Agents
FAQ
Here we address the most common questions about group regulations, tour guides, use of public spaces, and transportation logistics in Donostia / San Sebastián. Our goal is to help you plan a smooth, respectful, and sustainable visit.
Donostia / San Sebastián is a destination that aims to offer a sustainable and high-quality tourism experience to all visitors. To achieve this goal, several measures have been implemented.
The regulation on “guided tourist visits” applies to every group visiting Donostia / San Sebastián. The purpose of this regulation is to avoid the feeling of overcrowding in public spaces. Large groups are the main—though not the only—factor contributing to this sensation. Therefore, regardless of whether the guide or group leader provides explanations or not, the restriction of a maximum of 25 people applies to all groups. The regulation also applies to accompanying guides (and to all types of guides, assistants, entertainers, or group leaders).
In addition, in order to accompany a group (of 25 people or fewer), a simple online procedure must be completed to obtain a document with a registration number, which must be carried during the visit. The document is valid for a calendar year, until December 31 of that year.A document requested by a guide is valid only for that individual guide. A document requested by an agency is valid for all of its groups.
– Information about the authorization to use public space for activities.
– Online application
Below you will find where you can consult a list of official city guides:
https://sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/to-do/guides-tourist-agencies/private-guides/Below you will find where you can consult a list of local DMCs:
https://sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/to-do/guides-tourist-agencies/destination-management-companies-dmc/
All private (charter) buses arriving in Donostia / San Sebastián are required to enter the underground bus station (Pº Federico García Lorca, 1) for the pick-up and/or drop-off of passengers. Doing so in any other location in the city is strictly prohibited, with the exception of the express stop at Paseo de los Mikeletes.
The system operates as follows:
Each service — that is, each entry to drop off or pick up passengers — has a cost of €17.50 per bus (VAT included).
Each service allows 15 minutes. After that time, the bus must leave the station.
Entry is via the BUS entrance barrier, where a bay number will be assigned and a ticket issued for payment (payment machines are located on floor -1).
If parking is required, permission must be requested at the control office (1st floor, door next to BM supermarket) by calling 943 47 51 50. Each additional hour after the initial service will cost €30.
There is another passenger pick-up and drop-off point in the western part of the city: Paseo de los Mikeletes, behind Miramar Palace, where buses can stop for free for up to 10 minutes so passengers can get on or off.
This stop provides easy access to major tourist attractions such as Miramar Palace, Chillida’s sculpture “The Comb of the Wind,” and the funicular railway that goes up to the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park.
Bus parking is available at the free bus parking area located behind the Garbera Shopping Center, in the eastern part of the city. (43°18’33″N 1°56’42″W).
Garbera Shopping Center is connected to the city center by municipal DBus lines, specifically lines 33, 24, and 27.
In the case of groups, it is highly recommended to reserve tickets for the Aquarium and the San Telmo Museum, as these two attractions can request authorization for private (charter) buses to drop off passengers on Paseo Nuevo.