- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.
Cheapest price
$117
Average price
$219
Fastest journey
6 h 54 m
Average duration
7 h 10 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes will cost around $219 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.
It's difficult to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes without transferring at least once.
3858+
D51 (866410)
8536+
3856
8536+
3856
8536+
3856+
F51 (866510)
8542+
3858
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3858
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3858
8534 · 8811
8536+
3856
8534 · 8811Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight 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 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$117 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $326 Average price | $178 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 55m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes:
A bus is $75 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes costing on average $117 (€96).
A bus is $284 (€232) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes costing on average $326 (€267).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 25m.
Bus takes on average 7h 47m.
Tickets start at around $117 (€96) compared to roughly $178 (€146) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $61 (€50). The journey takes 6h 25m versus 5h 46m 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.
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8544 · 8829 | On time 4:01 PM Hendaye station | 8h00 | 12:01 AM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8544 · 8829 | On time 4:14 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 7h47 | 12:01 AM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
F51 (866534)+ 3740+ 8973 | On time 8:05 PM Hendaye station | 15h49 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
F51 (866534)+ 3740+ 8913 | On time 8:09 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 15h45 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
F51 (866534)+ 3740+ 8973 | On time 8:09 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 15h45 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
F51 (866534)+ 3740+ 8913 | On time 8:17 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 15h37 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
F51 (866534)+ 3740+ 8973 | On time 8:17 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 15h37 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
8530 · 12471 | 7:05 AM Hendaye station | 7h49 | 2:54 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8530 · 12471 | 7:18 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 7h36 | 2:54 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8534 · 8811 | 9:31 AM Hendaye station | 7h22 | 4:53 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8534 · 8811 | 9:43 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 7h10 | 4:53 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
F51 (866510)+ 8536+ 3856 | 10:54 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 7h42 | 6:36 PM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
8536+ 3856 | 11:05 AM Hendaye station | 7h31 | 6:36 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8536+ 3856 | 11:17 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 7h19 | 6:36 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
F51 (866514)+ 8540 · 8931 | 12:51 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 8h03 | 8:54 PM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
8540 · 8931 | 1:06 PM Hendaye station | 7h48 | 8:54 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
8540 · 8931 | 1:18 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 7h36 | 8:54 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
D51 (866410)+ 3858 | 2:10 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 8h07 | 10:17 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
F51 (866518)+ 8542+ 3858 | 2:54 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 7h23 | 10:17 PM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
8542+ 3858 | 3:11 PM Hendaye station | 7h06 | 10:17 PM Nantes 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes run on average 15 times per day, taking around 6h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:46, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 7h 3m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average train duration 6h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€47) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 7h 3m |
First train 4:46 AM |
Last train 8:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary art in a restored palace and modern extension.
Powerful interpretive memorial museum-space along the Loire documenting Nantes' role in the slave trade and abolition history.
Well-regarded natural history museum known for zoology, fossils, and family-friendly displays in a historic building.
Creative riverside district blending industrial heritage, contemporary architecture, public art, and major cultural attractions.
Historic quarter with medieval street patterns, lively squares, and many of the city's best-known walking routes.
Large botanical garden near the station, popular for landscaped lawns, greenhouses, sculptures, and seasonal displays.
A classic Nantes sauce of butter, shallots, and white wine or Muscadet, traditionally served with local river or Atlantic fish. It is one of the city’s signature culinary creations.
Pike-perch served with beurre blanc, a dish closely associated with Nantes and the Loire. It highlights the region’s river fish and the city’s most famous sauce.
Tender lamb’s lettuce grown around Nantes, often served simply in salads. It is a well-known local product valued for its delicate texture and fresh flavor.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Loire, known for elegant contemporary cuisine rooted in the region. Best for a special fine-dining experience.
Well-known traditional crêperie serving Breton galettes and crêpes in a relaxed, dependable setting. A good casual option for regional comfort food.
Historic Nantes brasserie opposite the opera house, famous for seafood, regional classics, and an ornate Belle Époque interior. A landmark choice for a classic city meal.
Moderate for France. Good-value lunches and transit, while hotels and dinner in central areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-5 is appreciated for good service; tips are modest, not expected. Round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Gare De Nantes -> Place Du Commerce, Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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