Is there a direct train from San Sebastian to Bordeaux?
Unfortunately, there is no direct train from San Sebastian to Bordeaux. If you want to travel by train, you must use one of the three train lines to get to the Hendaia train station in Irun. From here you can take another train to Bordeaux. However, it's important to note that some of these trains might involve additional stops and stopovers.
Is Bordeaux worth visiting?
Definitely! Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 2000-year-long history and has more protected buildings than any other city in France except Paris. And if historic monuments and jaw-dropping palaces arenât your thing, itâs also the gastronomic capital of the renowned Bordeaux region.
How do you get from San Sebastian, Spain, to Bordeaux, France?
You can get from San Sebastian in Spain to Bordeaux in France in three ways: either by bus, train, or private car service. The best option from these three is a private car service like Daytrip. With Daytrip's door-to-door car service, your transportation worries will be a thing of the past.
Where should you stop when traveling from San Sebastian to Bordeaux?
There are many places to stop when you travel from San Sebastian to Bordeaux, but if you don't have too much time, we recommend ChĂąteau d'Abbadie and Rocher de la Vierge. These give you the perfect blend of decadence and natural beauty before you get to Bordeaux.
Is Bordeaux a walkable city?
Most of Bordeauxâs top attractions are in the city center, so you can easily reach them on foot (just have comfortable footwear!). The other perk of walking is you can work off all the delicious food and wine youâll no doubt stop to sample during your explorations!
Is there a train from San SebastiĂĄn to France?
Yes, there is a train from San SebastiĂĄn to France, but there isn't a direct one to Bordeaux. You will need to take one of three trains to a secondary station before you can journey to Bordeaux. To bypass the hassle, use a private car service like Daytrip which is less fuss and can be cheaper with seats starting at 81 euros.
On the Bay of Biscay in Spain lies San Sebastian, a world-class town that attracts spend thrifts and high rollers alike with its exceptional cuisine, magnificent scenery, premier restaurants, stunning beaches, and fascinating attractions.
San Sebastian offers luxurious experiences and is a foodie mecca, so unsurprisingly, you might have found your way to this Spanish town. But did you know that Bordeaux offers an even more luxurious experience without breaking the bank? So why not hop in one of Daytrip's well-maintained cars and enjoy one of the best driving experiences from San Sebastian to Bordeaux?
If Bordeaux hasn't been on your radar, it should be. This city is the undisputed wine capital of the world (yes, that is why Bordeaux sounds familiar). You can find some of the most delicious wines in its bars and restaurants, and it won't cost you a limb to procure. But Bordeaux has more than simply wine on offer.
Visitors can look forward to picking and choosing between 350 historical monuments and buildings, dozens of art galleries, museums, and some of the best street food in France. So what are you waiting for? This is your invitation to book a car trip with Daytrip and sit back and relax while our door-to-door service gets you from San Sebastian's refined luxury to Bordeaux's mysterious high-end beauty.
About Bordeaux
Nestled on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux has been renowned for its incredible architecture, rich history, intriguing culture, and world-famous wines for centuries. It's a melting pot of art, culinary delights, and culture, which is unsurprising considering the city has more than 2,000 years of history that perfectly supports its unique modern sophistication paired with old-world charm.
Bordeaux is the charming capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, so it can offer visitors several once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. From indulging in wine tastings at a prestigious chateau and learning more about the 7000 winemakers in the region and the oldest vineyards in the world to sightseeing in the Bordeaux Old Town and walking along the river â there's something for everyone. Then, let's not forget the water wonders found in Bordeaux, thanks to its illustrious maritime history.
Bordeaux is a port city, so the Gironde estuary reveals immense nature, culture, wine tourism, and enchanting chateaux. If you travel further along this city's coast, you'll also get to feel the silky sand of the Arcachon basin between your toes, and you might even get the chance to savor a few delicious oysters!
Returning to land, there's much to see and do in Bordeaux. From lavish 18th-century buildings and UNESCO-listed quays surrounding the imposingly elegant Place de la Bourse to the famed mirror of the water and the many gastronomic delights, including decadent pastries, regional delicacies, and Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, you'll find something to occupy your time.
