5 Fun Day Trips From Biarritz to Do in 2024
Wondering what the best day trips from Biarritz are? As someone who loves visiting the coastal town of Biarritz but also enjoys embarking on fun excursions to discover the area surrounding this adorable seaside town, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll detail 5 different day trips from Biarritz and what each destination has to offer you!
5 Fun Day Trips from Biarritz (2024)
To start, I’ll share three destinations that are within a few hours of Biarritz and that you can comfortably reach via public transportation. Along with a brief description of the destination, I’ll provide you details on how to get to the destination from Biarritz and some of the top things to do. This way, you can plan your excursion with ease!
1. San Sebastián, Spain
Arguably one of the most popular day trips to do from Biarritz is to San Sebastián. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Spain’s Basque country, this city is renowned for its thriving culinary scene. Visitors can look forward to tasting everything from exquisite bite-sized Basque tapas and regional Txakoli wines to their famous burnt Basque cakes and fresh seafood! For fellow foodies, I highly recommend doing a tasty food tour as indulging in all the local delights was a highlight of my trip to San Sebastián.
San Sebastián is also famous for its stunning beaches that provide a perfect backdrop for strolls and water activities, such as surfing! And, of course, there’s lots of beautiful and historic architecture worth admiring.
🚌 How to Day Trip from Biarritz to San Sebastián:
You can take a 45-minute bus from the Biarritz Airport to San Sebastián’s bus depot. You can purchase bus tickets on Omio.
🚨 PRO TIP: If it’s your first time using Omio, sign up here to receive $11 off your first booking. You can read my full review of this transportation company here, but in short, I’ve used them 35+ times over the last 5 years!
Best Things to Do in San Sebastián:
- Tasting the local delights of the Old Quarter — See my favorite food tour!
- Ascending Monte Urgull and walking the walled ramparts of Motako Gaztelua
- Spending time at La Concha Beach, with its golden sands and azure waters
✅ 🚌 Check rates & availability for round-trip bus tickets to San Sebastián
Want to Stay in San Sebastián for More Than a Day?
- Budget: Cristina Eneaa Rooms — 3-star hotel with family rooms | 🌟 8.5 / 10
- Mid-range: Hotel Arbaso — Lovely 4-star hotel | 🌟 9.3 / 10
- Luxury: Hotel Maria Cristina — Elegant and luxurious 5-star hotel | 🌟 9.8 / 10
2. Bilbao, Spain
Another affordable day trip from Biarritz is to Bilbao. Located in Spain’s Northern Basque Country, Bilbao is renowned for its contemporary architectural marvel, the Guggenheim Museum! It symbolizes the city’s modern transformation and happens to be ✨my favorite art history piece✨.
During your day trip, you can stroll along the scenic Nervión River and roam the charming streets and lively plazas of the bustling Casco Viejo, or historic Old Town. This is also where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the rich local culture, savoring Rioja wines and pintxos, the delectable Basque version of tapas! Thus, whether you’re interested in marveling at amazing art, indulging in local gastronomy, or simply absorbing the dynamic atmosphere, Bilbao is worth the trip.
🚌 How Day Trip from Biarritz to Bilbao:
To get from Bilbao to Biarritz, you can take a bus 2.5 – 3 hour bus from Biarritz Airport to Bilbao’s Bus Station! Just beware that you will have to make a transfer in San Sebastián, but this is pretty easy. The second bus leaves from the same bus station as your first bus!
✅ 🚌 Check rates & availability for round-trip bus tickets to Bilbao | Again, first-time Omio users, click here to receive $11 off your booking!
Best Things to Do in Bilbao:
- Taste the incredible array of pintxos bars and savor their local wines
- Explore the diverse market stalls in the famous Ribera Market
- Enjoy the striking architecture and art at the world-famous Guggenheim Museum
Want to Stay in Bilbao for More Than a Day?
- Budget: Latroupe La Granja— centrally located hostel | 🌟 9 / 10
- Mid-Range: Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao — chic 4-star hotel | 🌟9.4 / 10
- Luxury: Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao— Upscale 5-star hotel | 🌟 9.2 / 10
3. Bordeaux, France
For any wine lovers, one of the best day trips from Biarritz is to Bordeaux, France! Surrounded by the UNESCO-recognized Saint Emilion vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest red and white wines, Bordeaux beckons to all wine lovers wide and far! Beyond the vineyards and array of prestigious wines, Bordeaux welcomes visitors with its mesmerizing 18th-century architecture and impressive landmarks, youthful atmosphere, and delicious local treats!
