Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train with Renfe ALVIA

Sat, Nov 15
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe (13)
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Intercity
Renfe (13)
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

Showing times and prices for Nov 15

Cheapest price

€50

Average price

€88

Fastest journey

5 h 15 m

Average duration

5 h 59 m

Trains per day

29

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 €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €50.

Fast trains

Of the 29 trains that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian on Sat, Nov 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .

On Sat, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 6 h 48 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.

Renfe (13)18061
09:06AM7h39
Madrid Príncipe Pío
04:45PMDonostia-San Sebastián
501One-way
0 transfers
Renfe (13)18063
12:25PM8h03
Madrid Príncipe Pío
08:28PMDonostia-San Sebastián
501One-way
0 transfers
Renfe ALVIA04087
07:20AM5h28
Madrid Chamartín
12:48PMDonostia-San Sebastián
681One-way
0 transfers
Renfe Avant08109+Renfe (13)18061
10:15AM6h30
Madrid Chamartín
04:45PMDonostia-San Sebastián
691One-way
1 transfer
Renfe Avant08109+Renfe (13)18063
10:15AM10h13
Madrid Chamartín
08:28PMDonostia-San Sebastián
691One-way
1 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 €5. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. 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 €5, and a flight costs an average of €65.

Distance: 352 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€57

Average price

Cheapest

€80

Average price

€289

Average price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 54m

Average total duration

7h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 50m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.1kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe Intercity

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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, Saturday, November 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:03 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RenfeALVIA04087+RenfeMD18061
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h25
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04087
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h28
11:48 AM Donostia-San Sebastián
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeMD18063
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
13h08
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187+RenfeMD18061
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h25
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04071+RenfeMD18063
On time
6:32 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h56
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04071+RenfeMD18061
On time
6:32 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h13
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeMD18063
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h43
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073+RenfeMD18061
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18063
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h48
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeMD18061
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h05
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeMD180618:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h39
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián0 transfersDirect
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18061
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h20
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeMD18063
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h03
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h56
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD18061
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h49
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeMD18063
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h32
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h37
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18061
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h30
3:45 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeMD18063
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h13
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeMD18063
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h05
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h29
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeMD1806311:25 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
8h03
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD18063
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h48
7:28 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04143 · 04167
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h12
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h29
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05721+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
1:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h53
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h12
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08179+RenfeALVIA04167
On time
4:00 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h52
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA041674:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h15
9:52 PM Donostia-San Sebastián0 transfersDirect

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 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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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 77 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. 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 04:50, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 352 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
352 km
Average train duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
5h 0m
First train
04:50
Last train
17:37
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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid 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 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 Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
€46
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 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 Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
€50
Renfe Intercity frequency
1 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 (13)

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 Duration
7h 53m
Cheapest Price
€5
Renfe (13) frequency
2 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 Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
€36
Renfe Viajeros frequency
3 a day

Ouigo

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 9m
Cheapest Price
€42
Ouigo frequency
1 a day

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.


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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is €47; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train time is 4 h 55 min   covering the 352 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 04: 50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 17: 38.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian without having to change trains with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity or Renfe (13). There are 4 direct trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the journey from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian you can take a train with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13) or AVE. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid Chamartín, which is located around 4.8 miles (7.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Donostia-San Sebastián, located 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Donostia-San Sebastian from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 55 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by train is September.
You have options as you can travel from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

Madrid
Donostia-San Sebastian
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Príncipe Pío. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Príncipe Pío for your trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Madrid Príncipe PíoWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with special rates arranged by nearby hotels.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Casa Mingo
  • Café de Oriente
  • Noodles King
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.60
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Príncipe Pío
  • Acta Madfor Hotel
  • Hotel Exe Moncloa
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for regional and Cercanías trains
  • Hall 2: Metro connections
Public transit options for Madrid Príncipe Pío
  • Metro: Line 6, Line 10
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Cercanías: Lines C1, C7, C10
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km

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