- 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.
Cheapest price
€20
Average price
€38
Fastest journey
2 h 27 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
203 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around €38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Of the 37 trains that leave Bordeaux for Donostia-San Sebastian on Wed, Aug 26, 13 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 trains cover the 203 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 2 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.
L51 (866409)
8531
8531+
F41 (866312)
8549
8547
8537
8533
8531
8549
8551Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a train costs an average of €21.
Distance: 126 miles (203 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€37 Average price | €18 Average price Cheapest | €61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is €19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €37.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 8m.
Tickets start at around €37 compared to roughly €61 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €24. The journey takes 2h 45m versus 2h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, SNCF | TGV INOUI.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L42 (866108) · L51 (866413) | 7:34 AM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h28 | 11:02 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F41+ (866209) · L51 (866413) | 8:07 AM Bordeaux | 2h55 | 11:02 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L51 (866413) | 8:19 AM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h43 | 11:02 AM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L42 (866112)+ 8531 | On time 8:36 AM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h12 | 11:48 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F41 (866312)+ 8531 | On time 8:53 AM Bordeaux | 2h55 | 11:48 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8531 | On time 9:20 AM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h28 | 11:48 AM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L42 (866114)+ 8533 | On time 10:02 AM Caudéran - Mérignac | 2h49 | 12:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L42 (866114)+ 8533 | On time 10:09 AM Bordeaux | 2h42 | 12:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8533 | On time 10:24 AM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h27 | 12:51 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41 (866317) · D51 (866455) | 10:36 AM Bordeaux | 2h52 | 1:28 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D51 (866455) | 10:52 AM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h36 | 1:28 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41+ (866224)+ 8537 | 11:53 AM Bordeaux | 2h54 | 2:47 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L42 (866122) · D51 (866425) | 12:02 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h58 | 4:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8537 | 12:20 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h27 | 2:47 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41+ (866229) · D51 (866425) | 1:07 PM Bordeaux | 2h53 | 4:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D51 (866425) | 1:22 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h38 | 4:00 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L42 (866130) · L51 (866461) | 2:00 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 4h11 | 6:11 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F41+ (866237) · L51 (866461) | 3:06 PM Bordeaux | 3h05 | 6:11 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L51 (866461) | 3:19 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h52 | 6:11 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41+ (866242)+ 8547 | 3:53 PM Bordeaux | 2h58 | 6:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L42 (866138) · L51 (866435) | 4:00 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 4h00 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8547 | 4:21 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h30 | 6:51 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41+ (866245) · L51 (866435) | 5:07 PM Bordeaux | 2h53 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L51 (866435) | 5:19 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h41 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L42 (866140)+ 8549 | 5:35 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h13 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F41+ (866272)+ 8549 | 5:53 PM Bordeaux | 2h55 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F42 (866020) · L51 (866463) | 6:03 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h20 | 9:23 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8549 | 6:18 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h30 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
F41+ (866251) · L51 (866463) | 6:37 PM Bordeaux | 2h46 | 9:23 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L51 (866463) | 6:44 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h39 | 9:23 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L42 (866150)+ 8551 | 7:02 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 4h21 | 11:23 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
F42 (866024) · L45 (866616)+ 8551 | 7:35 PM Caudéran - Mérignac | 3h48 | 11:23 PM Hendaye station | 2 transfers | |
F41+ (866256)+ 8551 | 7:53 PM Bordeaux | 3h30 | 11:23 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8551 | 8:53 PM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h30 | 11:23 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
F41 (866301) · L51 (866409) | 6:07 AM Bordeaux | 3h05 | 9:12 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L51 (866409) | 6:16 AM Bordeaux-Saint-Jean | 2h56 | 9:12 AM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 28 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:05, the last at 22:24. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (203 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 126 miles (203 km) |
Average train duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 4:05 AM |
Last train 10:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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.
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.
The train connection between Bordeaux and Donostia-San Sebastian offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two cities. Passengers can choose from various services provided by SNCF, including TER for regional journeys and TGV INOUI for faster connections. With comfortable seating and picturesque views along the route, this journey is an excellent option for travelers looking to explore both destinations effortlessly.
The train journey from Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes. There are a total of 12 connections available each day, but none of these trains offer direct service; passengers will need to make at least one transfer during their trip.
The first daily train from Bordeaux departs at 06:19, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful Basque region. The last journey of the day leaves Donostia-San Sebastian at 21:18, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the city's vibrant culture and attractions before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian is €21. The average ticket price typically hovers around €3 higher, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these beautiful cities in France and Spain.
La Concha Beach, often hailed as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it became a fashionable retreat for aristocrats and tourists alike. Its significance lies not only in its stunning crescent shape but also in how it embodies the vibrant spirit of San Sebastián, serving as a hub for leisure activities and cultural events throughout the year. Unique features include its calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports, along with picturesque views of Santa Clara Island that create an idyllic backdrop perfect for relaxation.
Monte Igueldo offers breathtaking panoramic views over San Sebastián and is steeped in historical importance as both a strategic lookout point during military conflicts and later as an amusement park destination since 1912. The funicular railway that ascends this hill adds to its charm while providing visitors with an exhilarating journey through lush landscapes before reaching the summit. What sets Monte Igueldo apart are its vintage attractions like the charming carousel alongside modern amenities where you can enjoy local cuisine while soaking up unparalleled vistas.
Old Town (Parte Vieja) is renowned for being one of Spain's liveliest neighborhoods, brimming with tapas bars that reflect Basque culinary traditions dating back centuries; it's truly where food lovers come alive! This area holds significant cultural value due to its historic architecture interspersed among bustling markets filled with artisanal goods—making every corner feel like stepping into another era. A unique feature here is Plaza de la Constitución at its heart—a lively square surrounded by colorful buildings adorned with balconies—where locals gather daily to celebrate life amidst traditional festivals or simply savoring pintxos together.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Hendaye station pair. Use this guide to compare Bordeaux and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bordeaux Saint-Jean is 2 km from Bordeaux city centre. Public transport options include:
Bordeaux Saint-Jean 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: Baillardran, Starbucks, Café Ritazza, Le Grand Comptoir, Metsens, PAUL, Factory & Co, Brioche Dorée, Costa Coffee, McDonald's
Free Wi-Fi available everywhere in the station and its surroundings. ATMs are aTM machine is in Hall 3 forecourt.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 19:00. Information desks are open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, located in the Sales area of Hall 1 on Level 0.
Luggage storage is there are automatic luggage lockers located in Hall 2, Level 0 near the toilets.
Available at Bordeaux Saint-Jean: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bordeaux Saint-Jean: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bordeaux Saint-Jean: Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets, services to assist disabled passengers.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Regina, Best Western Plus Gare Saint Jean, Hotel La Zoologie.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need