The best automobile route to go from Barcelona to San Sebastián is by following the highway signs that take you first to the city of Lleida, then to Zaragoza, Pamplona, and finally to San Sebastián. The total distance is 570km (354 mi.) and takes about 5h 30min. Zaragoza and Pamplona are very interesting cities (Pamplona is the capital of the famous San Fermines festival). We recommend that you make a stop or spend a night in either of the two cities. Another option is to extend the route a little more by visiting and enjoying the Rioja vineyards surrounding Logroño.
From Barcelona to Lleida
To go to Lleida from Barcelona, there are two similar options about the same in length, some 170km/105mi). Leaving Barcelona, take the B-10 or B-23 highway leading to the toll-free Highway A-2 with direction to Lleida, or the AP-7 toll highway in the direction to Lleida-Zaragoza and then the AP-2 toll highway in the same direction (Lleida-Zaragoza). The second option is more expensive but has fewer radars. The first option touches D.O.* Pla de Bages and crosses into D.O. Costers del Segre. The second option travels through the following denominations of Catalan origin: Penedès, Cava, Tarragona, Conca de Barberà, and Costers del Segre. – – – (* ‘Denominaciones de Origen’, or “D.O.”, indicates an official designation of the vineyard, grape type, and recognition of better-quality production methods and final product. [Quieres incluir este información??] )
From Lleida to Zaragoza
This stretch, about 150km/95mi, is best driven on the AP-2 toll highway as it is much faster than the N-II, the National Highway.
From Zaragoza to Pamplona
From the Zaragoza A-2/AP-2/Z-40 ring road, take the AP-68 toll road in the direction of Logroño and Pamplona. After a few km, you should decide whether to continue on the AP-68 toll highway or by the free motorway A-68, about 28 km/17mi. A-68 is a double-lane highway with a single lane in each direction and a cheaper but slower option. In the border region of Aragon and Navarre, you will find the D.O wines from Campo de Borja and Navarre wines. From the AP-68/A-68, take the AP-15 toll road towards Pamplona. On the way, Olite makes for a pleasant stop. The distance between Zaragoza and Pamplona is 177km or 110mi.
From Pamplona to San Sebastián
From Pamplona, continue for 85km on the toll-free highway A-15 to San Sebastián. On the western outskirts of this city is the D.O. Txakoli of Getaria wines.
