- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
€45
Average price
€50
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 19 m
Buses per day
15
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 €50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
Of the 15 buses that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Madrid on Wed, Aug 26, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.
Normal
Normal
Normal
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Supra Economy
Normal
Supra Economy
Supra Economy
Supra EconomyOmio 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 train with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. 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 €7, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€45 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest | €196 Average price | €93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 27m Average total duration 5h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 20m 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid:
A train is €13 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average €45.
A train is €164 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average €196.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 47m.
Bus takes on average 5h 57m.
Tickets start at around €45 compared to roughly €93 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €48. The journey takes 5h 57m versus 4h 20m 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, BlaBlaCar, Alsa Supra.
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 07:15AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:44PM | Duration 4h44 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 6h44 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €28 |
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supra Economy | 11:30 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h25 | 4:55 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 11:30 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h10 | 4:40 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h00 | 7:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 1:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 6:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 2:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 8:00 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Supra Economy | 2:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 7:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h10 | 10:10 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:00 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 9:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 4:01 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h44 | 10:45 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h00 | 12:30 AM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 6:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 12:15 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
Normal | 8:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h40 | 3:25 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 8:45 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h30 | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 3:15 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 10:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 3:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid run on average 22 times per day, taking around 5h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €7 by train.
There are 21 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Buses per day 22 |
Direct buses 21 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid buses use the Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses to Madrid, Avenida de América station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need