Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian train with Renfe MD

Thu, Nov 12
+ Add return
Renfe MD
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe MD
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 12
Cheapest price on Nov 12
€5
Average ticket price on Nov 12
€6
Fastest journey on Nov 12
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Nov 12
2 h 40 m
Trains on Nov 12
16
Distance
77 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao 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 Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around €6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €5.

Fast trains

On Thu, Nov 12, we found 16 trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian, including 15 direct services.

On Thu, Nov 12 the direct trains cover the 77 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .

On Thu, Nov 12 the slowest trains will take 2 h 40 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.

  • Euskotren
    0 transfers
  • Euskotren
    0 transfers
  • Euskotren
    0 transfers
  • Euskotren
    0 transfers
  • Euskotren
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 3h 23m.

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
77 km
Average train duration
4h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 23m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
5:35 PM
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
70 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

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

Renfe MD as well as Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe and more offer trains services from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe MD?

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

Why book with Omio over Raileurope, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe to find the best option for your trip from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.

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

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Train companies: Renfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe trains will get you between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian from €5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
3h 29m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
€5
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

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
3h 23m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
€5
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
3h 29m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
€6
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
2 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

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
3h 50m
Cheapest Renfe Price
€8
Renfe frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Learn more about Renfe

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian, you can count on Renfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe for the best way to get you to Donostia-San Sebastian. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is €10; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian is 3h 23m to travel the 77 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 4:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 5:35 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian which require at least one change with Renfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Donostia-San Sebastian. Take the fast train with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian.
A trip to Donostia-San Sebastian from Bilbao is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 23m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Most Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Bilbao-Abando to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bilbao
Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian

Which Bilbao station do trains to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from?

Trains from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from Bilbao-Abando. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.
Bilbao-Abando48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bilbao-Abando from Bilbao city centre

Bus03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · €2 · every ~51 min
A3631, A3632 · 8m · €2 · every ~7 min
TramTr · 1m · €2 · every ~16 min

Bilbao-Abando train station facilities and services

Bilbao-Abando 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

Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bilbao-Abando. Information desks are available at Bilbao-Abando.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bilbao-Abando: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Abando.

More about Bilbao-Abando

More options for your journey from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Bilbao
Buses from Bilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian
Compare all journeys between Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian
Tickets and more information for trains to Bilbao
Tickets and more information for trains to Donostia-San Sebastian
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to Donostia-San SebastianBilbao to Donostia-San Sebastian train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone