Sumiko24

Hello friends,

I will be departing from Bordeaux on Dec 28th to San Sebastian.
Which is the easiest way to get there? Is it too complicated by train?

Thanks!

PalenQ

It can be complicated at there are plenty of trains to Hendaye but relatively few on the other side with large gaps in service to Donostia (S Sebastian in local language much preferred by Basque locals) but from Hendaye station there is the cool Tren Eskro - a commuter railway that plows down the street of Spanish Basque villages and countryside to the heart of Donostia - mainline trains go to a station farther out.

So it is very easy to take a train to Hendaye then hop on the frequently departing Tren Eskro to Donostia - also dirt cheap that train and you see some really typical Basque towns en route.

for lots on French and Spanish trains check - www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com. You may be able to get discounted tickets to hendaye at www.voyages-sncf.com or www.capitainetrain.com - same trains and fares but latter is much easier many say for Americans to actually get to work - print your own ticket at home. Tren Eskro just buy in Hendaye for a few euros - no reservations all can board.

Robert2533

The Basque train in Hendaye, a few steps from the station, is the TOPO, part of the Euskotren system. It runs about every 30 minutes into Donostia.

As far as getting from Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastián, there are several trains, beginning in the early morning. You can take the train to Hendaye and the TOPO into the city, or go on to Irun, and take a taxi or bus from there. It's around 20 minutes to Donostia by taxi.

PalenQ

There are a few trains that coordinate with trains in Irun so you can with one change of train in Irun or Hendaye get to San Sebastian - one leaves Bordeaux at 10:51 am most days anbd gets to San Sebastian at 14:05 - but at other times during the day there is a void of such connections.

Sumiko24

Thanks so much for all this wonderful info. I'm so excited with this trip! <3

PalenQ

And TOPO trains are commuter trains - no need or even possible probably to buy tickets in advance - porbably have to cancel your own ticket before boarding like on buses and trams and many trains in Europe to be considered having a valid ticket.

Robert2533

You purchase tickets at the entry to the TOPO in Hendaye. Have your cash ready.

http://www.euskotren.eus