Hiruak Bat

Hiruak Bat, formally Autocars Hiruak Bat, is a French family-owned passenger transport company based in Saint-Palais (Donapaleu) in the Northern Basque Country. Founded in 1937, it has grown into one of the leading coach operators in the region, offering a broad range of services from coach and minibus rental with driver to school transport, excursions, seminars and congress shuttles. The company markets itself under the slogan "Hiruak Bat, des solutions de transport de 10 à 1500 personnes", highlighting its ability to handle groups of almost any size. The company operates a modern fleet of tourism coaches and minibuses, emphasising comfort, safety and environmental responsibility. Its vehicles typically feature USB charging ports, air conditioning, TV/DVD, radio, microphone, reclining seats, and on some configurations refrigerators and toilets. Safety equipment includes seat belts, anti-start breathalysers, driver assistance systems (ABS, anti-skid, emergency braking assistance, trajectory correction) and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Environmental measures include Euro VI vehicles, eco-driving training for drivers, and a wash unit supplied by rainwater and treated effluents. Hiruak Bat is also a partner in the Txik Txak public transport network, operating lines such as the Car Express routes 10, 11 and 12, as well as line 55. It provides school transport services, with registrations for the 2026 school year open from 2 June to 2 August 2026. The company is known for its involvement in local events, including the Basque festivals (férias), where it promotes safe travel. As a private, family-run enterprise, Hiruak Bat remains closely tied to its Basque roots while serving a wide range of clients, from individual travellers to large organisations. Its official website serves as a portal for quotes, schedules, ticket purchases and company news.

Autocars Hiruak Bat was founded in 1937 in the Northern Basque Country of France. From its base in Saint-Palais (Donapaleu), the family-owned company gradually established itself as one of the principal passenger transport operators in the region. Over the decades, it expanded its fleet and services, moving beyond traditional coach operation to offer vehicle rental with driver, school transport, excursions, and event shuttles. In the 21st century, Hiruak Bat became a partner of the Txik Txak public transport network, which serves the Basque Country and southern Landes. Under this partnership, it operates several Car Express lines, including lines 10, 11 and 12, and later line 55, which began service on 4 December 2021. The company also handles school transport for the network, with annual registration periods. Hiruak Bat has maintained its family character and Basque identity while modernising its fleet to meet current comfort, safety and environmental standards. Its coaches are equipped with modern amenities and comply with Euro VI emission norms. The company emphasises eco-driving training and sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting for vehicle washing. Today, Hiruak Bat continues to serve a wide range of customers, from local schools and associations to large corporations and event organisers, offering transport solutions for groups of 10 to 1500 people.

• 2026

  School transport registrations open for the 2026 school year.

• 2021

  Line 55 service begins as part of the Txik Txak network.

• 1937

  Company founded in the Northern Basque Country.

Family-run Basque coach operator offering tailored passenger transport solutions for groups of 10 to 1500 people, with a focus on comfort, safety and environmental responsibility.

• Tourism coaches

  Modern coaches equipped with USB ports, air conditioning, TV/DVD, radio, microphone, reclining seats, and optional fridge and WC.

• Minibuses

  Range of minibuses for smaller groups, available for rental with driver.

• School transport

  Dedicated school transport services under the Txik Txak network, with annual registration.

• Excursions and events

  Organised excursions, seminars, congress shuttles and festival transport (férias).

1. 1Autocars Hiruak Bat official websiteautocars-hiruak-bat.com
2. 2Wikidata entry for Hiruak Batwikidata.org
3. 3Basque Wikipedia article on Hiruak Bateu.wikipedia.org