Quick Facts: Biarritz Day Trip at a Glance
For those in a hurry, here’s everything you need to know about your day trip from San Sebastián to the chic French coast.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~50 km (31 miles) |
| Travel Time | 45-60 minutes by direct bus |
| Estimated Cost | €30 – €85 per person for the day |
| Best Time to Go | May, June, and September 2025 |
Is a Day Trip to Biarritz from San Sebastián Worth It?
Absolutely, and here’s why. Swapping the culinary hustle of San Sebastián for the surf-chic elegance of Biarritz is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take. In under an hour, you cross a border and enter a world of Belle Époque grandeur, windswept beaches, and a distinctly French Basque charm. If you’re wondering whether to make the journey, consider these points:
- Experience Two Countries, Two Cultures: Witness the subtle but fascinating shift from Spanish Basque Country to French Basque Country. You’ll go from hearing Spanish and Euskara to French and Basque, trading bustling pintxo bars for elegant patisseries.
- A Tale of Two Cities: Contrast San Sebastián’s world-class culinary scene with Biarritz’s glamorous promenades, legendary surf culture, and aristocratic history. It’s the perfect complement to your Spanish holiday.
- Stunning Coastal Scenery: The journey is beautiful, but the destination is breathtaking. Biarritz boasts dramatic cliffs, vast golden beaches, and the iconic Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop jutting into the wild Atlantic.
- Incredibly Easy & Affordable: This isn’t a stressful, complicated trip. As you’ll see below, the bus journey is quick, direct, and remarkably cheap, making this a low-effort, high-reward adventure.
How to Get from San Sebastián to Biarritz: 3 Easy Options
Getting from Spain to France for the day is surprisingly simple. While the bus is our top recommendation for its balance of speed and cost, here’s a quick comparison of your options.
| Mode | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 45-60 mins | €4 – €10 | Speed, cost, and convenience |
| Train | 1.5 – 2 hours | €7 – €13 | Scenery and a unique journey |
| Car | 40-50 mins | €10 – €20+ | Flexibility and exploring nearby towns |
By Bus (The Best Option)
The bus is the most direct, efficient, and cost-effective way to travel between San Sebastián and Biarritz. Companies like ALSA and FlixBus run frequent, direct routes throughout the day. You’ll depart from San Sebastián’s main bus terminal (Donostiako Autobus Geltokia) and arrive near the Biarritz town center, ready to explore. The journey is comfortable and takes just under an hour. We highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance, especially during the busy summer months of 2025.
By Train (The Scenic Route)
For those who love a train journey, this is a charming, albeit slower, option. It’s important to know: there is no direct or high-speed train from San Sebastián to Biarritz. The trip requires a simple two-step process:
- Take the local Euskotren “topo” line from San Sebastián’s Amara-Donostia station to Hendaye, the French border town. This leg takes about 35 minutes and costs just a few Euros.
- In Hendaye, switch to a French SNCF train for the final 30-minute ride to Biarritz.
While it takes longer (1.5-2 hours with the transfer), it’s a lovely way to see the countryside and experience a classic European border crossing by rail.
By Car
Driving offers the most flexibility, taking about 40-50 minutes via the AP-8 and A63 motorways. Keep in mind you’ll need to pay for both fuel and tolls (around €5-€10). The biggest drawback, however, is parking. Finding a spot in Biarritz, especially in summer, can be difficult and expensive. Underground garages like Indigo Grande Plage can cost €2-€4 per hour. Unless you plan on exploring other small towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz along the way, we recommend sticking to the bus.
Top 5 Things to Do in Biarritz on a Day Trip
Biarritz is compact and walkable, making it perfect for a day of exploration. Here are the unmissable highlights to structure your visit around.
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Walk the Footbridge to Rocher de la Vierge
The “Virgin on the Rock” is Biarritz’s most iconic landmark. A statue of the Virgin Mary stands atop a dramatic rock formation, offering protection to the city’s fishermen. To reach it, you’ll cross a stunning iron footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel’s workshop. The walk offers spectacular views of the coastline and the Bay of Biscay. Pro Tip: It’s free to access and the perfect spot for dramatic photos, but be prepared for a bit of sea spray on windy days!
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Soak in the Views from the Phare de Biarritz (Lighthouse)
For the best panoramic view of Biarritz and the surrounding coastline, make your way to the lighthouse at the northern end of town. Built in 1834, it stands proudly on a cliff. For a small fee of around €5, you can climb the 248 steps to the top. The reward is an unforgettable 360-degree vista of the golden beaches, the city, and the distant Pyrenees mountains.
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Explore the Grande Plage and Hôtel du Palais
The Grande Plage is the heart of Biarritz. This vast, sandy beach is famous for its colorful, striped bathing tents and its role as the birthplace of European surfing. Stroll along the elegant promenade and admire the magnificent Hôtel du Palais. This palace was originally built in the mid-19th century for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, and its presence cemented Biarritz’s status as a resort for royalty.
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Discover the Port des Pêcheurs (Fishermen’s Port)
Tucked away in a small cove below the main town is the Port des Pêcheurs, a tiny, rustic fishing harbor that feels like a step back in time. The charming cottages (crampottes) and small fishing boats create a picturesque scene. It’s also home to several excellent, no-frills seafood restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a memorable lunch.