From San Sebastian to Bordeaux: travel tips
Do you plan to travel from San Sebastian to Bordeaux? If so, you need to keep a few travel tips in mind. Armed with these travel tips, you'll be more likely to maximize your time, stay conscious of your budget, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.
Plan ahead to avoid seasonal closures
One of the only downsides of traveling to a European city is that they often enact seasonal closures on attractions, restaurants, and shops. In France, the summer holidays are sacrosanct, with most people taking time off for two to three weeks in July or August.
Unfortunately, basic services like banks and post offices have skeleton staff during this time, and some are closed altogether. That's why it's important to plan ahead to ensure the places you want to visit along the way to Bordeaux and the city itself are open and accepting visitors.
You can plan ahead by buying tickets weeks to months in advance (this is a nifty way to ensure prices are at their lowest) and reserving high-end restaurant spots and accommodations ahead of schedule.
Choose the right mode of transportation
There are many travel options for those who want to travel from San Sebastian to Bordeaux, but the best option is a road trip. If you travel with a private car service like Daytrip, you'll be free to be spontaneous with sightseeing stops along the way.
We recommend stopping to snap a few pictures of a few local dishes in Hondarribia while enjoying some of the best local food you'll ever eat. Or why not lay out a blanket for an impromptu picnic at Rocher de la Vierge before venturing onto the famed rock at this location?
When you book with Daytrip, the options are endless regardless of what you want to see and do. And if you book early enough, you'll save on transportation costs, and our expert drivers know exactly how to avoid annoying traffic and scarce parking situations.
Be prepared for strikes
Many travelers aren't aware that strikes are common in France, so it's important to plan for this possibility when traveling from San Sebastian to Bordeaux.
Often, strikes disrupt or cancel transportation services in France, which can severely impact your French adventure. So, it might be best to put alternative travel options on the back burnerâlike Daytrip. Daytrip isn't affected by strikes, so you're guaranteed a stress-free trip.
How to get from San Sebastian to Bordeaux
San Sebastian and Bordeaux are beautiful cities in their own right, but getting from San Sebastian to Bordeaux can be a headache if you're unfamiliar with European transportation options.
That's why we've discussed three of the best choices below to help you determine the best travel option for your budget and preferences.
Just note that ferry travel is not listed as there is no ferry between these cities, but if you're interested in a short cruise, Bordeaux offers a few cruise tours by boat.
From San Sebastian to Bordeaux by bus
For most travelers, the best budget option to get from San Sebastian to Bordeaux is to take the bus. Three bus service providersâBlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, and Iberocoach âcomplete the trip between these two European cities.
BlaBlaBus is the fastest bus option, taking about three hours and 15 minutes to complete. The bus leaves hourly every day, and the tickets cost between $17 and $26. Then, Iberocoach offers the cheapest trips. With Iberocoach, you should expect a ticket to cost between $12 and $17, but don't expect a luxury three-hour and 58-minute trip to Bordeaux.
Lastly, Flixbus is a good option for those seeking a reliable bus service that isn't too expensive. Unfortunately, Flixbus doesn't offer as many trips daily, but a bus leaves every three hours from San Sebastian to Bordeaux. The average ticket cost is between $22 and $35, but the ride is bound to be more comfortable than Ibercoach, even though the bus trip is just over four hours with a stop or two.
From San Sebastian to Bordeaux by train
Euskotren, SNCF, and TGV inOui are the three train lines that offer trips from San Sebastian to Bordeaux. These trains are incredibly convenient, but you often must catch two trains to get to Bordeaux. This is because only two of the three provide high-speed train services, and there is no direct train between the two cities.
Typically, you would catch the Euskotren at the Amara-Donostia train station, which will take you to the Hendaia train station in Irun in a little under 40 minutes. From Hendaia, you will travel to the Bordeaux St Jean train station in France. The second half of this trip will take about two and a half hours, with the entirety of the trip costing between $32 and $92.
