- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
kr325
Average ticket price on Sep 08
kr469
Fastest journey on Sep 08
5 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
5 h 44 m
Trains on Sep 08
18
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 kr469 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr325.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 18 trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid, including 5 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 6 h 13 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.
04176
04056
18014
18012
04086+
05178
04086
04056
04176
04056+
04186
18012+
05170Omio 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 an average ticket price of kr251 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr251, while a flight costs an average of kr1572.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr251 Average price Cheapest | kr355 Average price | kr1572 Average price | kr742 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 27m Average total duration 5h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 2h 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 |
![]() 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 Madrid:
A train is kr104 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average kr355.
A train is kr1321 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid costing on average kr1572.
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 48m.
Bus takes on average 5h 57m.
Tickets start at around kr251 compared to roughly kr742 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr491. The journey takes 5h 48m versus 4h 20m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04176 | On time 4:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h35 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04176 · 04192 | On time 4:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h35 | 11:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
04056+ 08118 | 5:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h20 | 12:35 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04056+ 04080 | 5:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h37 | 12:52 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04056 | 5:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h23 | 10:38 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04056+ 04186 | 5:15 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h13 | 11:28 AM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 05178 | 8:36 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 8h08 | 4:44 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086 | 8:36 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 5h15 | 1:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04086+ 08148 | 8:36 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h39 | 3:15 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04086+ 08158 | 8:36 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h54 | 4:30 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 05792 | 10:59 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 8h01 | 7:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18012 | 10:59 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h56 | 6:55 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
18012+ 05170 | 10:59 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h13 | 5:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18012+ 04786 | 10:59 AM Donostia-San Sebastián | 9h24 | 8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18014 | 1:54 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h48 | 9:42 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 0 transfersDirect | |
18014+ 04170 | 1:54 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 7h18 | 9:12 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18014+ 08198 | 1:54 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h52 | 8:46 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18014+ 04786 | 1:54 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 6h29 | 8:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
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 Madrid run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr56 if you book in advance.
There are 5 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 4h 44m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average train duration 5h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price kr56 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
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 63 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, 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.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid trains use the Donostia-San Sebastián to Madrid Chamartín station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid 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.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need