The cheapest and fastest trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 22 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
352 km
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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 19 trains that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Madrid on Wed, Nov 19, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 36 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.
04056+
05178
18012
18014
18014+
04786
18012+
04786
04056
04086
04176
04056 · 04088
04056+
34088Travel 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 bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. 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 bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €97.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€56 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest | €295 Average price |
6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18014+ 04786 | On time 12:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h20 | 7:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18014+ 04170 | On time 12:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h14 | 8:09 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18014 | 12:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h47 | 8:42 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
18014+ 08198 | On time 12:55 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h51 | 7:46 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04176+ 04190 | On time 3:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h38 | 9:25 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04176 · 04192 | On time 3:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h37 | 10:24 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04176 | On time 3:47 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h26 | 9:13 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 19 | |||||
04056 · 04088 | On time 3:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h36 | 9:31 AM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04056 | On time 3:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h05 | 9:00 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04056+ 34088 | On time 3:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h36 | 9:31 AM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04056+ 05178 | On time 3:55 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 11h49 | 3:44 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 08148 | On time 7:42 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h33 | 2:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 05178 | On time 7:42 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 8h02 | 3:44 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 08158 | On time 7:42 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h43 | 3:25 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086 | On time 7:42 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h09 | 12:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
18012 | 10:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h54 | 5:55 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
18012+ 04786 | On time 10:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 9h14 | 7:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 05792 | 10:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h59 | 6:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 08178 | On time 10:01 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h54 | 5:55 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 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
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average train duration 5h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 5h 5m |
First train 04:50 |
Last train 17:37 |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid from $6 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe (13)
Renfe Viajeros
Train tickets from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian - Madrid 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 13% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Donostia-San Sebastian - Madrid with 2 months in advance you save up to about 23% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 26%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with special rates arranged by nearby hotels.
- Restaurant Casa Mingo
- Café de Oriente
- Noodles King
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.60
- Hotel Príncipe Pío
- Acta Madfor Hotel
- Hotel Exe Moncloa
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for regional and Cercanías trains
- Hall 2: Metro connections
- Metro: Line 6, Line 10
- Bus: Several lines available
- Cercanías: Lines C1, C7, C10
Most popular train connections from Donostia-San Sebastian
More options for your journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
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