- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
130 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Pau 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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 23 trains that leave Pau for Donostia-San Sebastian on Sat, Jun 20, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 130 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 56 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.
14157
14157
L53 (867007)
14151+
L51 (866431)
14143+
F51 (866533)
14157
L53 (867007)
14141+
D51 (866419)
14157
D52 (867225) · L51 (866437)Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average $24 (€19).
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 23m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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 SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, SNCF | Intercités.
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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D52 (867112) · L51 (866411) | 8:34 AM Pau station | 2h27 | 11:01 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867112) · L51 (866411) | 8:34 AM Pau station | 2h12 | 10:46 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867112) · L51 (866411) | 8:34 AM Pau station | 2h22 | 10:56 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867007) | 9:19 AM Pau station | 1h49 | 11:08 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 0 transfersDirect | |
L53 (867007) | 9:19 AM Pau station | 2h05 | 11:24 AM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L53 (867007) | 9:19 AM Pau station | 1h59 | 11:18 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 0 transfersDirect | |
14141+ D51 (866419) | 11:54 AM Pau station | 2h03 | 1:57 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
14141+ D51 (866419) | 11:54 AM Pau station | 1h59 | 1:53 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14141+ D51 (866419) | 11:54 AM Pau station | 1h49 | 1:43 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14143+ F51 (866533) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 2h14 | 4:08 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
14143+ F51 (866533) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 2h10 | 4:04 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14143+ F51 (866533) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 2h00 | 3:54 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866431) | 3:55 PM Pau station | 1h59 | 5:54 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866431) | 3:55 PM Pau station | 2h09 | 6:04 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866431) | 3:55 PM Pau station | 2h14 | 6:09 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866433) | 5:26 PM Pau station | 2h29 | 7:55 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866433) | 5:26 PM Pau station | 2h19 | 7:45 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866433) | 5:26 PM Pau station | 2h34 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867225) · L51 (866437) | 7:14 PM Pau station | 2h06 | 9:20 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867225) · L51 (866437) | 7:14 PM Pau station | 2h11 | 9:25 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867225) · L51 (866437) | 7:14 PM Pau station | 1h56 | 9:10 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14157 | 8:28 PM Pau station | 1h55 | 10:23 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
14157 | 8:28 PM Pau station | 1h43 | 10:11 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 20:29. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 1h 43m.
Distance 80 miles (130 km) |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 4:48 AM |
Last train 8:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
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.
The city’s main museum, housed in a 16th-century convent with a modern extension. It explores Basque society, art, and history and is one of the best cultural stops in Donostia-San Sebastián.
A major contemporary culture center in a former tobacco factory, known for exhibitions, visual arts, and creative programming. Popular with locals and visitors for its architecture and city views.
A high-quality fashion museum in nearby Getaria dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga. It is one of the most internationally notable museums in the region and worth the short trip.
The city’s signature bayfront walk is the essential Donostia-San Sebastián experience, combining beach views, classic architecture, and a polished seaside atmosphere. It is the top place for a first-t
The Old Town is the city’s historic heart, with narrow streets, lively squares, and a dense concentration of traditional architecture. It remains one of the most atmospheric areas to wander.
A hilltop area known for panoramic views over La Concha and its nostalgic amusement park. It is especially popular for sunset photos and social media content.
Small Basque bar bites served on bread or as composed morsels, central to local social eating culture and especially famous in the Old Town.
Spider crab baked San Sebastian style with onion, tomato, brandy, and breadcrumbs, one of the city’s classic seafood dishes.
Salt cod gently emulsified with olive oil, garlic, and chili into a silky sauce, a hallmark Basque preparation.
World-famous fine dining institution blending Basque culinary roots with innovation, ideal for a landmark gastronomic experience.
Iconic pintxos bar famous for creative hot pintxos such as carrilleras and seared foie, with a lively standing-room setting.
Well-known Old Town restaurant and pintxos bar celebrated for grilled meats, local seafood, and a classic bustling Donostia atmosphere.
Prices are high by Spanish standards, especially for hotels and dining. Pintxos can help keep food costs lower.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, leave 5-10% only for very good service; it is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Estación del Norte, Donostia-San Sebastián -> Boulevard, Donostia-San Sebastián
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Pau 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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Pau to Hendaye station pair. Use this guide to compare Pau and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Pau 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: Le Berry, Les Papilles Insolites
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Pau. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pau. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pau: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pau: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pau: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Parc Beaumont, Quality Hotel Pau Centre Bosquet, Hotel Le Bourbon.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need