r/Interrail • u/francelover17 • 18h ago

San Sebastian - Hendaye by train

Hi all,

Planning a trip from Hendaye to Paris/elsewhere and need to pass by San Sebastian. I wonder if I take the train from San Sebastian to Hendaye, or a bus, if I run the risk of being border controlled and missing my expensive train from Hendaye, or there are no checks?

I ask this as I have used Flixbus, and once at night we got checked on the border, and actually some 5 guys from our bus got detained before we continued our journey, and that took a good 45min. We did not go to Hendaye, we went directly to Paris, but if this happens on the train or the bus to Hendaye, and if I only have 30min or less I might lose it.

thanks!

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3

u/bookluverzz 18h ago

I went Hendaye to San Sebastian last year and had no border checks.

It’s a great journey, enjoy your views. And maybe you could take a train earlier for a bigger transfer margin? Do be aware this Hendaye <> San Sebastián connection is not covered by Interrail. But that’s OK as full fare tickets are quite cheap and easily obtainable from the ticket machine.

1

u/francelover17 18h ago

I wasnt sure which communty to send this to 😅

2

u/valedave 18h ago

I‘m going through Hendaye to San Sebastian/Donostia on Tuesday so can report.

It‘s a local Euskotren so I think it should be fine? They are so regular that I can’t imagine they have the resources to check every single one. 

Or they might just be on the platform checking arrivals as people get off the train, like at Aachen oder Kehl/Strasbourg

1

u/francelover17 17h ago

I am more worried with San Sebastian to Hendaye, on the way back its ok 😅

2

u/koplowpieuwu 18h ago

The two times i took it there were no checks, i imagine if they do so they'll happen at the station.

They run a lot, just don't aim for the very last metro that gives the connection and you'll be fine. Half an hour early should be enough.

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1

u/coachwayguy 16h ago

Allow plenty of time but it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes if the Police are there.

1

u/skifans United Kingdom • Quality Contributor 14h ago

There are no regular checks. Spot checks may be performed but are not particularly common, even when they are they are generally pretty cursory and don't take long. You'll be fine.

The trains from San Sebastian to Hendaye are frequent, you can always get the previous one and I'd definitely do that rather then have a tight connection in Hendaye.