The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 21 buses that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian on Tue, Dec 02, 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 02 the direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Tue, Dec 02 the slowest buses will take 5 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


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Supra Economy
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NormalTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €5, and a flight costs an average of €65.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€80 Average price | €57 Average price Cheapest | €289 Average price |
7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Live departures
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for today, Monday, December 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 15h25 | 11:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:25 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 21h30 | 7:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 10:45 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h55 | 5:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 6h10 | 5:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, December 2 | |||||
Normal | 6:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h00 | 1:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 1:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 7:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h30 | 12:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 7:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h15 | 12:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 6h00 | 2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h45 | 2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 6h00 | 4:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 6h45 | 6:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h30 | 6:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h45 | 8:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h30 | 8:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h40 | 9:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h25 | 9:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 5:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h25 | 10:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 5:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h10 | 10:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by train, bus, or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Buses from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 18 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by train.
There are 16 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 00:10 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Conda, FlixBus, Autobuses Pamplona Madrid, BlaBlaCar Bus from Madrid to Donostia-San SebastianYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Conda, FlixBus, Autobuses Pamplona Madrid, BlaBlaCar Bus for as low as $6 (€5). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
Alsa Supra
Infobus
Conda
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Autobuses Pamplona Madrid
BlaBlaCar
Buses from Madrid to San Sebastian
Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach the coastal resort of San Sebastian from Spain's capital, Madrid. The journey by bus is also surprisingly quick, taking not much longer than the train and significantly less time than any available flight. Direct buses depart every 1-2 hours around the clock, including at weekends.
Which bus companies travel from Madrid to San Sebastian?
Buses from Madrid to San Sebastian are all provided by Alsa. Most of these journeys will be on regular Alsa buses, which always have a restroom on board, plus free newspapers and headphones for all passengers. A few journeys a day are on Alpha Premium buses. For a higher price, passengers can enjoy a range of additional Premium services, including free Wi-Fi, a dining menu and more.
How long is the bus from Madrid to San Sebastian?
The fastest regular service along this route takes just 5 hours 10 minutes, departing in the morning at around 8:15 a.m. daily. The longest journey is an overnight service taking 7 hours 10 minutes. The average journey takes approximately 6 hours.
How many buses are there from Madrid to San Sebastian?
Typically, there will be around 15-18 direct buses available per day. 9-11 buses depart from Madrid's Avenida de América Interchange Station, while 5-6 buses depart from Terminal T4 of Madrid-Barajas Airport. One bus a day departs from Estacion Sur Bus Station. The first bus departs at 12:30 a.m. and the last bus departs at 11:30 p.m.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Madrid to San Sebastian?
Departure bus stations: Madrid Avenida de América, Madrid-Barajas Airport T4, and Madrid Estacion Sur. Avenida de América is a large bus station that's about a 23-minute train ride from the center of the old city. Madrid-Barajas is an international airport that's just 6 miles from downtown Madrid. Estacion Sur is the city's biggest bus station, to the south of the center. All three stations offer plenty of bus and train connections.
Arrival bus station: Estacion Donostia Geltkoia, San Sebastian's main bus station is centrally located, within easy walking distance of many of the city's main attractions. A wide variety of bus companies offer short and long-distance routes from here to the rest of Spain.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Donostia-San Sebastian, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, which is located around 3.1 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses, located 1.4 miles (2.3 km) away from the city centre.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- La Concha Beach, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach known for its golden sand and clear waters
- Old Town (Parte Vieja), a historic district filled with narrow streets, vibrant pintxo bars, and traditional Basque architecture
- Monte Igueldo, a hill offering panoramic views of the city and a vintage amusement park
- San Telmo Museoa, a museum dedicated to Basque society and culture housed in a 16th-century convent
- Miramar Palace, a former royal summer residence with beautiful gardens and views of the bay.
- Surfing at Zurriola Beach, a popular spot for surfers of all levels
- Enjoying a pintxo tour in the vibrant bars of the Old Town
- Riding the funicular to Monte Igueldo for stunning views and amusement park fun
- Exploring the Aquarium, featuring a variety of marine life and an impressive ocean tunnel
- Attending a concert or event at the Kursaal Congress Centre.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km)
- La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 200, 114, 115, 122 Metro: 4, 6, 7, 9
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café de la Estación (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station)
- Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 28, 42, 45 Train: E2
More options for your journey from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
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