- Must visit
Tabakalera
Major contemporary art center in a former tobacco factory. It hosts ambitious exhibitions, local culture, and one of the city’s strongest programs.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05
Cheapest price on Sep 05
€82
Average ticket price on Sep 05
€87
Fastest journey on Sep 05
12 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
16 h 14 m
Trains on Sep 05
2
Distance
536 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around €87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €82.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian without transferring at least once.
4:26 PM20h24Santiago de Compostela12:50 PMDonostia-San Sebastian€821One-way1 transfer- 10:49 AM12h03Santiago de Compostela10:52 PMDonostia-San Sebastian€921One-way1 transfer
- 10:49 AM12h03Santiago de Compostela10:52 PMDonostia-San Sebastian€921One-way1 transfer
- 4:26 PM20h24Santiago de Compostela12:50 PMDonostia-San Sebastian€821One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €26 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the bus is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €26, while a flight costs an average of €381.
Distance: 333 miles (536 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€26 Average price Cheapest | €80 Average price | €381 Average price | €111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 38m Average total duration 9h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 22m Average total duration 12h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is a train with an average price of €26.
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A train is €54 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €80.
A train is €355 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average €381.
The fastest way to travel from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 46m.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 8m.
Bus takes on average 12h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santiago de Compostela and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 €26 compared to roughly €111 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €85. The journey takes 9h 8m versus 6h 37m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian train times
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:49 AM Santiago de Compostela | 8h57 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 1 transfer | |
 | 11:48 AM Santiago de Compostela | 11h04 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 1 transfer | |
| 8:05 PM Santiago de Compostela | 16h45 | 12:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastian | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian 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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Why should you book Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, AVE, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
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, AVE or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
- 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 Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian
SpainSpain
Trains from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 11:30. The fastest train covers the 333 miles (536 km) distance in 7h 59m.
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 333 miles (536 km) |
Average train duration 9h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price €7 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 59m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 11:30 AM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 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 from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD trains will get you between Santiago de Compostela and Donostia-San Sebastian from €9. 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 Renfe ALVIA Duration
8h 13m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
€7
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 a day
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 Renfe INTERCITY Duration
8h 1m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
€13
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
4 a day
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 Renfe MD Duration
7h 59m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
€26
Renfe MD frequency
4 a day
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
Complete guide to Donostia-San Sebastian
Things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastian — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastian trip today.
- Must visit
San Telmo Museoa
Fine arts museum in a historic building with Basque, Spanish, and international works. A compact stop for painting and sculpture lovers.
- Must visit
Aquarium
Aquarium with historic maritime displays and a famous underwater tunnel. It combines family appeal with local ocean and fishing context.
- Must visit
Paseo de La Concha
The city’s most famous beach promenade curves around La Concha Bay. Essential for classic views, elegant walks, and sunset atmosphere.
- Must visit
Parte Vieja
Historic Old Town of lively squares, churches, and traditional streets. It is the best area for atmosphere, architecture, and everyday city life.
- Must visit
Zurriola Beach and Promenade
Urban beach and neighborhood promenade popular with surfers and locals. Great for broad sea views, people-watching, and a more contemporary vibe.
Pintxos
Small bar snacks on bread or bites, central to local txikiteo culture. San Sebastián is famous for creative and classic pintxos in packed old-town bars.
- Gluten-free
Rodaballo A La Parrilla
Whole grilled turbot, prized on the Basque coast for its clean flavor and simple preparation with olive oil, garlic, and grill smoke.
- Gluten-free
Bacalao A La Donostiarra
Basque-style cod often cooked with garlic, olive oil, and peppers. It reflects the region’s deep seafood tradition and classic home cooking.
Arzak
Celebrated fine-dining restaurant with innovative Basque cuisine and tasting menus in an elegant, destination setting above the city.
Kokotxa
Refined modern Basque restaurant by the bay, known for seafood-focused tasting menus and a polished but welcoming dining room.
Casa Urola
Well-known grill restaurant specializing in premium beef and Basque classics, with a smart, contemporary atmosphere near the center.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: lodging is pricier in peak season, but pintxos, set lunches, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for pintxos, fast food, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-40 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change is fine in cafes. Taxi tipping is usually just rounding up.
FAQs: Trains from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 Donostia-San Sebastian, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €7, while the average price is around €26.
The train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian takes 7h 59m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 4:45 AM.
The distance by train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is 333 miles (536 km).
The last train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 11:30 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
The cheapest way to get from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is by bus, with a cost of around €9.
Yes, the train journey from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is scenic, offering views of Galicia's lush landscapes, charming coastal vistas along the Cantabrian Sea, and the rolling hills of the Basque Country.
A day trip from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian is not feasible. The journey takes 7h 59m, covering a distance of 333 miles (536 km). Trains operate 3 times per day.
In Donostia-San Sebastian, you can enjoy surfing at Zurriola Beach, join a pintxo tour in the lively bars of the Old Town, take a funicular to Monte Igueldo for stunning views and amusement park fun, explore marine life at the Aquarium, or attend events at the Kursaal Congress Centre. Don't miss visiting La Concha Beach, the historic Old Town, and the San Telmo Museoa. For panoramic views, head to Monte Igueldo, and visit Miramar Palace for beautiful gardens and bay views.
Three days in Donostia-San Sebastian is ideal to explore the city's beautiful beaches, indulge in its renowned culinary scene, and visit key attractions like the Old Town and Monte Igueldo.
Yes, you can take the train from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Since both Santiago de Compostela and Donostia-San Sebastian 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 Donostia-San Sebastian include Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pamplona, Tolosa, Irun, Alsasua – Altsasu.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 Donostia-San Sebastian, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as La Concha Beach and the Old Town. Common scams include distraction techniques used near popular attractions and public transportation. It is advisable to keep belongings secure and stay vigilant in busy spots, particularly during festivals or large events. Overall, the city is considered safe, but standard precautions against petty theft are recommended.
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.
Most popular train connections from Santiago de Compostela
More options for your journey from Santiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Donostia-San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela
Most popular train connections to Donostia-San Sebastian
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to Donostia-San SebastianSantiago de Compostela to Donostia-San Sebastian train
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