San Sebastián—Basque Country's scenic coastal city—is just 51 miles (82 km) from Pamplona, one of Northern Spain's most picturesque cities. The fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two is by car, either rental or private transfer. The drive takes just one hour and passes near the very scenic Aralar mountain range. Because of this route, we recommend making a bit of a road trip out of the drive if you have time, stopping to hike or enjoy a few cultural towns and cities.
You can also make the trip by public transportation, as buses and trains run regularly between San Sebastián and Pamplona. The bus is slightly faster, following the same route as a direct drive and arriving in Pamplona in about 1-2 hours. The train is somewhat more restrictive, with just a few daily departures. You'll reach Pamplona in just two hours.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1 hour (standard highway route), 2.5 to 3 hours (recommended road trip route)
The fastest and most convenient way to travel between San Sebastián and Pamplona is by car, either rental or private transfer. The mountains of the Aralar Range separate the two cities. You'll leave San Sebastián from its south side, following highway AP-1 and the Oria River. Eventually, you'll exit to the left and join highway A-15 all the way to Pamplona.
As mentioned above, we recommend taking a more scenic route and making a stop or two along the way. You can choose a drive through the mountains for hiking or a journey that takes you to a couple of picturesque towns.
If you'd like to focus your drive on hiking, we recommend the following stops:
Goizueta
Though hiking is a go-to in this region, mountain bikers also favor Goizueta. Popular trails near Goizueta include Cantera Artikutza or the Arkiskil—Goizueta downhill route. For hiking, Aldura Gunea Aldea is a scenic and easy route that borders a river, or for a more challenging option, you can trek along the Arano—Baratzazarreta loop. Just keep in mind that completing the entire circle requires about six hours, so you might want to start early or only hike a portion of the trail.
Bertiz Lordship Natural Park
Another good spot for hiking is the Bertiz Lordship Natural Park, a very scenic and dog-friendly area with plenty of trail options. But for a more casual break to simply stretch your legs, head to the Garden of Bertiz Lordship Natural Park within the much larger park, with its beautiful palace and decorative stained glass. You'll also find a chapel, historic ruins, picturesque bridges, ponds, fountains, forested trails, and more.
If you'd rather visit a couple of scenic towns on your way to Pamplona, we suggest the following stops:
Hondarribia
This charming, historic, walled coastal town is just across the river from France, known for its picturesque Old Town, La Marina. Enjoy Hondarribia's signature fishing houses, three-story buildings with painted wooden balconies often overflowing with flowers, Casa Iriarte being one of the most picturesque. Other sites worth a visit include the Plaza de Armas next to the ancient Carlos Castle, the Gothic-style church Santa Maria de la Asuncion, and the observation deck for its views.
Etxalar
You'll find this picturesque townlet in Navarra's Cinco Villas region, a Basque-speaking area of the province. Etxalar isn't far from the French border and is perfect for rural tourism. Enjoy strolling along the narrow lanes, stopping at sites like the 17th-century Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, and admiring the traditional architecture, which won the hamlet its National Tourism Award. Other places of interest in the village include the Errotagaraia (a lime kiln), the Chapel of Fátima, and the Santa Cruz Hermitage. Etxalar is also a great spot to grab lunch, known for specialties like grilled meat and cheese made with sheep milk.
Note that this route also passes through Bertiz Lordship Natural Park, so you could combine both village sightseeing and a relaxing hike.
By Bus
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
The bus takes a similar route as a standard drive, following the same highways through the scenic, mountainous region. Depending on your departure time, you'll arrive in Pamplona in 1-2 hours, although most routes take no more than 1.5 hours.
By Train
Duration: 2 hours
Trains are also an option, although it is the slowest and most restrictive way to get from San Sebastián to Pamplona. You usually have two options: one departure early in the morning and one later in the afternoon. The route takes a slightly different way than driving or the bus. It passes through the town of Alsasua, so although the ride is quite scenic, a seat on the left will give you the most mountain views.
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