- 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
CHF15
Average price
CHF29
Fastest journey
1 h 39 m
Average duration
1 h 47 m
Trains per day
47
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 CHF29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF15.
Of the 47 trains that leave Pau for Donostia-San Sebastian on Tue, Aug 04, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 130 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 49 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.
14155
14155
14151+
L51 (866461)
14155+
8549
14151+
L51 (866461)
14155+
8549
L53 (867011) · F51 (866539)
L53 (867017) · L51 (866463)
14155
L53 (867007)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 CHF12. 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 CHF12, and a train costs an average of CHF10.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF19 Average price | CHF14 Average price Cheapest | CHF45 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 CHF5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average CHF19.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 23m.
Tickets start at around CHF19 compared to roughly CHF45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF25. The journey takes 1h 57m versus 1h 43m 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, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L52 (867201) · F51 (866515) | 4:58 AM Pau station | 2h39 | 7:37 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
L52 (867201) · F51 (866515) | 4:58 AM Pau station | 2h49 | 7:47 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L52 (867201) · F51 (866515) | 4:58 AM Pau station | 2h54 | 7:52 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867001) · F51 (866517) | 6:08 AM Pau station | 2h13 | 8:21 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867001) · F51 (866517) | 6:08 AM Pau station | 2h04 | 8:12 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867001) · F51 (866517) | 6:08 AM Pau station | 2h18 | 8:26 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867003) · L51 (866409) | 7:02 AM Pau station | 2h05 | 9:07 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867003) · L51 (866409) | 7:02 AM Pau station | 1h55 | 8:57 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867003) · L51 (866409) | 7:02 AM Pau station | 2h10 | 9:12 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8560+ F51 (866523) | 7:25 AM Pau station | 2h43 | 10:08 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8560+ F51 (866523) | 7:25 AM Pau station | 2h28 | 9:53 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
8560+ F51 (866523) | 7:25 AM Pau station | 2h38 | 10:03 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867203) · L51 (866413) | 8:17 AM Pau station | 2h40 | 10:57 AM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867203) · L51 (866413) | 8:17 AM Pau station | 2h45 | 11:02 AM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867203) · L51 (866413) | 8:17 AM Pau station | 2h30 | 10:47 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
L53 (867007) | 9:19 AM Pau station | 1h49 | 11:08 AM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 0 transfersDirect | |
D52 (867205) · D51 (866455) | 10:18 AM Pau station | 3h06 | 1:24 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867205)+ 8533 | 10:18 AM Pau station | 2h18 | 12:36 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867205)+ 8533 | 10:18 AM Pau station | 2h33 | 12:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
14141+ 8537 | 11:54 AM Pau station | 2h39 | 2:33 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14141+ 8537 | 11:54 AM Pau station | 2h53 | 2:47 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867209) · F51 (866531) | 12:39 PM Pau station | 2h29 | 3:08 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867209) · F51 (866531) | 12:39 PM Pau station | 2h24 | 3:03 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
D52 (867209) · F51 (866531) | 12:39 PM Pau station | 2h14 | 2:53 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14143+ D51 (866425) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 2h01 | 3:55 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14143+ D51 (866425) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 1h51 | 3:45 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14143+ D51 (866425) | 1:54 PM Pau station | 2h06 | 4:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866461) | 3:59 PM Pau station | 2h07 | 6:06 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866461) | 3:59 PM Pau station | 1h57 | 5:56 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14151+ L51 (866461) | 3:59 PM Pau station | 2h12 | 6:11 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L52 (867257)+ 8547 | 4:25 PM Pau station | 2h11 | 6:36 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
L52 (867257)+ 8547 | 4:25 PM Pau station | 2h26 | 6:51 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867011) · F51 (866539) | 5:05 PM Pau station | 2h03 | 7:08 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867011) · F51 (866539) | 5:05 PM Pau station | 1h58 | 7:03 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867011) · F51 (866539) | 5:05 PM Pau station | 1h48 | 6:53 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866435) | 5:25 PM Pau station | 2h20 | 7:45 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866435) | 5:25 PM Pau station | 2h35 | 8:00 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
8584+ L51 (866435) | 5:25 PM Pau station | 2h30 | 7:55 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
14155+ 8549 | 6:54 PM Pau station | 1h54 | 8:48 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
14155 | 6:54 PM Pau station | 1h49 | 8:43 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 0 transfersDirect | |
14155+ 8549 | 6:54 PM Pau station | 1h39 | 8:33 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 transfer | |
14155 | 6:54 PM Pau station | 2h02 | 8:56 PM Hendaye station | 0 transfersDirect | |
L53 (867017) · L51 (866463) | 7:21 PM Pau station | 1h58 | 9:19 PM Les Deux-Jumeaux | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867017) · L51 (866463) | 7:21 PM Pau station | 2h02 | 9:23 PM Hendaye station | 1 transfer | |
L53 (867017) · L51 (866463) | 7:21 PM Pau station | 1h48 | 9:09 PM Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 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 Pau to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF10 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 CHF10 |
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 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 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