- 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
€20
Average price
€31
Fastest journey
5 h 1 m
Average duration
6 h 1 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palencia 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Of the 9 trains that leave Palencia for Donostia-San Sebastian on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 6 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 1 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 8 h 8 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.
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04257
18063+
04167
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04257
00621 · 04167
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04167Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a train costs an average of €34.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€35 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest | €50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €35.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 25m.
Tickets start at around €35 compared to roughly €50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €15. The journey takes 4h 25m versus 3h 11m 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 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18061 | 11:45 AM Palencia station | 5h01 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
18061 · 18063 | On time 11:45 AM Palencia station | 8h30 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18061+ 04257 | 11:45 AM Palencia station | 8h30 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18061+ 04167 | 11:45 AM Palencia station | 11h35 | 11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
00621+ 18063 | On time 2:19 PM Palencia station | 5h56 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
00621 · 04167 | 2:19 PM Palencia station | 9h01 | 11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
00621+ 04257 | 2:19 PM Palencia station | 5h56 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18063 | 3:12 PM Palencia station | 5h03 | 8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
18063+ 04167 | 3:12 PM Palencia station | 8h08 | 11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €34 but you can travel from only €29 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 15:57. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 4h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price €34 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 3:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 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 Palencia 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Palencia and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Palencia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Palencia.
ATMs are available at Palencia.
Ticket office support is available at Palencia.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Palencia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Palencia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palencia.
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