- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£47
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 15 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £41.
Of the 16 buses that leave Donostia-San Sebastian for Madrid every day 16 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 15 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 25 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
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Supra Economy
Supra EconomyOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 4m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £44.
Distance: 352 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £207 Average Price |
7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 18:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 0:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 18:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h00 | 0:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
Normal | 8:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h10 | 13:40 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 8:45 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h30 | 15:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 8:45 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h40 | 15:25 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 10:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 15:30 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 10:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 15:15 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 11:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h25 | 16:55 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 11:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h10 | 16:40 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 13:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 18:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 13:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h00 | 19:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 14:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h15 | 19:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 14:30 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h30 | 20:00 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h10 | 22:10 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:00 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 5h45 | 21:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:01 Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses | 6h44 | 22:45 Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid run on average 18 times per day, taking around 6h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £17 by train.
There are 18 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 352 km distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 352 km |
Average bus duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 18 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Buses from San Sebastian to Madrid leave regularly and frequently throughout the day, from very early in the evening until very late in the evening. All services are offered by ALSA. The journey takes between 5 hours and 25 minutes, and 6 hours and 45 minutes. Weekend departures are equally frequent and regular.
Buses from San Sebastian to Madrid leave from the main bus station on Plaza de Pio XII which is a 15 minute journey on the city's efficient bus service from the town centre. There is no public transport after midnight. Taxis are available at taxi ranks. The journey from the bus station to the town centre takes less than ten minutes.
Madrid is Spain's dynamic capital city and has some of the world's greatest museums and art galleries. The Prado has a huge collection, including landmark works by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya. Picasso's 'Guernica' is the showstopper at the Reina Sofia modern art museum. The Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is the official residence of Spain's king and tours are available. Madrid is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and some venues are open all night. Travellers from San Sebastian arrive at the bus station on Avenida de America, north of the city centre, and linked to the efficient Metro system and on bus routes. The journey to the city centre takes less than 30 minutes. The Metro runs until 1.30am. There is a night bus service. Taxis are available to hail on streets. Taxi journeys from the bus station to the city centre take about 20 minutes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid buses use the Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses to Madrid, Avenida de América station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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, 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, 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.
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