- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Major collection of Pablo Picasso’s early works, housed in medieval palaces in El Born. One of Barcelona’s most visited art museums.
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$106
Fastest journey
6 h 16 m
Average duration
10 h 26 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
401 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 13 trains that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Barcelona on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 401 km distance in an average of 10 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 16 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 12 h 27 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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16000 · 18029+
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04056 · 00631+
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00533
18014+
00621+
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06425Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $63.
Distance: 249 miles (401 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $235 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona:
A bus is $34 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona costing on average $104 (€85).
A bus is $166 (€136) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona costing on average $235 (€193).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 21m.
Bus takes on average 7h 16m.
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 Renfe ALVIA, 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04056 · 00631+ 06425 | 4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 18h33 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
16000+ 00621+ 06425 | 6:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 17h08 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
16000 · 18029+ 06425 | 6:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 17h08 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
16000+ 00631+ 06425 | 6:20 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 17h08 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
00533 | 6:53 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h16 | 1:09 PM Barcelona Sants | 0 transfersDirect | |
04086 · 00621+ 06425 | 8:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 14h48 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
04086+ 00631+ 06425 | 8:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 14h48 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
04086+ 06425+ 18029 | 8:40 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 14h48 | 11:28 PM Barcelona Sants | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $48 (€40) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 249 miles (401 km) distance in 6h 16m.
Distance 249 miles (401 km) |
Average train duration 6h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 16m |
First train 4:44 AM |
Last train 9:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
Major collection of Pablo Picasso’s early works, housed in medieval palaces in El Born. One of Barcelona’s most visited art museums.
Catalonia’s premier art museum, especially strong in Romanesque frescoes, Gothic art, and modern Catalan works, set in the Palau Nacional.
Hilltop museum dedicated to Joan Miró, with paintings, sculptures, and rotating contemporary art exhibitions in a notable modern building.
Barcelona’s most famous promenade, linking Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lined with historic buildings, performers, and constant activity.
Historic Gothic Quarter of narrow lanes, small squares, medieval architecture, and many of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Hilltop viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views over Barcelona, especially popular at sunset and widely shared on social media.
Rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. A Catalan staple served with many meals and one of Barcelona’s most iconic bites.
A traditional Catalan salad of shredded salt cod, tomato, onion, olives, and olive oil. It is especially typical in Barcelona and along the coast.
Potato balls stuffed with meat, fried, and topped with spicy sauce and aioli. They originated in La Barceloneta and are closely tied to the city.
An internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering highly creative modern cuisine and a refined tasting-menu experience in Barcelona.
A very popular tapas restaurant with a broad menu, reliable quality, and bustling atmosphere. Good for sampling many local favorites in one meal.
One of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, known for classic Catalan cooking in a historic dining room. A strong choice for traditional dishes and old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Western Europe. Food and transit are reasonable, but central hotels and tourist areas cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% for good table service. Small change is fine in cafés; taxi tips are optional.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants, Barcelona -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trains use the Donostia-San Sebastián to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona Sants 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, and Information Desk.
Food options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need