- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Cheapest price
$247
Average price
$251
Fastest journey
7 h 3 m
Average duration
7 h 19 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
964 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels 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 Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $251 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $247.
It's difficult to get from Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian without transferring at least once.
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8537Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a train costs an average of $161.
Distance: 599 miles (964 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$253 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $242 Average price | $343 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 42m Average total duration 15h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg 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 Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $178 (€145) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $242 (€197).
A bus is $189 (€154) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $253 (€206).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 19m.
Bus takes on average 15h 12m.
The journey is about 4h 32m faster (6h 19m by train vs 10h 51m by car) and roughly $90 (€74) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($253 (€206) vs $343 (€280)). 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 Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9304+ 8537 | 7:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 7h34 | 2:47 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
9304+ 8537 | 7:13 AM Brussels-Midi | 7h03 | 2:16 PM Biarritz station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $161 (€131) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:53, the last at 16:55. The fastest train covers the 599 miles (964 km) distance in 7h 8m.
Distance 599 miles (964 km) |
Average train duration 6h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $161 (€131) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 8m |
First train 5:53 AM |
Last train 4:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
A major contemporary culture center in a former tobacco factory, known for exhibitions, visual arts, and creative programming. Popular with locals and visitors for its architecture and city views.
A high-quality fashion museum in nearby Getaria dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is one of the most internationally notable museums in the region and worth the short trip.
The city’s signature bayfront walk is the essential Donostia-San Sebastián experience, combining beach views, classic architecture, and a polished seaside atmosphere. It is the top place for a first-t
The Old Town is the city’s historic heart, with narrow streets, lively squares, and a dense concentration of traditional architecture. It remains one of the most atmospheric areas to wander.
A hilltop area known for panoramic views over La Concha and its nostalgic amusement park. It is especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels, central to local social eating culture and especially famous in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, one of the city’s classic seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently emulsified with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce, a hallmark Basque preparation.
World-famous fine dining institution blending Basque culinary roots with innovation, ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Iconic pintxos bar famous for creative hot pintxos such as carrilleras and seared foie, with a lively standing-room setting.
Well-known Old Town restaurant and pintxos bar celebrated for grilled meats, local seafood, and a classic bustling Donostia atmosphere.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining. Pintxos can help keep food costs lower.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, leave 5-10% only for very good service; it is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Estación del Norte, Donostia-San Sebastián -> Boulevard, Donostia-San Sebastián
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels 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 Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Bruxelles-Midi to Hendaye station pair. Use this guide to compare Brussels and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bruxelles-Midi 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: Pullman Hotel Bar, Quick Gare du Midi, Subway, EXKi Zuid, Starbucks, Häagen-Dazs, Sbarro, The Coffee Club, The Belgian Chocolate House, PAUL, & many more
Wi-Fi is available for a fee. ATMs are available at Bruxelles-Midi.
Ticket office support is available at Bruxelles-Midi. Information desks are located in the main concourse and next to the international platforms.
Luggage storage is baggage storage facility is located across from the Thalys business lounge.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bruxelles-Midi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bruxelles-Midi: Station has a wide range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility: elevators and escalators to all platforms, wheelchair lifts and mobile ramps, disabled toilet and parking spaces. Additional assistance can be contacted via the SNCB Mobility Call Center.
Nearby hotels include Les Lofts De Styliste, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, Pullman Brussels Centre Midi.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need