The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Cheapest price
€49
Average price
€87
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 23 m
Trains per day
40
Distance
352 km
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 €87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
Of the 40 trains that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian on Fri, May 15, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .
On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 46 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.
180619:06 AM7h40Madrid Príncipe Pío4:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€491One-way0 transfers
1806312:25 PM7h58Madrid Príncipe Pío8:23 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€491One-way0 transfers
041675:37 PM5h15Madrid Chamartín10:52 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€611One-way0 transfers
042572:46 PM5h00Madrid Chamartín7:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€641One-way0 transfers
04687+
180618:40 AM8h06Madrid Chamartín4:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€661One-way1 transfer
042572:46 PM5h00Madrid Chamartín7:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€641One-way0 transfers
041675:37 PM5h15Madrid Chamartín10:52 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€611One-way0 transfers
05817+
042572:23 PM5h23Madrid Chamartín7:46 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€721One-way1 transfer
040877:20 AM5h30Madrid Chamartín12:50 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€751One-way0 transfers
04261 · 040877:04 AM5h46Madrid Chamartín12:50 PMDonostia-San Sebastián€1091One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €19, and a flight costs an average of €44.
Distance: 352 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€46 Average price Cheapest | €67 Average price | €295 Average price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04073+ 18063 | On time 6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín | 13h35 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04073 · 04087 | On time 6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h02 | 12:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04073+ 18061 | On time 6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h58 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04261 · 04087 | On time 7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 5h46 | 12:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04261+ 18061 | On time 7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h42 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04261+ 18063 | On time 7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 13h19 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04087 | On time 7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín | 5h30 | 12:50 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04187+ 18061 | On time 7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h26 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04087+ 18061 | On time 7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h26 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04187+ 18063 | On time 7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín | 13h03 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08079+ 04257 | On time 7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h55 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08079+ 18063 | On time 7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín | 12h32 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08079+ 18061 | On time 7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h55 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687 · 04257 | On time 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h06 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687+ 18061 | On time 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h06 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04687+ 18063 | On time 8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h43 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18061 | 9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h40 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04091+ 18061 | On time 9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín | 7h31 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05763+ 18061 | Delayed 7:25 AM 9:25 AMMadrid Chamartín | 7h21 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05763+ 18063 | Delayed 7:25 AM 9:25 AMMadrid Chamartín | 10h58 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 04257 | Delayed 7:56 AM 9:56 AMMadrid Chamartín | 9h50 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 18061 | Delayed 7:56 AM 9:56 AMMadrid Chamartín | 6h50 | 4:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05071+ 18063 | Delayed 7:56 AM 9:56 AMMadrid Chamartín | 10h27 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04121+ 04257 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h23 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04121+ 04167 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 11h29 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04121+ 18063 | On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín | 9h00 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
18063 | 12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h58 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
04143 · 04167 | 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 9h12 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04143+ 04257 | 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h06 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04143+ 18063 | 1:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h43 | 8:23 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05817+ 04257 | On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h23 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
05817+ 04167 | On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h29 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04257+ 04167 | On time 2:46 PM Madrid Chamartín | 8h06 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04257 | 2:46 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h00 | 7:46 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
05721+ 04167 | 2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h53 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08159+ 04167 | 3:10 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h42 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08359+ 04167 | 3:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h12 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04161+ 04167 | 4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h15 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
08179+ 04167 | 5:00 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 transfer | |
04167 | 5:37 PM Madrid Chamartín | 5h15 | 10:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains with Omio?
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 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?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 352 km distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 352 km |
Average train duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 5:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
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.
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with special rates arranged by nearby hotels.
- Restaurant Casa Mingo
- Café de Oriente
- Noodles King
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- €0.60
- Hotel Príncipe Pío
- Acta Madfor Hotel
- Hotel Exe Moncloa
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for regional and Cercanías trains
- Hall 2: Metro connections
- Metro: Line 6, Line 10
- Bus: Several lines available
- Cercanías: Lines C1, C7, C10
Most popular train connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian
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