- Must visit
Tabakalera
Major contemporary art center in a former tobacco factory. It hosts ambitious exhibitions, local culture, and one of the city’s strongest programs.
Flights from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian depart on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €51 but you can travel from only €33 by bus.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 07:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest flight covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 1h 10m. April is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €51 |
Flights per day 3 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 1h 10m |
First flight 7:30 AM |
Last flight 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Cheapest price
€176
Average price
€176
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap flight 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 €176 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €176.
Of the 2 flights that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian onWed, Aug 26, 2 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 flights cover the 352 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the longest flights will take 1 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.
IB449
IB443
IB449
IB443Omio 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 €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 6m. 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 €34, and a flight costs an average of €51.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€305 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest | €56 Average price | €76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 €8 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €56.
A train is €257 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €305.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 20m.
Bus takes on average 6h 15m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian flights for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:30 AM Madrid | 1h10 | 6:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Madrid | 1h10 | 7:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:40 AM Madrid | 3h50 | 12:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:50 AM Madrid | 1h10 | 11:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:40 PM Madrid | 1h10 | 6:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:40 PM Madrid | 1h10 | 7:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight 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.
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastian — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastian trip today.
Major contemporary art center in a former tobacco factory. It hosts ambitious exhibitions, local culture, and one of the city’s strongest programs.
Fine arts museum in a historic building with Basque, Spanish, and international works. A compact stop for painting and sculpture lovers.
Aquarium with historic maritime displays and a famous underwater tunnel. It combines family appeal with local ocean and fishing context.
The city’s most famous beach promenade curves around La Concha Bay. Essential for classic views, elegant walks, and sunset atmosphere.
Historic Old Town of lively squares, churches, and traditional streets. It is the best area for atmosphere, architecture, and everyday city life.
Urban beach and neighborhood promenade popular with surfers and locals. Great for broad sea views, people-watching, and a more contemporary vibe.
Small bar snacks on bread or bites, central to local txikiteo culture. San Sebastián is famous for creative and classic pintxos in packed old-town bars.
Whole grilled turbot, prized on the Basque coast for its clean flavor and simple preparation with olive oil, garlic, and grill smoke.
Basque-style cod often cooked with garlic, olive oil, and peppers. It reflects the region’s deep seafood tradition and classic home cooking.
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with innovative Basque cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant, destination setting above the city.
Refined modern Basque restaurant by the bay, known for seafood-focused tasting menus and a polished but welcoming dining room.
Well-known grill restaurant specializing in premium beef and Basque classics, with a smart, contemporary atmosphere near the center.
Moderate for Spain: lodging is pricier in peak season, but pintxos, set lunches, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most tourists.
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change is fine in cafes. Taxi tipping is usually just rounding up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by flight. 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 flight, 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.

Most Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to San Sebastián Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
San Sebastián Airport is 1 km from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre. Public transport options include:
San Sebastián Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Sebastián Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Sebastián Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need