Bilbao to San Sebastian
 

I muddled thru the Euskotren site and am finding an hourly train from Bilbao to SS. Is this a scenic ride? Is it true there is a bus that is much quicker? which would you take?

There's an answer for that here: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-sebastian.cfm

:)

I guess you could say the route is scenic, part inland and part along the coast. It's takes around 2hr 40min to make the trip.

There is regular bus service between Bilbao and San Sebastian-Donostia that will get you there in just over one hour, if you are in a hurry.

the bus is as if not more scenic than the train and is only one hour.

On your question, I would advise you using the bus. I agree with batbihiru that the road and the train are pretty much similar in the scenic point of view.
If you have time, I would recommend you going by car and enjoying that hour and a half in a walk through a village on the way, specially those beyond the sea, like Getaria or Zarautz.
Aitor Delgado

IMO the bus or train is very scenic. The Basque country is unique and beautiful, very green.