MADRID to DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN train from €7 with Renfe MD

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

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 12

Cheapest price on Nov 12: €41
Average ticket price on Nov 12: €65
Fastest journey on Nov 12: 5 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Nov 12: 6 h 15 m
Trains on Nov 12: 23
Distance: 352 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €41.

Fast trains

On Thu, Nov 12, we found 23 trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, including 3 direct services.

On Thu, Nov 12 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 6 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 37 m .

On Thu, Nov 12 the slowest trains will take 6 h 44 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.

04087
6:55 AM 5h37
Madrid Chamartín
12:32 PM
Donostia-San Sebastián
€41
1 One-way
0 transfers
18063
12:25 PM 7h59
Madrid Príncipe Pío
8:24 PM
Donostia-San Sebastián
€50
1 One-way
0 transfers
18061
9:06 AM 7h37
Madrid Príncipe Pío
4:43 PM
Donostia-San Sebastián
€50
1 One-way
0 transfers
08069+04087
6:36 AM 5h56
Madrid Chamartín
12:32 PM
Donostia-San Sebastián
€61
1 One-way
1 transfer
04149+18063
1:53 PM 6h31
Madrid Chamartín
8:24 PM
Donostia-San Sebastián
€61
1 One-way
1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 42 times per day, taking around 5h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €7 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 352 km distance in 4h 54m.

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

352 km

Average train duration

5h 43m

Cheapest ticket price

€7

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

4h 54m

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

Tue

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

77 days

Price information

Live departures

Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Wednesday, November 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
18063	12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío	7h59	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
04143 · 04167	On time 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín	9h24	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04143+18063	On time 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín	6h44	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04149+04167	On time 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín	9h11	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04149+18063	On time 1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín	6h31	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
34101+18063	1:53 PM Madrid Chamartín	6h31	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
05817+04167	Delayed 1:34 PM 2:23 PMMadrid Chamartín	8h41	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04151+04167	2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín	8h05	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04161+04167	4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín	6h27	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04167	5:48 PM Madrid Chamartín	5h16	11:04 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
08069+04087	6:36 AM Madrid Chamartín	5h56	12:32 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08069+18063	6:36 AM Madrid Chamartín	13h48	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08069+18061	6:36 AM Madrid Chamartín	10h07	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04087	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	5h37	12:32 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
04187+18061	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h48	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04087+18061	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h48	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04187+18063	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	13h29	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04261+18063	7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín	13h20	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04261+18061	7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h39	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08079+18061	7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín	8h52	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08079+18063	7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín	12h33	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
18061	9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	7h37	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	0 transfersDirect
05763+18063	9:25 AM Madrid Chamartín	10h59	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
05763+18061	9:25 AM Madrid Chamartín	7h18	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
05071+18061	9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín	6h47	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
05071+18063	9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín	10h28	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08109+18063	10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín	10h09	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08109+18061	10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín	6h28	4:43 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
04121+18063	11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín	9h01	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer
08129+18063	12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín	8h19	8:24 PM Donostia-San Sebastián	1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe and more offer trains services from Madrid 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 or Renfe to find the best option for your trip from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

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

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Trains

from €7

Buses

from €33

Flights

from €39

Train companies: Renfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe MD, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe trains will get you between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian from €7. 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

4h 59m

Cheapest Renfe MD Price

€9

Renfe MD frequency

20 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

5h 3m

Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price

€7

Renfe ALVIA frequency

14 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

4h 54m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

€7

Renfe INTERCITY frequency

12 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

5h 19m

Cheapest Renfe Price

€7

Renfe frequency

12 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 Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, you can count on Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, 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 Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

Trains from Madrid to San Sebastian

With between 9 and 12 departures a day, every day of the week, travelling by train from Madrid to San Sebastian is very straightforward. There are several direct routes, while some others require a connection, giving varied journey times from just under 5 hours to around 15 hours. The first train departs in the morning and service continues until early evening. All departures are from Madrid Chamartin with arrivals at San Sebastian Donostia Station.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to San Sebastian?

Trains to San Sebastian from Madrid are operated by Renfe, the national rail carrier of Spain. Onboard services include comfortable seating with spacious legroom, wifi, power sockets and a choice of buffet or trolley catering.

How long is the train from Madrid to San Sebastian?

Direct train journeys to San Sebastian from Madrid vary in time. The fastest direct route is just under 5.5. hours with longer routes taking up to 7 hours. Routes that involve a connection at Tudela De Navarra or Vitoria-Gasteiz can match the direct route, with others taking up 15 hours depending on the waiting time for connecting trains.

How many trains are there from Madrid to San Sebastian?

There are between 9 and 12 daily departures on routes from Madrid to San Sebastian. A similar service operates seven days a week, although the first departure is slightly later at weekends. Departure times are spread throughout the day, ending in the early evening.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Madrid to San Sebastian?

Departure station:All departures are from Madrid Chamartin located approximately 1.5 km north of the city centre. Local trains, or Cercanias, as well as Metro services, buses and taxis link the station to central Madrid and onwards to Madrid Barajas Airport. Station facilities include parking, taxi ranks, wifi, toilets, ATMs, bars, restaurants and a left luggage office.

Arrival station:Trains from Madrid to San Sebastian arrive at Donostia station which is conveniently near the historic city centre. It is linked to the San Sebastian Metro and a narrow-gauge railway which runs along the Basque coastline to Bilbao. Station facilities include parking, a taxi rank, toilets and restaurants.

Renfe trains from Madrid to San Sebastián

Renfe is Spain's national train operator and connects the country's main points of interest. In addition, Renfe has the largest high-speed network in Europe with AVE and Alvia trains. Other Renfe train types are Altaria, Euromed and Talgo. All Renfe trains are equipped with an on-board bistro, toilets, air conditioning and many of them with Wi-Fi.

At Omio you can easily check the Renfe timetable for your trip and book cheap Renfe tickets from Madrid to San Sebastián. When booking, you can choose different classes (Tourist, Tourist Plus, Preferred and Club), the seat and the type of ticket you want (Promo, Promo+, Flexible or Round Trip). If you have a Renfe discount card, you can specify it when you buy your ticket at Omio and take advantage of many offers. For information on ticket cancellation, please visit our Help centre.

Renfe

More information

More information:	Trains in Spain
More information:	Renfe
More information:	Book your trains in Europe
More information:	Cheap train tickets
More information:	High speed trains in Europe

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

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

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is €31; 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 Sebastian is 4h 54m to travel the 352 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 Sebastian leaves at 4:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 5:37 PM.

Yes,there are 5 direct trains a day from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

Yes, there's a high-speed train to Donostia-San Sebastian. Take the fast train with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

A trip to Donostia-San Sebastian from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 54m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

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

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

Most Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid 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 Madrid

Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian

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

Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.

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.