🚂 How to Day Trip from Biarritz to Bordeaux:
The easiest way to get from Biarritz to Bordeaux by train. Simply take a bus from Biarritz’s city center to Gare de Biarritz. Once at the Biarritz train station, you’ll ride the train North for about 2 – 2.5 hours until you arrive at the Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station.
✅ 🚌 Check rates & availability for round-trip bus tickets to Bordeaux | First-time Omio users, sign up here to receive $11 off your booking!
Things to Do in Bordeaux
- Visit Cité du Vin to learn about the prolific wine region and do a little wine tasting!
- Climb to the top of the Pey Berland Tower for a magnificent view of the city & the nearby Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux!
- Discover Bordeaux’s local food scene & sample wines with an expert guide
Want to Stay in Bordeaux for More Than a Day?
- Budget: Central Hostel Bordeaux — read my review here! | 🌟 8.9 / 10
- Mid-Range: FirstName Bordeaux — Stylish 3-star hotel | 🌟9.2 / 10
- Luxury: Hôtel Burdigala — Beautiful 5-star hotel | 🌟 9.2 / 10
4. Bayonne, France
Bayonne is a vibrant city located just half an hour inland from Biarritz. The city is most known for its annual Fêtes de Bayonne, which is a massive 5-day festival that resembles Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls Festival. Everyone dresses up in white with a red scarf and dances to the different music and stress performances!
Aside from this festival, the city is recognized for its delectable gastronomic scene, specifically Bayonne Ham and world-famous chocolates. And while wandering the narrow winding streets of Bayonne’s Old Town, you can take in the colorful half-timbered houses that make you feel like you’re back in medieval times!
🚂 How to Get to Bayonne from Biarritz:
With Bayonne located just under 10km away from Biarritz, there are a couple of different options for transiting between the two cities. First, you can use the local bus network and ride two buses from Biarritz to Bayonne. This can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the bus route you take. Alternatively, you can take advantage of France’s amazing internal train network and ride the train from Gare de Biarritz to Gare de Bayonne. From the train station, it’s a quick ~11-minute ride.
🚌 NOTE: There’s a bus that goes from several locations around central Biarritz directly to Gare de Biarritz. You can purchase train tickets on-site at the train station.
Best Things to Do in Bayonne:
- Taste all the local favorites with a local expert on this fun Bayonne Food Tour!
- Marvel at Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne, a spectacular Gothic cathedral
- Relax at the Bayonne Botanical Gardens, which are free to enter!
🤠 Looking to maximize your time? Check out this fantastic segway tour of Bayonne! With a local, you’ll cover ground quickly as you visit all the best sights, learn about the city’s fascinating history, and explore the lesser-known hidden gems!
Want to Stay in Bayonne for More Than a Day?
- Budget: — Ibis Styles Bayonne Centre Gare — 3-star hotel | 🌟 8.4 / 10
- Mid-Range: OKKO HOTELS Bayonne Centre — 4-star hotel | 🌟 8.1 / 10
- Luxury: Hôtel Villa KOEGUI Bayonne — Classy 4-star hotel | 🌟 9.4 / 10
5. Pamplona, Spain
The last day trip I recommend considering is to Pamplona, Spain! The city is best known for its iconic Running of the Bulls, an electrifying event in July where bulls and steers race through the streets of the historic Old Town.
During this annual event, thousands of locals and tourists dress up in white all white, wear red scarves to celebrate. Those who dare will often be seen testing their courage and agility as they run alongside the racing animals to the bullring! Aside from this, Pamplona is worth visiting to observe the lively markets, see the colorful yet historic architecture, and wander along the atmospheric streets!
🚌 How to Get to Pamplona from Biarritz:
With Pamplona being located about 103km away from Biarritz, there are a couple of different ways you can get to the city. First, you can use public transportation. Similar to a day trip to San Sebastián or Bilbao, you’ll take a 45-minute bus from the Biarritz Airport to San Sebastián.
Once at the San Sebastián bus depot, you’ll wait a bit and then transfer to another bus that you’ll ride for about 1.5 hours to Pamplona. In total, the journey takes just under 4 hours one-way, which is pushing the boundaries of day trips via public transit! 😅
🚗 Car Rentals in Biarritz
Your second option is to rent a car unless you can access a car from a friend or family member. For renting a car, I love and highly recommend DiscoverCars. They offer full coverage car insurance and have convenient car rental pick-up locations at the Biarritz train station and Biarritz Airport. From Biarritz, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Pamplona.
