- 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.
Flights from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian depart on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 7m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £17 by train.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 07:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest flight covers the 352 km distance in 1h 10m. June is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 352 km |
Average flight duration 3h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Flights per day 3 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 1h 10m |
First flight 7:30 |
Last flight 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Cheapest price
£295
Average price
£297
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 10 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap flight 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 £297 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £295.
Of the 2 flights that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 352 km distance in an average of 1 h 10 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest flights will take 1 h 10 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.
IB443
IB449
IB443
IB449Omio 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 £17. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £39.
Distance: 352 km
| Flight | Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£266 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price |
6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 flights for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 Madrid | 4h00 | 12:30 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:50 Madrid | 1h10 | 12:00 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:40 Madrid | 1h10 | 18:50 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:40 Madrid | 1h10 | 19:50 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 9 August | |||||
IB443 | 7:30 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 8:40 San Sebastián Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
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
San Sebastián Airport -> Gipuzkoa Plaza
Flights from the Spanish city of Madrid to San Sebastian are a fast and ideal method to travel the 352 kilometers separating these two cities. While the city of Madrid is famous for its articulate architectural, magnificent buildings and modern restaurants, San Sebastian, on the other hand, is known for its superb local beaches. There are multiple airlines plying from Madrid to San Sebastian, both direct and connecting flights. The flight time is not a long one with direct options landing at San Sebastian airport in as little as one hour 15 minutes. Connecting flights with one stopover take a minimum duration of four hours and 40 minutes depending on the airline chosen and the route taken, including the wait time at transfer airports. With as many as six direct departures a day, passengers are sure to find a flight that suits their schedule.
Airlines with regularly scheduled flights from Madrid to San Sebastian include Air Nostrum in conjunction with Iberia and vueling. Air Nostrum is the only airline company that offers direct flights between the two cities. Other airlines that schedule connecting flights between these two European cities include KLM, Air France, and vueling.
A direct flight across the 352 kilometer route is not a long one. The fastest advertised journey is the Air Nostrum/Iberia flight that takes just one hour 15 minutes. Passengers boarding a connecting flight will take more time to arrive at San-Sebastian depending on the flight, the waiting time, and destination of the connecting city. The common stopover destinations for most Madrid to San Sebastian connecting flights are in Paris or Barcelona.
There are multiple direct and stopover flights from Madrid to San Sebastian daily. Air Nostrum offers up to six Madrid to San Sebastian direct flights each day from Monday to Friday. On weekends, the number of direct flights ranges from four to five every day. The number of flights from Madrid to San Sebastian may vary depending on the day of the week and the availability of airlines. Other airlines schedule several connecting flights every day, making it convenient for travelers due to available flights throughout the day. With the average of five direct flights and 10 connecting flights from Madrid to Sa Sebastian, there are more than 60 flights between these cities weekly.
Departure Airport: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez airport is the departure airport for flights from Madrid to San Sebastian. The airport is located 12 kilometers northeast of the Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor de Madrid, Madrid's historical Centre. metro line 8 and the designated Airport Express bus operate 24 hours a day and are very convenient. The Barajas Line 8 train offers a fast route from the underground stations at Terminal 2 and 4 into central Madrid. Some of the amenities and services provided at the airport include; car hire services, currency exchange, a post office, restaurants and shops including duty-free options, disabled parking lots, and free WiFi access.
Arrival Airport: San Sebastián airport is the arrival airport for planes from Madrid. The airport is located 22 kilometers from Donostia. Travelers can quickly get into the capital of Guipúzcoa in about 55 minutes via Lines E28 and E3 of the Ekialdebus. Lurraldebus also operate various routes between the airport and the city day and night. Taxis offer the quickest and most convenient way to get to and from the airport. Facilities offered include; a medical center, pharmacy, lounges, duty-free shops, unlimited WiFi, and currency exchange.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian by flight. 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 flight, 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 flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to San Sebastián Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
San Sebastián Airport is 1 km from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre. Public transport options include:
San Sebastián Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Sebastián Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Sebastián Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need