rail service, with Lasarte passing through Donostia. The train is popularly known as the "Topo" or "Mole"
SNCF
The French company SNCF connects with world capitals such as Paris from Hendaye train station..
By car
Getting to San Sebastián by car is extremely easy. The city is connected to the rest of Spain and France by the N-1 (the national highway connecting Madrid to Irun), the AP-8 (Bilbao-Irun) and A-63 (Paris-Irun) motorways and the A-15 highway (Pamplona-San Sebastián).
Another comfortable and comfortable way to get to the city is by parking your car in the free parking lot of the Ficoba de Irún Exhibition Center and take the train from Euskotren to the center of San Sebastián. (40 minutes journey).
Once in San Sebastián, you can leave your car in one of the more than 6,000 parking places found in different parts of the city.
How to move: maps and transport
Walking
San Sebastián is people-friendly; it is easy to get around using the public transport services that connect the different parts of the city.
Taxis
San Sebastián has a large and modern fleet of taxis available 24hrs a day. The rates are official and operate with a taxi meter. In San Sebastián, unlike in other cities, taxis do not normally stop when hailed in the street. The best idea is to head for a taxi rank or phone for one:
Taxidonosti | 943 46 46 46 |
---|---|
Vallina Teletaxi | 943 40 40 40 |
Public transport
San Sebastián has a large city bus fleet run by the company Dbus for cheap, fast and easy city travel. Take a look at the different lines on the Dbus website.
Times
The times change depending on the line. Most services start at 07h30 and end at 22h30. The times and frequency of the different services can be found at the respective bus stops.
Dbus runs a night service known as the “Búho” (Owl). Most of the night bus lines start at 12 o’clock midnight and end at 4 in the morning. The Búhos only run on Fridays, Saturdays and the nights before public holidays. All leave from the Boulevard.
Tourist Card
- The TouristCard is the master key to the city.
- The TouristCard marks the difference between visiting or getting to know San Sebastián and Gipuzkoa
- You can use the TouristCard on public transport, and it offers you excellent discounts in museums, restaurants and shops
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To know San Sebastián |
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To get to know San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa and Euskadi |
Rental
Buses:
- Autobuses Aizpurua
- Autocares Alza
- Autocares David
- Gurdia Autoturismo
- Iparbus
- Vallina Bus-Auto
Car parks
The city has more than 6000 parking spaces in different parts of the city. On the streets of the city, parking is usually regulated by OTA. Rates and schedules depend on the zones.
On the other hand, there are more than a dozen underground parking lots throughout the city. Rates vary by zones.
Donostia / San Sebastián also has three dissuasive parking in the outskirts, with direct connections to the center with several urban bus lines. The parking in these deterrent car parks is usually free or entail a minimum expense.