The cheapest and fastest buses from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 58 m
Buses per day
21
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 21 buses that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Madrid on Thu, Nov 27, 21 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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.










Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. 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 bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €97.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€46 Average price Cheapest | €56 Average price | €295 Average price |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m 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.
Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 6h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Live departures
Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid bus times
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid buses for today, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 11:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h15 | 5:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h45 | 6:15 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 11:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 7h15 | 6:45 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 27 | |||||
Normal | 7:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h40 | 2:25 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 7:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h30 | 2:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 2:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 9:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 2:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 10:30 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h10 | 3:40 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 10:30 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h25 | 3:55 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 1:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 6:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 1:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 7:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h10 | 9:10 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 8:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 3:01 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h44 | 9:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 11:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h00 | 11:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Buses from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid run on average 18 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by train.
There are 18 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 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 00:10 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Autobuses Pamplona Madrid, FlixBus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., BlaBlaCar Bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to MadridYou can travel by bus between Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus, Autobuses Pamplona Madrid, FlixBus, Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A., 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
FlixBus
BlaBlaCar Bus
Autobuses Pamplona Madrid
BlaBlaCar
Lurraldebus Transportes Pesa S.A.
Buses from San Sebastian to Madrid: Journey Details
Buses in Spain are an affordable way to travel between cities, with a number of companies offering both domestic and international routes. Buses from San Sebastian to Madrid leave regularly and frequently throughout the day, from very early in the morning until very late in the evening. All services are offered by ALSA. The journey takes between 5 hours and 25 minutes, and 6 hours and 45 minutes. Weekend departures are equally frequent and regular.
Return buses from Madrid to San Sebastian are also available.
Taking the Bus from San Sebastian
Buses from San Sebastian to Madrid leave from the main bus station on Plaza de Pio XII which is a 15 minute journey on the city's efficient bus service from the town centre. There is no public transport after midnight. Taxis are also available at taxi ranks. The journey from the bus station to the town centre takes less than ten minutes.
Getting into Madrid by Bus
Madrid is Spain's dynamic capital city and has some of the world's greatest museums and art galleries. The Prado has a huge collection, including landmark works by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. Picasso's 'Guernica' is the showstopper at the Reina Sofia modern art museum. The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is the official residence of Spain's king and tours are available. Madrid is renowned for its vibrant night life and some venues are open all night. Travellers from San Sebastian arrive at the bus station on Avenida de America, north of the city centre, and linked to the efficient Metro system and on bus routes. The journey to the city centre takes less than 30 minutes. The Metro runs until 1.30am. There is a night bus service. Taxis are available to hail on streets. Taxi journeys from the bus station to the city centre take about 20 minutes.
FAQs: Bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, located 3.1 miles (5 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.
- Prado Museum, a renowned art museum housing European masterpieces from the 12th to the early 20th century
- Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family with opulent architecture and historical artifacts
- Retiro Park, a large and popular park in the city center featuring sculptures, a lake, and the Crystal Palace
- Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for cultural events and markets
- Gran Vía, a bustling street known for its shopping, theaters, and vibrant nightlife.
- Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere
- Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market offering a variety of gourmet foods and traditional Spanish delicacies
- Explore the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, known for its eclectic bars and live music venues
- Attend a flamenco show to experience traditional Spanish dance and music
- Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, for a tour or to catch a football match.
- 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid, 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
- 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
- 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
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available near the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 1, 2, 44, 82, 132, C1, C2 Metro: 3, 6
Most popular bus connections from Donostia-San Sebastian
More options for your journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
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