- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, set in a former convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.







Cheapest price
$122
Average price
$169
Fastest journey
15h 20m
Average duration
17h 35m
Buses per day
7
Distance
278 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $72.
Distance: 463 miles (746 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$174 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price | $292 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 5m Average total duration 10h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 39m Average total duration 13h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 4.5kg 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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $107 (€88) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $174 (€143).
A bus is $197 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $264 (€217).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 35m.
Bus takes on average 13h 9m.
Tickets start at around $174 (€143) compared to roughly $292 (€240) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $118 (€97). The journey takes 10h 35m versus 8h 38m 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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:32 AM Nice | 11h39 | 9:11 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Nice | 19h47 | 12:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
4758+ 17468+ L51 (866433) | 6:32 AM Nice Saint-Augustin | 13h13 | 7:45 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 2 transfers | |
4758+ L51 (866433)+ 17468 | 6:32 AM Nice Saint-Augustin | 13h28 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 2 transfers | |
4758+ L51 (866433)+ 17468 | 6:32 AM Nice Saint-Augustin | 13h23 | 7:55 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 2 transfers | |
6188 · 8555 | 7:57 AM Nice-Ville | 12h12 | 8:09 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
6188 · 8555 | 7:57 AM Nice-Ville | 11h57 | 7:54 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
6188 · 8555+ L51 (866553) | 7:57 AM Nice-Ville | 13h44 | 9:41 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $110 (€91) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 463 miles (746 km) distance in 11h 39m.
Distance 463 miles (746 km) |
Average train duration 10h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $110 (€91) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 11h 39m |
First train 4:44 AM |
Last train 8:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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.
The city’s main museum, set in a former convent with a modern extension. It focuses on Basque society, history, and art and is one of the best cultural introductions to Donostia.
A major sculpture museum dedicated to Eduardo Chillida, combining monumental outdoor works with a restored farmhouse gallery. It is one of the Basque Country’s standout art destinations.
This museum in nearby Getaria presents the life and work of Cristobal Balenciaga through elegant fashion displays. A strong choice for design and couture lovers visiting the area.
The historic old quarter is packed with lively streets, traditional architecture, and a strong local atmosphere. It is essential for understanding the social and cultural heart of the city.
A classic waterfront walk running along the city’s most famous beach. It is one of the best places for views, people-watching, and the postcard image of Donostia.
A green hill with paths, fortifications, and excellent viewpoints over the bay and Old Town. It is a favorite for travelers who want both nature and history close to the center.
Basque bar snacks served on bread or as small bites, central to the city’s food culture and best enjoyed while hopping between bars in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, and brandy, a classic festive seafood dish closely associated with local cooking.
Salt cod gently cooked so its gelatin emulsifies with olive oil, creating a silky sauce; one of the most emblematic Basque dishes.
Legendary fine-dining restaurant known for creative Basque cuisine, polished service, and one of the city’s most celebrated gastronomic experiences.
Iconic destination restaurant with contemporary high-end Basque cuisine, sea views, and a refined tasting-menu experience.
Well-known traditional restaurant and pintxos bar in the Old Town, respected for seasonal Basque dishes and excellent grilled seafood.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though pintxos bars can be better value.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in bars and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastián Airport, Hondarribia -> Donostia / San Sebastián City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nice 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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Nice Ville to Hendaye station pair. Use this guide to compare Nice and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Nice Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Agora, PAUL, Sushi Side, Factory Donuts, Deli & Cia
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located on the forecourt of the station, on the right when exiting the station hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 15:30. Information desks are located in the station main hall.
Available at Nice Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Ville: Level access from the entrance to the station, barrier-free toilets, magnetic induction loops. Assistance offered by Accès Plus to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, located in the central hall.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Trocadero, Ibis Nice Centre Gare, Hotel Belle Meuniere.
Nice Saint-Augustin is 5 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
Nice Saint-Augustin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Nice Saint-Augustin. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Ramps, restrooms.
Nice Riquier is 1 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
Nice Riquier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Le Millésime, La Roustide
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Nice Riquier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Nice Riquier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Nice Riquier: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Riquier: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Apogia Nice, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port.
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