Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian train with Renfe MD

Wed, Aug 05
+ Add return
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Renfe MD18061+Renfe INTERCITY04257
    11:45 AM8h30
    Palencia station
    8:15 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
    201One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe MD18063+Renfe ALVIA04167
    3:12 PM8h08
    Palencia station
    11:20 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
    211One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe MD18061+Renfe ALVIA04167
    11:45 AM11h35
    Palencia station
    11:20 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
    211One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe ALVIA00621+Renfe INTERCITY04257
    2:19 PM5h56
    Palencia station
    8:15 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
    331One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe ALVIA00621 · 04167
    2:19 PM9h01
    Palencia station
    11:20 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
    331One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

Renfe MD

Most popular train company

Alsa

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian is a bus with an average price of €30.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian is by bus with an average journey time of 4h 13m.

Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 25m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Palencia and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Palencia 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 €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.

Live departures

Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe MD1806111:45 AM Palencia station
5h01
4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián0 transfersDirect
Renfe MD18061 · 18063
On time
11:45 AM Palencia station
8h30
8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
Renfe MD18061+Renfe INTERCITY0425711:45 AM Palencia station
8h30
8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián1 transfer
Renfe MD18061+Renfe ALVIA0416711:45 AM Palencia station
11h35
11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00621+Renfe MD18063
On time
2:19 PM Palencia station
5h56
8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00621 · 041672:19 PM Palencia station
9h01
11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA00621+Renfe INTERCITY042572:19 PM Palencia station
5h56
8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián1 transfer
Renfe MD180633:12 PM Palencia station
5h03
8:15 PM Donostia-San Sebastián0 transfersDirect
Renfe MD18063+Renfe ALVIA041673:12 PM Palencia station
8h08
11:20 PM Donostia-San Sebastián1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian by train or bus

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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trains with Omio?

Renfe MD as well as Renfe Viajeros offer trains services from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe MD?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe MD, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.
  • 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 Renfe MD with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Why book with Omio over Raileurope or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

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.

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 €29
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
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 €29

Train companies: Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Palencia and Donostia-San Sebastian from €29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe MD

About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
€34
Renfe MD frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Price
€29
Renfe Viajeros frequency
4 a day

Complete guide to Donostia-San Sebastian

Things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian

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.

  • 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.

  • Must visit

San Telmo Museoa

Fine arts museum in a historic building with Basque, Spanish, and international works. A compact stop for painting and sculpture lovers.

  • Must visit

Aquarium

Aquarium with historic maritime displays and a famous underwater tunnel. It combines family appeal with local ocean and fishing context.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Spain: lodging is pricier in peak season, but pintxos, set lunches, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for pintxos, fast food, or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
€20-40 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €34, while the average price is around €35.
The train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian takes 4h 55m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian is 157 miles (254 km).
The first train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 4:55 AM.
The last train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 3:57 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Yes, there is a direct train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.
The train station in Palencia that goes to Donostia-San Sebastian is Palencia station, which connects to Donostia-San Sebastián.
The cheapest way to get from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian is by bus, with a cost of around €29.
The train journey from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian offers scenic views, including picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, charming villages, and lush greenery, providing a visually pleasing experience for travelers.
A day trip from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian is not feasible, as the journey takes 4h 55m each way. The train frequency is 2 per day. The distance is 157 miles (254 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Since both Palencia and Donostia-San Sebastian are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Donostia-San Sebastian include Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pamplona, Tolosa, Irun, Alsasua – Altsasu.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users.
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.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian

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.

Departure train stations in Palencia
Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian

Which Palencia station do trains to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from?

Trains from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from Palencia. The station is from Palencia city centre at Plaza De Los Jardinillos, S/N, 34005 Palencia, Spain.
PalenciaPlaza De Los Jardinillos, S/N, 34005 Palencia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Palencia from Palencia city centre

Bus2m · €1 · every ~3 min
ALSA - L5v, ALSA - L2v · 4m · €1 · every ~7 min

Palencia 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

Food and drink options are available at Palencia.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Palencia.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Palencia.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Palencia: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Palencia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Palencia.

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