MADRID to DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN train from €5 with Renfe ALVIA

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€49

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€73

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 32 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

6 h 45 m

Trains on Sep 19

Distance

353 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián will cost around €73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 24 trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 353 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 7 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.

18061
9:06 AM7h40
Madrid Príncipe Pío
4:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
€491One-way
0 transfers
18063
12:25 PM8h01
Madrid Príncipe Pío
8:26 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
€491One-way
0 transfers
04167
5:48 PM5h32
Madrid Chamartín
11:20 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
€611One-way
0 transfers
05817+04167
2:23 PM8h57
Madrid Chamartín
11:20 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
€631One-way
1 transfer
05763+18063
9:25 AM11h01
Madrid Chamartín
8:26 PMDonostia-San Sebastián
€661One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €41 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €41, while a flight costs an average of €236.

Distance: 353 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight	Driving
€41 Average price Cheapest	€47 Average price	€236 Average price	€76 Average price (fuel + tolls)
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	5h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*	4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door)
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

The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is a train with an average price of €41.

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián:

A train is €5 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián costing on average €47.

A train is €195 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián costing on average €236.

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 20m.

Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastián take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 13m.

Bus takes on average 7h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastián including taking a train, bus, and flight.

Live departures

Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
	10:25 AM Madrid	7h58	6:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
	11:25 AM Madrid	7h58	7:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
	1:46 PM Madrid	5h00	6:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
	3:37 PM Madrid	5h15	8:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 19
04187+18061	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h51	4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04187+18063	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	13h31	8:26 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04087+18061	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h51	4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04071+18061	7:32 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h14	4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04073+18061	7:41 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h05	4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04073+18063	7:41 AM Madrid Chamartín	12h45	8:26 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04687+18061	8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín	8h06	4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04687+18063	8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín	11h46	8:26 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo and more offer trains services from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián.

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, Renfe Viajeros or Ouigo to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián.
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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián

Spain

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

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 15:48. The fastest train covers the 353 km distance in 5h 0m.

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

353 km

Average train duration

5h 13m

Cheapest ticket price

€5

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

5h 0m

First train

4:48 AM

Last train

3:48 PM

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Sat

Best time to book

42 days

Price information

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastián from €5. 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

5h 15m

Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price

€25

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

5h 0m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

€39

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 50m

Cheapest Renfe MD Price

€5

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 Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Renfe Viajeros Duration

5h 0m

Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price

€40

Renfe Viajeros frequency

2 a day

Ouigo

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Ouigo Duration

6h 8m

Cheapest Ouigo Price

€55

Ouigo frequency

1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián 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 Sebastián, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is €41; 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is 5h 0m to travel the 353 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián leaves at 4:48 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián leaves at 3:48 PM.

Yes,there are 4 direct trains a day from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

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

A trip to Donostia-San Sebastián from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián is March.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastián including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastián

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

Departure train stations in Madrid

Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian

Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain Parking

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · €1 · every ~15 min

Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · €1 · every ~2 min

BusN24 · 24m · €3 · every ~11 min

Subway1 · 19m · €2 · every ~24 min

Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.

More about Madrid Chamartín

Madrid Príncipe PíoPaseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain+34 902 320 320 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Príncipe Pío from Madrid city centre

Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · €1 · every ~34 min

N18, N20, N19 · 7m · €1 · every ~34 min

Madrid Príncipe Pío train station facilities and services

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.