- 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 on Aug 29
$61
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$94
Fastest journey on Aug 29
5 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
6 h 26 m
Trains on Aug 29
40
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 40 trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 6 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 6 h 50 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.
18063
35063
35061
18061
04073+
18061
04167
04087
08109+
18061
08179+
04167
04143+
18063Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $38, while a flight costs an average of $232.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price | $232 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $53.
A train is $194 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $232.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 42m.
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
Tickets start at around $38 compared to roughly $94 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56. The journey takes 5h 42m versus 4h 40m 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 Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros.
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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04121+ 18063 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h52 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04121+ 04257 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h52 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04121+ 04167 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 12h17 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08129+ 18063 | On time 12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h10 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08129+ 04257 | On time 12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h10 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08129+ 04167 | On time 12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín | 11h35 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18063 | On time 12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h50 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04143+ 18063 | On time 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04143+ 04257 | On time 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04143 · 04167 | On time 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 10h00 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 18063 | On time 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 04257 | On time 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04149+ 04167 | On time 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín | 9h47 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08139+ 04257 | On time 2:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h15 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08139+ 04167 | On time 2:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 9h40 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05817+ 04167 | On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 9h17 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05817+ 04257 | On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04257 | 2:50 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h25 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04257+ 04167 | On time 2:50 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h50 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04151+ 04167 | On time 2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h41 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08159+ 04167 | On time 3:10 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h30 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08359+ 04167 | On time 3:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h00 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08169+ 04167 | On time 4:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h25 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04161+ 04167 | On time 4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h03 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04179+ 04167 | On time 5:30 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h10 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04167 | 5:48 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
04187+ 35061 | 6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín | 10h17 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04087 | 6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h10 | 1:05 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04187+ 18061 | 6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h56 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04087+ 18061 | 6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h56 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04071+ 18063 | 7:32 AM Madrid Chamartín | 12h58 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04071+ 35061 | 7:32 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h40 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04071+ 18061 | 7:32 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h19 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04073+ 18061 | 7:45 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h06 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04073+ 18063 | 7:45 AM Madrid Chamartín | 12h45 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04073+ 35061 | 7:45 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h27 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687+ 18063 | 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h50 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687+ 35061 | 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h32 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687+ 18061 | 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h11 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
35061 | 9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 8h06 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
18061 | 9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h45 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
05763+ 18063 | 9:25 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h05 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05763+ 35061 | 9:25 AM Madrid Chamartín | 7h47 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05763+ 18061 | 9:25 AM Madrid Chamartín | 7h26 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 18063 | 9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín | 10h34 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 35061 | 9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín | 7h16 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 18061 | 9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h55 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08109+ 18063 | 10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 10h15 | 8:30 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08109+ 35061 | 10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h57 | 5:12 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08109+ 18061 | 10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h36 | 4:51 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 42 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 4h 54m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average train duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Trains per day 42 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Príncipe Pío has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
Donostia-San Sebastián has practical services for this route, including Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastián. Information desks are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: WC.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need