It is also important to note that the Euskotren runs hourly, the SNCF only offers trips once every four hours, and the TGV inOui only provides trips between the two cities five times daily. When there are strikes in France, you should expect delays, and although it is scenic, the train might not be too comfortable, and there is no chance of sightseeing.
From San Sebastian to Bordeaux by private car
In our opinion, the best way to travel from San Sebastian to Bordeaux is by private car service Daytrip, and we don't say this because we're biased. With a private car service, you get several benefits you wouldn't get when traveling via the bus or train.
Daytrip will bring you door-to-door, from your accommodation in San Sebastian to your hotel in Bordeaux without you having to worry about handling your luggage. Our drivers are also English-speaking professionals who can share tips and insights.
And unlike any other transportation option, you can stop for sightseeing at places like the neo-Gothic Chateau d'Abbadie or the dramatic Rocher de la Vierge on your way to Bordeaux. And let's not forget how our drivers will expertly navigate the roads between these two cities to avoid traffic and keep you entertained the entire way!
Things to do when you get to Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a luxury destination in France that is worth a visit, especially if you plan to tour other cities and towns along the way.
But knowing what to do in Bordeaux can be challenging, which is why we've shared a few of the best things to see and do if you plan to drive from San Sebastian to Bordeaux.
You'll notice we never shared any wine spots since there are so many stellar vineyards and wineries that making a list is nigh impossible.
Place de la Bourse
The distance between San Sebastian and Bordeaux is worth driving to Place de la Bourse alone. This jaw-dropping 18th-century square was built during King Louis XV's reign and is the centerpiece of Bordeauxâs UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is the square itself worth visiting, but its nearby locations and attractions make it even more worthwhile.
For example, if you visit Place de la Bourse, you'll also tour the charming Chartrons neighborhood and see the impressive 37,000-square-foot Miroir d'Eau, the largest reflecting pool in the world.
When visiting, you'll get to wander from vendor to vendor, buying different types of local foods to feast on right there and then or to save for later. We recommend buying cream-filled pastries, fresh cheeses, fruit, and authentic local delicacies you won't get to try anywhere else.
We know that religious attractions aren't for everyone, but when in France, it's usually a good idea to visit the cathedrals in the towns and cities you visit, as they are some of the most spectacular in the world.
Not only is the Gothic-style Roman Catholic architecture impressive, but its sweeping sky-high spires are also worth a second look, as is its treasure trove of medieval paintings known as the Marcade Collection.
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
The best time to visit Bordeaux is from May through October when the city experiences long, warm, sunny days that feel nearly endless. During these months, all the attractions, shops, restaurants, and businesses will be open, which is not the case in August and December.
However, if you don't mind many things being closed and want to visit more for the ambiance than the attractions, winter's a great time to visit since there will be significantly fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. You should also note that the winter months are wet and rainy, so you must pack accordingly if you plan to visit in the winter.
We also recommend that oenophiles (wine lovers) visit during the harvest season, as it will be a trip of a lifetime. This season runs from August to early September or October, depending on the year. During the harvest season, you'll get to stroll through ancient vineyards, learn more about the winemaking process, and enjoy wine and cheese pairings like you've never before enjoyed.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Hondarribia
Thanks to a recent gastronomical boom, this beautiful village has transformed into a must-visit for anyone with a mouth travelling though the Basque country. A Foody's DelightÂ
Chateau d'Abbadie
This beautiful neo-Gothic mansion is more than meets the eye - it was built to be an observatory as well as a well-to-do home. Eyes on the SkyÂ
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Beach-goers and culture-seekers both get a kick out of this seaside town, which hosted Louis XIVâs wedding. Basque-ing in the SunÂ
Rocher de la Vierge
According to legend, a divine light from this rock saved local fisherman during a storm. Today, the holy site offers divine views of the coastline. The Fishermenâs SalvationÂ
Orthez
This charming townâs medieval bridge played a pivotal role during the Napoleonic Wars. A Towering DefenseÂ
Chateau de la Brede
This Gothic castle, birthplace and home of Charles Montesquieu, will have visitors' attention divided between its noble beauty and role in history. Branches of InterestÂ
