- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a former 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art, and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.
Cheapest price
$349
Average price
$363
Fastest journey
10 h 7 m
Average duration
10 h 19 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
1129 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $363 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $349.
It's difficult to get from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian without transferring at least once.
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8549Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.1 - 2.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a flight costs an average of $176.
Distance: 701 miles (1129 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$313 Average price | $88 Average price Cheapest | $435 Average price | $424 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 57m Average total duration 9h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 17m Average total duration 18h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.4 - 6.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $225 (€182) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $313 (€254).
A bus is $347 (€281) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $435 (€353).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 27m.
Bus takes on average 18h 47m.
The journey is about 4h 4m faster (9h 27m by train vs 13h 31m by car) and roughly $111 (€90) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($313 (€254) vs $424 (€344)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19734+ 7038 · 8549+ 3520 | 8:07 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 12h41 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 4 transfers | |
19734+ 7038 · 8549+ 9220 | 8:07 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 13h13 | 9:20 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 5 transfers | |
9322+ 8547 | 8:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h41 | 6:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9322+ 8547 | 8:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h09 | 6:19 PM Biarritz station | 1 transfer | |
9322+ 8547 | 8:27 AM Schiphol Airport | 10h24 | 6:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9334+ 8549 | 10:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h07 | 8:17 PM Biarritz station | 1 transfer | |
9334+ 8549 | 10:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h38 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9434+ 8549 | 10:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h07 | 8:17 PM Biarritz station | 1 transfer | |
9434+ 8549 | 10:10 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h38 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9434+ 8549 | 10:27 AM Schiphol Airport | 10h21 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9334+ 8549 | 10:27 AM Schiphol Airport | 10h21 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9532+ 3134+ 9450+ 8557 | 11:04 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 11h47 | 10:51 PM Hendaye station | 3 transfers | |
9346+ 8557 | 12:10 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h41 | 10:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9346+ 8557 | 12:10 PM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h10 | 10:20 PM Biarritz station | 1 transfer | |
9346+ 8557 | 12:27 PM Schiphol Airport | 10h24 | 10:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
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.
Trains from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $190 (€154) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 15:55. The fastest train covers the 701 miles (1129 km) distance in 9h 41m.
Distance 701 miles (1129 km) |
Average train duration 9h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $190 (€154) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 9h 41m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 3:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 former 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art, and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.
A major sculpture museum dedicated to Eduardo Chillida, set in expansive gardens just outside the city. It combines large-scale artworks, landscape, and architecture, making it a standout experience.
A science museum with interactive exhibits suited to families and curious visitors. It is a good option for a different kind of museum visit beyond art and history.
The Old Town is the city’s most atmospheric historic quarter, packed with narrow streets, churches, and classic urban scenery. It is essential for walking and soaking up local character.
The elegant seafront walk along the city’s most famous bay is one of the best urban strolls in Spain. It is especially popular for sunrise, sunset, and scenic photos.
A classic viewpoint overlooking La Concha, the city, and Santa Clara Island. It is highly popular for panoramic photos and remains one of the top places to prioritize.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels. They are central to Donostia dining culture, with bars specializing in creative and traditional versions.
Spider crab baked Donostia-style with its meat, vegetables, and breadcrumbs. It is one of the city’s signature seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently cooked so its gelatin emulsifies with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce. A classic Basque specialty widely associated with the region.
World-famous fine dining restaurant serving inventive Basque cuisine in an elegant, established setting. Ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Legendary Old Town bar and restaurant known for exceptional pintxos, wild mushrooms, and seafood, with a lively traditional atmosphere.
Popular pintxos bar celebrated for modern small plates like seared foie and slow-cooked meats. Casual, busy, and highly regarded.
Prices are high for Spain, especially in the center. Pintxos, hotels, and summer dining cost more than in many other Spanish cities.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service; small change in bars or taxis is enough. Not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Donostia / San Sebastián Railway Station -> Boulevard, Donostia-San Sebastián
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian by train. 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 train, 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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