Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Wed, Jun 17
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid

Showing times and prices for Jun 17

Cheapest price

$48

Average price

$74

Fastest journey

5 h 12 m

Average duration

5 h 30 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

352 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 Madrid will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Madrid on Wed, Jun 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 12 m .

On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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 INTERCITY04056
    4:55 AM5h12
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    10:07 AMMadrid Chamartín
    $481One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA04086
    8:40 AM5h18
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    1:58 PMMadrid Chamartín
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA04176
    4:47 PM5h33
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    10:20 PMMadrid Chamartín
    $591One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe MD18014
    1:55 PM7h47
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    9:42 PMMadrid Príncipe Pío
    $611One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe MD18012
    11:01 AM7h54
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    6:55 PMMadrid Príncipe Pío
    $611One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $61.

Distance: 218 miles (352 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$51

Average price

Cheapest

$55

Average price

$285

Average price

$114

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 39m

Average total duration

5h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 3m

Average total duration

6h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is a train with an average price of $51 (€41).

This is compared to other travel options from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid:

A train is $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average $55 (€45).

A train is $234 (€189) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average $285 (€230).

The fastest way to travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 4m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 9m.

Bus takes on average 6h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 {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 INTERCITY, 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

Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe INTERCITY04056
On time
4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
5h12
10:07 AM Madrid Chamartín
0 transfersDirect
Renfe INTERCITY04056+Renfe ALVIA04186
On time
4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
6h40
11:35 AM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe INTERCITY04056+Renfe AVANT08118
On time
4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
7h47
12:42 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe INTERCITY04056+Renfe AVANT34088
On time
4:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
5h43
10:38 AM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04086
Delayed
6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián
5h18
11:58 AM 11:58 AMMadrid Chamartín
0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe AVLO05178
Delayed
6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián
8h11
4:51 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe AVANT08148
Delayed
6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián
6h42
3:22 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04086+AVE04110
Delayed
6:40 AM 8:40 AMDonostia-San Sebastián
6h27
3:07 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe MD18012+Renfe AVANT08178
On time
11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
8h01
7:02 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe MD18012+AVE05170
On time
11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
6h18
5:19 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe MD18012+AVE05792
On time
11:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
8h06
7:07 PM Madrid Chamartín
1 transfer
Renfe MD1801211:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
7h54
6:55 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío0 transfersDirect
Renfe MD180141:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
7h47
9:42 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío0 transfersDirect
Renfe MD18014+Renfe AVANT081981:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
6h58
8:53 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe MD18014+Renfe INTERCITY047861:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
6h27
8:22 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe MD18014+Renfe ALVIA043661:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
8h25
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA041764:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
5h33
10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA04176+Renfe AVLO041904:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
5h45
10:32 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04176 · 041924:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
6h44
11:31 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid by train, bus, or flight

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

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid?

The best time to book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 5h 5m.

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
Distance
218 miles (352 km)
Average train duration
5h 9m
Cheapest ticket price
$24 (€19)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
5h 5m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
5:37 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
91 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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid from $24 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe INTERCITY

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 5m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks 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 by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

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
7h 43m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€49)
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
5h 5m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
Renfe Viajeros frequency
3 a day

Complete guide to Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional del Prado

Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for modern and contemporary art lovers.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

A major museum spanning European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Its broad collection complements the Prado and Reina Sofía perfectly.

Euro

Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for tapas, menu del día, or fast food.
Mid-range
EUR 20-40 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 1.80-3.50 for espresso or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés and 5-10% at restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not required.

FAQs: Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $24 (€19), while the average price is around $51 (€41).
The train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid takes 5h 5m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid leaves at 4:45 AM.
The distance by train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is 218 miles (352 km).
The last train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid leaves at 5:37 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.
The train station in Donostia-San Sebastian that goes to Madrid is Donostia-San Sebastián, which connects to Madrid Chamartín.
The cheapest way to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is by train, with a cost of around $24 (€19).
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid offers scenic views, especially through the Basque Country and parts of Castile and León, featuring rolling hills, lush landscapes, and charming villages.
A day trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is not feasible as the travel duration is 5h 5m. However, there are 4 train trips available per day for this journey. The distance is 218 miles (352 km).
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.
Since both Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid 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 Madrid include Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, Ávila, Cuenca.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 Madrid, the main safety concerns for travelers include pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and on public transportation. Common scams involve distraction techniques, such as someone asking for signatures on petitions or offering friendship bracelets, to steal valuables. Travelers should also be cautious of unlicensed taxi drivers and always use official transport services. Staying vigilant in busy tourist spots and keeping belongings secure helps minimize risks.
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid

Donostia-San Sebastian
Madrid
The major train station for departures in Donostia-San Sebastian is Donostia-San Sebastián. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Donostia-San Sebastián for your trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to MadridDonostia-San Sebastian to Madrid train

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