- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city's leading museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the most important cultural visits in Donostia-San San7
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $88. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $88, and a train costs an average of $655.
Distance: 702 miles (1131 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$685 Average price | $581 Average price | $130 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 48m Average total duration 20h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 55m Average total duration 27h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian is a bus with an average price of $130 (€105).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $451 (€363) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $581 (€468).
A bus is $555 (€447) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $685 (€552).
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 44m.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 18m.
Bus takes on average 27h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $685 (€552) compared to roughly $264 (€213) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-420.76 (€-338.76). The journey takes 20h 18m versus 16h 28m 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:15 AM Manchester | 13h25 | 11:40 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian
United Kingdom
Spain
Trains from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 5 times per day, taking around 20h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $655 (€527) but you can travel from only $88 (€71) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 08:00. The fastest train covers the 702 miles (1131 km) distance in 12h 28m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $88 (€71)
Distance 702 miles (1131 km) |
Average train duration 20h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $655 (€527) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 12h 28m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 8:00 AM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $88 (€71)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Donostia-San Sebastian from $88 (€71). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 28m
Cheapest Price
$655 (€527)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Donostia-San Sebastián
Things to do in Donostia-San Sebastián
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.
- Must visit
Chillida Leku
A renowned open-air museum dedicated to sculptor Eduardo Chillida, combining large-scale works with gardens and a restored farmhouse. Worth the short trip from the city for art and architecture lovers
- Must visit
Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastie1n
Part museum and part aquarium, this classic attraction near the harbor includes maritime history displays and underwater viewing areas. It remains one of the city's most popular family visits.
- Must visit
Parte Vieja
The Old Town is the city's most atmospheric district, known for historic streets, lively squares, and constant pedestrian activity. It is essential for soaking up Donostia's character.
- Must visit
La Concha Beach
The city's famous urban beach curves around one of Europe's most beautiful bays. It is ideal for walking, relaxing, and classic postcard views of Donostia.
- Must visit
Monte Igueldo
A hilltop viewpoint with sweeping views over the bay and city. It is one of the best places for panoramic photos and remains highly popular with visitors and social media users.
Pintxos
Small bar snacks served on bread or as bite-size creations, central to Donostia’s social food culture and often enjoyed while hopping between bars in the Parte Vieja.
Txangurro a la Donostiarra
Spider crab baked San Sebastián-style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, a classic festive seafood dish closely associated with the city.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Salt cod gently cooked so its gelatin emulsifies with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce; one of the Basque Country’s signature dishes.
Arzak
World-famous fine dining restaurant serving highly creative Basque cuisine in an elegant setting, led by the Arzak family and one of the city’s landmark gastronomic destinations.
Bodegón Alejandro
Long-established restaurant offering polished traditional Basque cuisine and tasting menus in a warm, classic dining room near the Old Town.
Ganbara
Legendary Old Town bar and restaurant known for outstanding seasonal pintxos, mushrooms, seafood, and a lively traditional atmosphere.
Euro
Prices are high for Spain, especially lodging and dining. Pintxos can be affordable, but central restaurants and summer stays cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for pintxos or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-40 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 80+ per person at upscale spots.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.80-3.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change in bars or taxis is enough; no tip is expected for counter service.
MUGI
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.85 EUR
- Day pass
- 6.00 EUR
To the city center
Donostia-San Sebastián Railway Station -> Boulevard, Donostia-San Sebastián
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- You can use the MUGI card for cheaper fares across Dbus and other Gipuzkoa operators. Single tickets bought onboard are more expensive than MUGI fares.
- Dbus buses allow contactless card payment onboard. Keep a bank card or mobile wallet ready when boarding.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $655 (€527), while the average price is around $685 (€552).
The train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian takes 12h 28m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian is 702 miles (1131 km).
The first train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 5:40 AM.
The last train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 8:00 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
There is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian is by bus, with a cost of around $88 (€71).
The train journey from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian offers varied scenery, including picturesque English countryside, charming French landscapes, and the scenic Basque region, providing a visually pleasing experience.
A day trip from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 28m. Trains run 4 times per day, covering a distance of 702 miles (1131 km).
In Donostia-San Sebastian, you can enjoy surfing at Zurriola Beach, join a pintxo tour in the lively bars of the Old Town, take a funicular to Monte Igueldo for stunning views and amusement park fun, explore marine life at the Aquarium, or attend events at the Kursaal Congress Centre. Don't miss visiting La Concha Beach, the historic Old Town, and the San Telmo Museoa. For panoramic views, head to Monte Igueldo, and visit Miramar Palace for beautiful gardens and bay views.
Three days in Donostia-San Sebastian is ideal to explore the city's beautiful beaches, indulge in its renowned culinary scene, and visit key attractions like the Old Town and Monte Igueldo.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Donostia-San Sebastian is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Donostia-San Sebastian include Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pamplona, Tolosa, Irun, Alsasua – Altsasu.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Donostia-San Sebastian, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as La Concha Beach and the Old Town. Common scams include distraction techniques used near popular attractions and public transportation. It is advisable to keep belongings secure and stay vigilant in busy spots, particularly during festivals or large events. Overall, the city is considered safe, but standard precautions against petty theft are recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Donostia-San Sebastian and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Donostia-San Sebastian
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to Donostia-San SebastianManchester to Donostia-San Sebastian train
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