Trains to Donostia-San Sebastian | Tickets & Train Times

Trains to San Sebastian

Make visiting the Basque coast easy by booking trains to San Sebastian. This elegant resort town is easily reached by rail, with regular direct connections to Bilbao, Madrid Atocha, Barcelona-Sants, and Bordeaux's St-Jean station. Regional trains are fast, spacious, and reliable, and arrival at Donostia Station is usually hassle-free, with excellent access to both the city and the coast.

Which is the main train station in San Sebastian?

All train services to San Sebastian will arrive at Donostia Station (the town's name in the local Basque language). Donostia is located very close to the center of town, whether visitors head east to the sweeping curve of La Concha Bay, or the headland to the north, which is home to many popular attractions.

Which train companies offer trains to San Sebastian?

Most rail services into San Sebastian Donostia Station are operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail company. Renfe offers a mix of slower standard fares and "Ave" services, which run a little faster. Services from French cities like Bordeaux or Toulouse will be provided by SNCF in most cases, followed by Renfe services from the Spanish border.

Why travel by train to San Sebastian?

Traveling by train is usually the perfect route into San Sebastian. For one thing, Renfe's services are excellent, with spacious carriages, affordable fares, and reliable schedules. They transport passengers comfortably straight to the heart of San Sebastian and offer direct connections from most major Spanish cities so there's no need to mess around with changes or dash to stations across the city. Additionally, trains connect San Sebastian to major international airports. Services from Madrid Barajas or Barcelona El Prat will be really helpful for US visitors who need a route to the beautiful Basque resort and port.

Before you travel to San Sebastian by train - good to know!

The first thing to remember when visiting San Sebastian is to pack sunscreen and swimming attire. There are some superb local beaches and most are very close to the city itself. La Concha is one of Europe's best urban beaches, but the tiny beach on the island of Santa Clara is more photogenic and often deserted. When getting around, a Tourist Card will help a lot, providing numerous discounts on attractions and cheap bus travel. Use it to reach every single beach, or to visit local highlights like Amara's tapas bars or the winding paths at Monte Ulia.