- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
5 h 51 m
Buses per day
23
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 $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 23 buses that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian on Thu, Jun 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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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NormalOmio 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 $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. 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 $24, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $364 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is $26 (€21) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $82 (€67).
A train is $308 (€249) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $364 (€295).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 11m.
Bus takes on average 6h 21m.
Tickets start at around $82 (€67) compared to roughly $93 (€75) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 6h 21m versus 4h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| 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 | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Autobuses Pamplona Madrid | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 17h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian buses for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 7:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h00 | 2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 2:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal+ Normal | 7:30 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 10h45 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 7:30 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 10h45 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy | 8:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h30 | 1:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal+ Normal | 8:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 10h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 8:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 10h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy | 8:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h15 | 1:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 6h00 | 3:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy+ Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 9h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 9h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 9:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 9h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h45 | 3:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy+ Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h00 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy+ Normal | 9:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 9h00 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 10:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 10:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 8h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h00 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 10:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 8h00 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 11:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 11:00 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h15 | 6:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 15h25 | 12:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 17h51 | 5:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 18 times per day, taking around 6h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by train.
There are 16 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastián — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastián trip today.
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
A major contemporary culture center in a former tobacco factory, known for exhibitions, visual arts, and creative programming. Popular with locals and visitors for its architecture and city views.
A high-quality fashion museum in nearby Getaria dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is one of the most internationally notable museums in the region and worth the short trip.
The city’s signature bayfront walk is the essential Donostia-San Sebastián experience, combining beach views, classic architecture, and a polished seaside atmosphere. It is the top place for a first-t
The Old Town is the city’s historic heart, with narrow streets, lively squares, and a dense concentration of traditional architecture. It remains one of the most atmospheric areas to wander.
A hilltop area known for panoramic views over La Concha and its nostalgic amusement park. It is especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels, central to local social eating culture and especially famous in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, one of the city’s classic seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently emulsified with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce, a hallmark Basque preparation.
World-famous fine dining institution blending Basque culinary roots with innovation, ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Iconic pintxos bar famous for creative hot pintxos such as carrilleras and seared foie, with a lively standing-room setting.
Well-known Old Town restaurant and pintxos bar celebrated for grilled meats, local seafood, and a classic bustling Donostia atmosphere.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining. Pintxos can help keep food costs lower.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, leave 5-10% only for very good service; it is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación de Autobuses -> Donostia-San Sebastián, Estación del Norte
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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