We will be ending our Portugal tour on October 20, 2018 in Porto. We would like to explore Bilboa and San Sebastian on our own afterward. What is the best way to get there? What can you tell me about these places...is it worth taking this extra trip?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Public transport is sparse in this area and dropping off a rental car in a different country is expensive. The easiest connection is the overnight train from Coimbra-B station to San Sebastian; travel to Coimbra from Porto earlier in the day. You could also search for flights at www.skyscanner.com.
Then I'd want to fly out from Spain, not return to Portugal, if possible.
It's a lovely area to visit. See some articles at https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/basque-country.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Yes, public transport is scarce. I would possibly fly from Portugal to either San Sebastián or Bilbao then rent a car to drive around the area. It’s a lovely area, with great food and wine. Of, if you can travel by train or bus, that might be the way to go. Just don’t try to rent a car in Portugal and drop off in Spain.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
There's good bus service between Bilbao and San Sebastian. The train traverses a pretty area but is much slower.
The inland capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz has a nice medieval district.
Although I preferred the less-touristy Bilbao, I think there are more picturesque coastal towns--suitable for day-trips--near San Sebastian: Hondarribia, Zarautz, Getaria, Zumaia, Lekeitio. I haven't been to Lekeitio, but the others were accessible by public transportation in June 2016.