- Must visit
Aquarium
Major aquarium with a maritime museum section, historic displays and a walk-through tunnel. A strong all-weather visit near the harbour.
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£64
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 26 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £41.
Of the 12 buses that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 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.
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Supra Economy
Supra Economy
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NormalOmio 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 £31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 6m. 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 £31, and a flight costs an average of £46.
Distance: 352 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £275 Average Price |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian coaches for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Supra Economy | 18:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 5h25 | 23:55 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 18:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 5h10 | 23:55 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 20:50 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 15h25 | 12:15 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:59 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 17h51 | 17:50 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Buses from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 18 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
There are 16 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 352 km distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 352 km |
Average bus duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 16 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Donostia-San Sebastian — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Donostia-San Sebastian trip today.
Major aquarium with a maritime museum section, historic displays and a walk-through tunnel. A strong all-weather visit near the harbour.
Museum dedicated to sculptor Eduardo Chillida, set in a large garden with monumental works. Combines art, landscape and a quieter side of the area.
Contemporary art centre focused on Basque and international work. It is worth visiting for exhibitions, architecture and a calmer cultural stop in the city.
Iconic city beach and promenade framed by Belle Époque buildings. It is the classic place for walks, sea views and experiencing San Sebastián’s atmosphere.
Historic quarter with narrow streets, churches and lively public spaces. Go for architecture, atmosphere and easy access to several major sights.
Hilltop viewpoint reached by funicular or on foot, with a small amusement area and sweeping views over the bay and city. Ideal for first-time visitors.
Battered cod fried with green peppers and onion. A classic Basque pintxo tied to local salt cod cooking traditions.
Whole spider crab dressed with its own juices, egg and breadcrumbs. A prized festive shellfish dish on the Basque coast.
Basque-style cheesecake from San Sebastián, baked until deeply caramelised outside with a creamy centre. Now iconic city-wide.
Elegant dining room known for creative Basque cooking with strong local produce and polished service.
Historic old-town spot celebrated for Basque cheesecake and classic dishes in a bustling tavern setting.
Busy traditional pintxos bar famed for mushroom pintxos and a lively old-town atmosphere.
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and coffee are reasonable, but central hotels and popular dining can cost more than in many comparable Spanish cities.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for very good service; small change in cafés; taxi tips are optional, often just rounding up.
Official public transport app
Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses -> Boulevard, Donostia / San Sebastián
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by coach. 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 coach, 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.

Most Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Hendaye, Avenida D'espagne. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Restaurante Aitzgorri (0.5 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
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