- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, set in a former 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
$459
Average price
$459
Fastest journey
23 h 7 m
Average duration
23 h 7 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1532 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berlin 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 Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $459 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $459.
It's difficult to get from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian without transferring at least 3 times.
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 951 miles (1532 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$506 Average price | $124 Average price Cheapest | $512 Average price | $491 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 5m Average total duration 13h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 58m Average total duration 27h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $382 (€315) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $506 (€417).
A bus is $388 (€319) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $512 (€422).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 35m.
Bus takes on average 27h 28m.
You'll arrive about 5h 21m sooner (13h 35m by train vs 18h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $506 (€417) compared to roughly $491 (€405) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:06 AM Berlin | 23h07 | 6:13 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 7 times per day, taking around 13h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $506 (€417) but you can travel from only $69 (€57) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 951 miles (1532 km) distance in 13h 35m.
Distance 951 miles (1532 km) |
Average train duration 13h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $506 (€417) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 13h 35m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
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.
The city’s main museum, set in a former 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, combining monumental outdoor works with a restored farmhouse gallery. It is one of the Basque Country’s standout art destinations.
This museum in nearby Getaria presents the life and work of Cristobal Balenciaga through elegant fashion displays. A strong choice for design and couture lovers visiting the area.
The historic old quarter is packed with lively streets, traditional architecture, and a strong local atmosphere. It is essential for understanding the social and cultural heart of the city.
A classic waterfront walk running along the city’s most famous beach. It is one of the best places for views, people-watching, and the postcard image of Donostia.
A green hill with paths, fortifications, and excellent viewpoints over the bay and Old Town. It is a favorite for travelers who want both nature and history close to the center.
Basque bar snacks served on bread or as small bites, central to the city’s food culture and best enjoyed while hopping between bars in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, and brandy, a classic festive seafood dish closely associated with local cooking.
Salt cod gently cooked so its gelatin emulsifies with olive oil, creating a silky sauce; one of the most emblematic Basque dishes.
Legendary fine-dining restaurant known for creative Basque cuisine, polished service, and one of the city’s most celebrated gastronomic experiences.
Iconic destination restaurant with contemporary high-end Basque cuisine, sea views, and a refined tasting-menu experience.
Well-known traditional restaurant and pintxos bar in the Old Town, respected for seasonal Basque dishes and excellent grilled seafood.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though pintxos bars can be better value.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in bars and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián Airport, Hondarribia -> Donostia / San Sebastián City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berlin 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.

Most Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Berlin Hbf to Gare de Saint Jean de Luz-Ciboure station pair. Use this guide to compare Berlin and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Berlin Hbf is 2 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: backWERK, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, Einstein Kaffee, Le Crobag, McDonald's, Hans im Glück, Pret A Manger, Starbucks, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are available at Berlin Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Hbf. Information desks are located on the ground level near the Europaplatz exit.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level 1 near Platforms 13/14.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Hbf: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Contact the Mobility Service Center at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include MEININGER Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Motel One Berlin Hauptbahnof.
Berlin Südkreuz is 6 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Südkreuz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Biertempel 2, McDonald's, Eis Bär, Cafe Mon Cherie
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Südkreuz. ATMs are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Information desks are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Südkreuz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Südkreuz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Südkreuz.
Nearby hotels include Appartements Eisemann.
Berlin Spandau is 14 km from Berlin city centre. Public transport options include:
Berlin Spandau has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Unvernunft, Taverna Teloneio, Burger King, Hasir
Wi-Fi is available at Berlin Spandau. ATMs are available at Berlin Spandau.
Ticket office support is available at Berlin Spandau. Information desks are available at Berlin Spandau.
Luggage storage is available at Berlin Spandau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Berlin Spandau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berlin Spandau.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Benn, Hotel Herbst, Hotel Lindenufer, Hotel Ibis Berlin Spandau.
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