✅ 🚗 Check rates and availability for renting a car in Biarritz
Best Things to Do in Pamplona:
- Whether you’re visiting during the thrilling San Fermín festival or not, stop by the famous bullring!
- Step back in time and walk around the Citadel of Pamplona, an old military fortress that dates back to the 16 century!
- Relax at Yamaguchi Park, a beautiful and serene Japanese Park that starkly contrasts the rest of the city
Want to Stay in Pamplona for More Than a Day?
- Budget: Hotel NH Pamplona Iruña Park — affordable 4-star hotel | 🌟 8.5 / 10
- Mid-Range: Pamplona Catedral Hotel — Deluxe 4-star hotel | 🌟 9 / 10
- Luxury: Hotel La Perla — Elegant 5-star hotel | 🌟 9.3 / 10
Where to Stay in Biarritz
If you plan on doing some day trips from Biarritz, you’re going to need a good home base in Biarritz! Below, you’ll find an interactive map that you can use to explore housing options. Feel free to enter your specific travel dates and the number of people traveling in your group and apply filters for more accurate pricing!
Alternatively, you can check out some of my specific recommendations below. These are based on the places I’ve stayed at when visiting Biarritz and the research I did for my trips!
Budget-Friendly Stay
- Surf Hostel Biarritz — An amazing hostel w/ incredible value | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- This is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed at, read my full review here!
- Hôtel Au Bon Coin — Boutique 3-star hotel with very kind staff! | ⭐️ 9.8 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hôtel Le Garage Biarritz — Fun 4-star hotel with outdoor pool | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Hôtel Villa KOEGUI Biarritz — Wonderful 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- Hôtel Jules Verne— Laid back & relaxing 4-star hotel w/ outdoor pool + gym | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- I loved staying at Jules Verne (you can view my review here)
Luxurious Stays
- Regina Experimental Biarritz — Beachfront 5-star Art Deco hotel | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- Hôtel Du Palais Biarritz — Grand 5-star hotel w/ exceptional service | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
Visiting Biarritz: FAQ
Honestly, Biarritz is not for everyone. But, if you are looking for a laid-back vacation, love beaches, want to partake in the local surf culture, or are just keen on traveling off the typical French beaten path, then I think Biarritz is worth visiting, even if only for a couple of days.
Compared to Paris, Nice, Lyon, or most other big-city French counterparts, Biarritz is not very expensive. Everything from housing and food to transportation and activities to do around Biarritz is on the more affordable side.
The closest major Spanish city to Biarritz is San Sebastián. As I mentioned previously, San Sebastián is only a 45-minute bus ride away from Biarritz!
Biarritz is NOT bigger than San Sebastián, both in terms of physical size and population numbers! And if you end up visiting both cities, you can tell that San Sebastián is a bigger city!
I genuinely loved visiting Bilbao and San Sebastián. But, if you only have time for one, follow your interests. For instance, I recommend beach lovers and big foodies go to San Sebastián. Meanwhile, if you have a deep appreciation for history and architecture (and still want to taste heavenly food), I recommend Bilbao.
Wrap-Up: Day Trips from Biarritz (2024)
With its proximity to the Spanish border and convenient access to a fantastic train and bus network, there are several day trips from Biarritz that you can easily do! From visiting the gastronomic heaven that is San Sebastián or sipping wine while taking in the marvelous architecture that dots the city of Bordeaux to admiring the contrasting architecture of Bilbao and learning the fascinating history of Pamplona, there’s so much beauty and culture waiting to be discovered right outside of Biarritz!
Hopefully, with this guide in hand, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and have confidence embarking on day trips from Biarritz! As always, I wish you the best and hope you enjoy exploring Southwestern France and Northern Spain as much as I did!
Discover France
🏖️ Nice: From exceptional cuisine to proximity to a flourishing wine region, Nice is one of the best cities to visit in France. Not to mention, it serves as an excellent starting point for excursions to Monaco or charming hilltop French villages!
🥖 Paris: The French capital is renowned for its many art museums, its world-class opera house, rivaling Milan in the fashion industry, and hosting thrilling sporting events. But, here are the truths about Paris that no one talks about.
🏰 Toulouse: Wondering if Toulouse is worth it for you? Read about what the city has to offer and the best experiences available. Or, check out this fun day trip that will make you feel like you’re in The Witcher (or general medieval times lol)!
