Getting to Basque Country

12-03-2025

The Basque Country region is located between two countries, Spain and Southern France, divided by the Pyrenees Mountain range, a captivating region known for its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and rich culinary traditions.

Although separated by geopolitics, locals regard the two sides as a unified entity, bound by shared traditions, cuisine, and, most notably, the Basque language.

Cycling through the French Basque Country reveals a lesser-known paradise, boasting unique beaches, ancient caves, historic landmarks, and a cuisine that perfectly fuses French and Basque influences. Whether you're planning a cycling adventure with Cyclomundo or a leisurely vacation, this guide will provide you with essential information to make the most of your trip to the Basque Country of both sides.

The French Basque Country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich Basque culture, and historical intrigue. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Iparralde has something for everyone.

And if you’re using San Sebastian as a base to explore the French Basque Country, make sure to check out our Basque Country French side tours:

Rural and Coastal Basque Country to dive deeper into this beautiful and unique corner of the world.

The Spanish side of Basque Counry is defined by rugged mountains and rolling hills, forming valleys, rivers, and remote villages that remained nearly inaccessible to outsiders until just a few centuries ago. Although it shares borders with several Spanish regions, these natural obstacles have long preserved the Basque Country’s unique identity, keeping it largely isolated.

We offer multiple tours that starts from Vitoria-Gasteiz - the the capital city of the Basque Country, located along the sea are charming villages and head inland to wander the streets of well-preserved hilltop villages.

Our tours in Spanish side of Basque Counry:

Getting There: Air, Train, and Bus Services

The Basque Country is easily accessible by air, train, and bus, making it a convenient destination for travelers from around the world.

By Air: The main airport in the Basque Country is Bilbao Airport, which is well-serviced by international airlines. For domestic flights, the Basque had 3 other airports, Biarritz Basque Country airport, Pau airport, and San Sebastian / Hondarribia airport. You can find great deals on flights by comparing options online. (link for the flits option).

By Train: Traveling by train is a scenic and convenient way to reach the Basque Country. Bilbao and San Sebastián are major train hubs, serviced by the SNCF railway network and Renfe, Spain's national railway company with connections to other Spanish cities and international destinations. In addition, there is the TGV express train that links Paris to Hendaye-Irun that stops at Saint-Jean-de-Luz / Ciboure station.

By Bus: Buses offer a cost-effective way to travel to the Basque Country. Several bus companies provide routes to Bilbao and San Sebastián from other Spanish cities and international destinations. The main bus operators include Pesa, La Union and Alsa. There are also international companies that operate in the Basque Country, like Flixbus or Eurolines.

If you decide to travel via car, major highways like the AP-8/E-70 (coastal route) and A-1/E-5 (inland route) connect Madrid and other Spanish cities to the Basque Country. You may also want to check out the carpooling service with BlaBlaCar.

Getting to Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastian and Biarritz:

Our tours in the Spanish side of the Basque Country start in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and end in San Sebastian. For tours in the French side of the Basque County you will start your journey in Biarritz. Here is some information on how to get there by bus, train or plane.

Airports:
If you are arriving internationally at the Bilbao airport, you can take the urban bus service (Bizkaibus) that takes you to the central Bus Station, where it only takes up to an hour to get to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
If you are landing at the Vitoria airport, you can use the bus to city center service or take a taxi.

Train:

Getting to Vitoria-Gasteiz by train, check out the Renfe website for schedules and connections.

Bus:
There are many connections and companies that reach Vitoria-Gasteiz, you can check out the schedules and timetables .

San Sebastian:

Airports:
The San Sebastián Airport has connections to the major Spanish cities; Madrid and Barcelona, and is only 20 kilometers from the city center.
From the Bilbao Airport, you can take the bus service that runs to and from San Sebastian.

Train:
Similarly, the Renfe national railway system can take you in and out of San Sebastian.

Bus:
San Sebastian's new bus station has lines to cities throughout Spain and part of Europe, located in Paseo Federico García Lorca 1, near the RENFE train station. For more information, check out here.

Biarritz:

Airports:

Biarritz Airport or Biarritz-Parme Airport, is an airport serving Biarritz, French Basque Country. It is located 5 km southeast of Biarritz city center. Passengers heading to nearby Spain can take buses operated to Irun, San Sebastian, Pamplona, and Bilbao. Taxis are also accessible at the airport.

Train:

Similarly, the Renfe national railway system can take you in and out of Biarritz.

Bus:

Txik-Txak is the public transport network of the Basque Country agglomeration.

Tram'bus, buses, coaches, bicycles, carpooling, find on their site all the mobility solutions in the Basque Country and the south of Landes.

Traveling with Your Bike:

For cycling enthusiasts, traveling with your bike on trains and buses is a convenient way to explore the Basque Country. Here are some tips:

Bike Reservations: Most trains and buses require you to reserve a space for your bike in advance. Make sure to book your bike spot when purchasing your ticket.
Bike Storage: Bikes are typically stored in designated bike compartments or bike racks. Ensure your bike is securely fastened to avoid any damage during the journey.
Bike Packing: If you have a folding bike or can disassemble your bike, it may be easier to store it in a bike bag or box. This can also be a requirement on some trains and buses.
Bike-Friendly Routes: Some train and bus routes are particularly bike-friendly. Research bike-friendly routes and destinations to make the most of your cycling adventure.

If you plan to travel with your bike, make sure to check the train's bike policy and reserve a spot for your bike in advance.

Car rental:

You may choose to rent a car in Italy for part of your journey. Dealers can be found at all airports. You can find the best deals by comparing rental companies online: Avis Spain, Europcar, SIXT, Hertz, Rentalcars. Note that drivers must be over 21 to rent a car (21-25 year olds may face extra fees) and they must possess a valid driver’s license. An International Drivers License is required for rentals in Spain.
Hertz: https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/spain
Avis: https://www.avis.com/en/home
Enterprise: https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental-locations/es.html
Europcar: https://www.europcar.com/en/car- rental/locations/spain

For more information on what you can see while cycling in Basque Country, check out Cyclomundo’s Basque Country Regional Information.

The Basque Country is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or a leisure traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your trip to the Basque Country. So, pack your bags, grab your bike, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

List of links:

Airports:
https://www.aena.es/en/bilbao.html

https://www.aena.es/en/san-sebastian.html

https://www.aena.es/en/vitoria.html

Buses:

Avanza: https://gipuzkoa.avanzagrupo.com/
La Union: https://www.buseslaunion.com/
Alsa: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Train:

Renfe: https://www. renfe.com/es/en
SNCF: https://www.groupe-sncf.com/en

Car Rentals:

Hertz: https://www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/spain
Avis: https://www.avis.com/en/home
Enterprise: https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental-locations/es.html
Europcar: https://www.europcar.com/en/car- rental/locations/spain

For more information about your travel necessaries check out our blog post Cyclomundo's Comprehensive Travel Tips and feel free to email us any further tips, suggestions, or questions at info@cyclomundo.com.