- 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
£64
Average price
£83
Fastest journey
6 h 29 m
Average duration
10 h 47 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
401 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona 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 Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Of the 12 trains that leave Barcelona for Donostia-San Sebastian every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 401 km distance in an average of 10 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 29 m .
The slowest trains will take 12 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.
06420+
04167+
18021 · 00632
06080+
04167+
18021 · 00632
00530
06420+
00622+
04257 · 18021
06080+
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04257 · 18021
00530
06012+
00622+
18063+
18021
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04257 · 18021
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18021 · 00632
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18021Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, and a flight costs an average of £52.
Distance: 401 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£84 Average Price | £54 Average Price Cheapest | £148 Average Price |
7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 34m Average total duration 7h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06420+ 00622+ 18063+ 18021 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 12h40 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06420+ 00632+ 04167+ 18021 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 15h45 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06420+ 00622+ 04257 · 18021 | 7:35 Barcelona Sants | 12h40 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06080+ 00622+ 04257 · 18021 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 12h25 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06080+ 00622+ 18063+ 18021 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 12h25 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06080+ 00632+ 04167+ 18021 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 15h30 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06012+ 00622+ 18063+ 18021 | 8:45 Barcelona Sants | 11h30 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06012+ 00632+ 04167+ 18021 | 8:45 Barcelona Sants | 14h35 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06012+ 00622+ 04257 · 18021 | 8:45 Barcelona Sants | 11h30 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06500+ 00632+ 04167+ 18021 | 10:40 Barcelona Sants | 12h40 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
06020+ 00632+ 04167+ 18021 | 11:18 Barcelona Sants | 12h02 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 3 changes | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 401 km distance in 6h 29m.
Distance 401 km |
Average train duration 6h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 29m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 21:07 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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
San Sebastián Airport -> Donostia Geltokia, Donostia-San Sebastián
There are three routes that serve trains from Barcelona to San Sebastian with up to 23 departures per day. Direct trains, of which there are two Monday - Saturday, take approximately 5.5 hours to make the journey. Other routes can take up to 15 hours or more depending on waiting times at transfer stations. Departures start early morning and continue until mid-afternoon. There is a slightly reduced service on Sundays with only one direct train.
All trains from Barcelona to San Sebastian are operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail service provider. Renfe trains are modern with spacious comfortable carriages and a choice of buffet car or trolley catering depending on ticket class. Other onboard facilities include power sockets and free wifi.
Depending on the route taken and transfer times, the train journey to San Sebastian from Barcelona takes between 5.5 and 15 hours. Connections are made at Zaragoza-Delicias, Camp Tarragona or Vitoria-Gasteiz stations. The early morning direct departure has the shortest journey time, arriving at San Sebastian in the early afternoon.
From Monday to Saturday there are at least 20 departures a day on routes from Barcelona to San Sebastian, while there are slightly fewer departures on Sundays. There is only one direct service on Sundays, compared to two every other day.
Departure station:All trains travelling to San Sebastian from Barcelona depart from Barcelona Sants Station. This large terminus, located to the west of the city centre, is Barcelona's busiest transport hub. It is served by Blue Metro Line 5 and Green Metro Line 3 as well as local buses and taxis. Other facilities include car parking, luggage storage, ATMs, wifi, shops and restaurants.
Arrival station:All trains to San Sebastian from Barcelona arrive at Donostia Station which is within easy walking distance of the city centre. Donostia Station is linked to the city's Metro service as well as to the narrow-gauge railway which runs along the Basque coastline to Bilbao. Station facilities include parking, a taxi rank, wifi, toilets and restaurants.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona 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.

Most Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Barcelona Sants to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
Barcelona Sants has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Donostia-San Sebastián has practical services for this route, including Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastián. Information desks are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: WC.
Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need