San Sebastian Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

The airport of Donostia-San Sebastián is in Hondarribia, 20 km from the centre towards the French border, with few flights and no hotels around the terminal: whoever arrives or departs, at any hour, still ends up sleeping in the city, reachable in 25-30 minutes by taxi or by the E20/E21 buses to Plaza Gipuzkoa. The real choice concerns the neighbourhood: the Parte Vieja for those who want pintxos bars and nightlife within walking distance, Gros for the surf beach of Zurriola, Amara for those continuing their journey by train or bus, Miramón for those seeking quiet away from the centre.

Parte Vieja

Neighbourhood · About 20 km from Hondarribia airport: 25 minutes by taxi, 30 by bus (lines E20/E21 to Plaza Gipuzkoa).

Best for: For those who want to dine in pintxos bars and explore the old town on foot.

Pros

Dozens of pintxos bars just steps away, open until late
300 metres from La Concha beach and the harbour

Cons

Narrow, lively alleys: noise on summer weekends
Limited parking availability in the streets of the neighbourhood

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Atari: In the heart of the Parte Vieja, 300 metres from the Concha; in-house Basque restaurant and 28 rooms overlooking the rooftops of the old town.

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Amara

Near the airport link · Same distance from the airport (about 20 km): 25-30 minutes by taxi; frequent bus connections to the centre.

Best for: For those continuing their journey by train or coach, or who prefer a less touristy atmosphere.

Pros

A few minutes' walk from the bus station and the train station
Residential neighbourhood with lower rates than the old town

Cons

To reach the Concha you cross the Urumea river, 10 minutes on foot
Less nightlife than the Parte Vieja and Gros

Recommended hotels in this area

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only: 10 minutes' walk from the Concha; rooftop with pool and Sky Bar, wellness centre with thermal circuit, designed for the LGBTIQ+ public and open to all.

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Gros and Zurriola beach

Neighbourhood · About 20 km from the airport, 25-30 minutes by taxi or by bus to the centre and then on foot.

Best for: For those seeking Zurriola's surf and a younger, more informal neighbourhood.

Pros

Zurriola beach with waves suited to surfing, rare in the city
Bars and venues less touristy and cheaper than the old town

Cons

15-20 minutes on foot from the old town and the harbour
Beach more exposed to the wind than the Concha

Recommended hotels in this area

Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel: Less than 1 km from Zurriola beach, in a renovated early-twentieth-century building; infinity pool in the garden and 21 rooms.

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Miramón

Neighbourhood · About 20 km from the airport, 25-30 minutes by taxi; the area is not served by city buses to the centre.

Best for: For those seeking quiet for a work stay or a conference, getting around by car or taxi.

Pros

Quiet residential neighbourhood, away from tourist traffic
Pool and large garden, rare for old-town hotels

Cons

15 minutes by car or taxi from the beach and the centre
Few restaurants and venues nearby, a car is needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián: In the residential neighbourhood of Miramón, 15 minutes from the centre; 80 rooms designed by interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán and a pool in the garden.

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