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Taste Local Flavors at Les Halles Market
No trip to a French city is complete without a visit to its central market. Les Halles de Biarritz is a vibrant, bustling indoor market where you can experience the best of Basque gastronomy. One hall is dedicated to fishmongers, while the other is filled with vendors selling local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh produce, and of course, the famous Gâteau Basque (a delicious almond flour cake). Grab some supplies for a picnic or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Pro Tip: Go in the morning for the best selection and most vibrant buzz.
A Sample One-Day Biarritz Itinerary
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a simple schedule to help you make the most of your day.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Take an early bus from San Sebastián. Arrive in Biarritz and immediately find a local boulangerie for a coffee and a fresh croissant. Head straight to Les Halles market while it’s at its most lively. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along the Grande Plage towards the iconic Hôtel du Palais.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the rustic restaurants in the Port des Pêcheurs. After eating, walk over to the Rocher de la Vierge, crossing the famous footbridge for incredible photos. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the charming old town streets and doing a bit of window shopping.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM onwards): If you have the energy, walk north along the coast to the Phare de Biarritz (Lighthouse) for breathtaking sunset views. Find a seaside café for a final glass of wine before catching your pre-booked bus back to San Sebastián, arriving just in time for a late pintxos dinner.
Where to Eat in Biarritz
While not a pintxos paradise like San Sebastián, Biarritz offers fantastic French and Basque cuisine for every budget.
For a Quick Bite (€)
Head to a classic crêperie like Le Blé Noir near the Port Vieux for a savory galette or a sweet crêpe. Alternatively, grab a fresh sandwich (jambon-beurre is a classic) from a bakery or assemble a picnic with cheese, bread, and fruit from Les Halles market.
For a Casual Seafood Lunch (€€)
The best atmosphere for a mid-range meal is around the Port des Pêcheurs. Places like Crampotte 30 offer fresh, simple seafood in an unbeatable setting. The bistros surrounding Les Halles, such as Le CAB, are also excellent choices for lunch.
For a Sweet Treat
You cannot leave without trying a slice of Gâteau Basque. This regional specialty is an almond flour cake typically filled with either black cherry jam or a rich pastry cream. You can find excellent versions at historic patisseries like Miremont or Pâtisserie Loubère.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips for a Perfect Day Trip in 2025
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Don’t forget your passport! It’s an easy thing to forget, but you are crossing an international border between Spain and France. A national ID card is also acceptable for EU citizens.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Biarritz is best explored on foot, and you’ll be covering a lot of ground, including some hills and cobblestones.
- Check the tide times online. The size of the beaches, especially the Grande Plage, changes dramatically with the tide. Low tide is best for long walks on the sand.
- Book your return bus ticket in advance. During the high season of July and August 2025, buses can sell out. Secure your return journey when you book your outbound ticket to avoid stress.
- Carry some Euros. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always wise to have some cash on hand for small purchases, public restrooms, or the lighthouse entry fee.
What to Pack Checklist
- Passport / ID Card
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Camera / Smartphone
- Portable Power Bank
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses (even on cloudy days!)
- A Light Rain Jacket – the Atlantic weather is famously unpredictable.
- Credit Card and some Euro cash
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to spend per person for a fantastic day out from San Sebastián.
| Expense | Low-End | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Return Bus Ticket | €8 | €20 |
| Lunch | €15 | €35 |
| Coffee/Snacks | €5 | €15 |
| Attractions (Lighthouse) | €0 | €5 |
| Total per Person | ~€28 | ~€75 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Biarritz worth a day trip from San Sebastian?
Yes, 100%. It offers a fantastic change of pace, allowing you to experience French Basque culture, stunning coastal views, and a different city vibe, all in under an hour’s travel. It’s an easy way to add another country to your itinerary.
Can you do San Sebastian in one day?
While you could see the main highlights of San Sebastián in a single day, its world-class food scene and beautiful beaches deserve at least 2-3 days to be fully appreciated. This is why it makes such a great base for exploring the region, including day trips to places like Biarritz.
Is there a high speed train to San Sebastian?
No, there is not a high-speed train (AVE) that goes directly into San Sebastián’s city center. Long-distance Alvia trains connect it to Madrid and Barcelona. For the short trip to Biarritz, there is no direct train at all; the bus is the fastest and most convenient option.
Is it worth going to San Sebastian, Spain?
Absolutely. San Sebastián is a world-renowned destination famous for its incredible food (especially pintxos), beautiful urban beaches like La Concha, and elegant Belle Époque architecture. It’s a must-visit for any food and travel lover.
TL;DR: Your Perfect Biarritz Day Trip
Pressed for time? Here’s the essential info:
- Go by Bus: It’s the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to get there from San Sebastián. Book with ALSA or FlixBus.
- Must-Sees: Walk the bridge to Rocher de la Vierge, stroll the Grande Plage, and explore the charming Port des Pêcheurs.
- Must-Eats: Grab a seafood lunch at the fishing port and try a slice of Gâteau Basque for dessert.
- Top Tip: Don’t forget your passport! You’re crossing into France.
