Hi all

Which is the better option for getting to San Sebastian - Biarritz or Bilbao airport?

I have done some research and cannot determine which. Biarritz looks closer but it looks like you have to take a taxi for this trip whereas you can get the bus from Bilbao airport. We don't have a lot of time to play with so our preference is probably the one which gets us to SS the quickest.

Thanks for your help.

PG

You can get from Biarritz airport to San Sebastian direct. See:

www.PESA.net

Why not the SS airport?

There are more buses from Bilbao to San Sebastian-Donostia, but either one will do depending on your arrival time and the bus schedule.

http://www.autobuseslaunion.com/en/airport-link.asp

The OP would have to be flying in from Madrid or Barcelona to use the airport in Hondarribia.

The SS airport is really small and can only handle small planes. We flew Barcelona to SS airport in April and Vuelling was using a bigger plane that day so we were routed to Bilbao at the last min (ie as we were boarding we were told) let's just say that chaos ensued!!!

The OP seems to be framing the question as trip time from airport to SS. But if the OP wants to arrive in SS as early as possible, need to look at the overall trip -- flight arrival time plus travel time to get the desired arrival time.

To clarify, there are no direct flights to SS from my city of origin.

I can't really tell from the responses to date which is the best option. Maybe there is no definitive answer.

Of course there is! Check the PESA bus schedule between the Biarritz airport and San Sebastian, and then the La Union schedule from the Bilbao airport to San Sebastian. See which one matches best to your arrival time.

http://www.pesa.net/pesa/horariosBD/ctrl_horarios.php
http://www.autobuseslaunion.com/en/airport-link.asp

It's obvious to me,no brainer, Bilbao to SS!

I would also recommend the train or bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Have you considered a train from Madrid? It's been a while since I did it, but there was an overnight train to San Sebastian.

I agree - check the schedules for the buses and see what works for you...I don't think there is much difference. I would take the cheapest flight or the best flight time. It will take just over an hour either way....

A train from Madrid takes about six hours. Ugh..
We took PESA from Bilbao airport...very convenient. Purchased tickets on line.

Thanks everyone (well most of you).

jamikins - that is exactly what I am going to do, something I only realised since I made the post. Having looked at flights again for the days in question, I think I will fly to Biarritz and back from Bilbao in order to maximise my time in lovely San Seb.

A train from Madrid is not something I will consider!