- Recommended
Museo de Palencia
The city’s main museum displays archaeology, sacred art, and regional history. It is the best place to understand Palencia and its province.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 6 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia 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 Palencia will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 3 trains that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Palencia on Thu, Aug 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 5 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 5 h 8 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia:
A bus is $6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia costing on average $43.
Other travel options to Palencia take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 17m.
Tickets start at around $43 compared to roughly $82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $39. The journey takes 4h 17m versus 2h 54m 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 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.
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18014 | 1:54 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h06 | 7:00 PM Palencia station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
![]() | 9:00 AM Donostia-San Sebastian | 5h08 | 2:08 PM Palencia | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 15:57. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 5m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 3:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Palencia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palencia trip today.
The city’s main museum displays archaeology, sacred art, and regional history. It is the best place to understand Palencia and its province.
Cathedral museum with sculpture, painting, liturgical art, and access to key spaces. A strong complement to the cathedral visit.
Museum inside the Diocesan House with religious art and heritage collections. It offers insight into the city’s ecclesiastical history.
Elegant pedestrian street known for its long colonnades, shops, and lively urban character. It is one of the city’s signature walking routes.
Scenic hilltop area around the Christ statue with the city’s best panorama. A top choice for sunset views and photography.
Palencia’s main plaza is lined with arcades, civic buildings, and cafés nearby. It is the natural starting point for exploring the city center.
Roast suckling lamb from Castilla y León, slowly oven-cooked until tender. A festive classic in Palencia, prized for its simple seasoning and rich flavor.
Small river crabs cooked in a savory sauce, often with garlic and paprika. Traditional inland fare linked to local rivers and tavern cooking.
Blood sausage rice from nearby Villada, made with morcilla and rice. It is a noted specialty in the province and a staple of local charcuterie culture.
Refined dining with modern Castilian cuisine in an elegant setting. Known for tasting menus and careful treatment of regional products.
Traditional restaurant popular for roast meats, Castilian dishes, and a classic dining room atmosphere suitable for a local culinary experience.
Well-known central venue for tapas, raciones, and regional specialties. Lively and casual, with a strong local following.
More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, with lower hotel rates, modest dining prices, and inexpensive local transport.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. In cafes, small change is enough. For taxis, round up the fare.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia 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 Palencia, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Palencia trains use the Donostia-San Sebastián to Palencia station pair. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Palencia 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.
Palencia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Palencia.
ATMs are available at Palencia.
Ticket office support is available at Palencia.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Palencia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Palencia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palencia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need