Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Sun 18 Oct
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe INTERCITY
SNCF | Intercités
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe INTERCITY
SNCF | Intercités
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct

Cheapest price on 18 Oct

£60

Average ticket price on 18 Oct

£73

Fastest journey on 18 Oct

9 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 18 Oct

10 h 31 m

Trains on 18 Oct

12

Distance

401 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona 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 Barcelona will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.

Fast trains

To travel from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO06415
    8:2015h08
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    23:28Barcelona Sants
    £601One-way
    2 changes
  • Renfe MD18012+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO06415
    10:5812h30
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    23:28Barcelona Sants
    £651One-way
    2 changes
  • Renfe INTERCITY00281+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO06415
    11:3011h58
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    23:28Barcelona Sants
    £651One-way
    2 changes
  • Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO07415
    8:2015h08
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    23:28Barcelona Sants
    £661One-way
    2 changes
  • Renfe MD18012+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO07415
    10:5812h30
    Donostia-San Sebastián
    23:28Barcelona Sants
    £711One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 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 2h 37m.

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
401 km
Average train duration
6h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 37m
First train
4:44
Last train
21:07
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
5 days
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

Live departures

Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe INTERCITY00281+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO07415
On time
11:30 Donostia-San Sebastián
11h58
23:28 Barcelona Sants
2 changes
Renfe INTERCITY00281+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO06415
On time
11:30 Donostia-San Sebastián
11h58
23:28 Barcelona Sants
2 changes
Renfe INTERCITY00281+Renfe ALVIA00621+SNCF OUIGO07415
On time
11:30 Donostia-San Sebastián
11h58
23:28 Barcelona Sants
2 changes
Renfe MD18014+Renfe ALVIA00621+SNCF OUIGO0741513:55 Donostia-San Sebastián
9h33
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe MD18014+Renfe ALVIA00621+SNCF OUIGO0641513:55 Donostia-San Sebastián
9h33
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO074158:20 Donostia-San Sebastián
15h08
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe ALVIA04086+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO064158:20 Donostia-San Sebastián
15h08
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe ALVIA04086 · 00621+SNCF OUIGO064158:20 Donostia-San Sebastián
15h08
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe MD18012+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO0641510:58 Donostia-San Sebastián
12h30
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe MD18012+Renfe18029+SNCF OUIGO0741510:58 Donostia-San Sebastián
12h30
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes
Renfe MD18012+Renfe ALVIA00621+SNCF OUIGO0641510:58 Donostia-San Sebastián
12h30
23:28 Barcelona Sants2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF | Intercités and more offer trains services from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY or SNCF | Intercités to find the best option for your trip from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona?

The best time to book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona is 5 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona 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 Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF | Intercités, AVE, SNCF | Intercités de nuit, Renfe AVLO from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF | Intercités, AVE, SNCF | Intercités de nuit, Renfe AVLO trains will get you between Donostia-San Sebastian and Barcelona 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 Renfe ALVIA Duration
6h 7m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£6
Renfe ALVIA frequency
5 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

About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
6h 41m
Cheapest Renfe Price
£5
Renfe frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Renfe MD

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 Renfe MD Duration
6h 18m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£6
Renfe MD frequency
4 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 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 Renfe INTERCITY Duration
6h 9m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£6
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
3 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

SNCF | Intercités

About
SNCF Intercités is the brand used by France's national railway company, SNCF, for its non-high-speed, long and medium-distance services on the classic rail network. Established in 2006, it encompasses routes not served by the TGV network, including both day and overnight trains. Intercités connects major regional cities and offers an alternative for destinations not on the high-speed lines, such as Paris to Clermont-Ferrand, Bordeaux to Marseille, and Nantes to Lyon. These trains are known for being comfortable and air-conditioned, with services like luggage space and, on some lines, Wi-Fi.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | Intercités Duration
7h 15m
Cheapest SNCF | Intercités Price
£70
SNCF | Intercités frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Luggage racks at the end of carriages and overhead storage
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by SNCF
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar-buffet car with snacks and drinks, or trolley service depending on route
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, additional fee applies. Free in 1st class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, assistance service must be booked 48h in advance
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

AVE

About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average AVE Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest AVE Price
£36
AVE frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone

SNCF | Intercités de nuit

About
SNCF Intercités de nuit is the regular overnight train service offered by France's national railway company, SNCF, since 2012. These trains, primarily using Corail coaches, provide a time-effective way to travel across France, connecting Paris to various destinations in the south, including the Alps, the Côte d'Azur, and the Pyrenees. Passengers can choose from reclining seats, 6-berth couchettes in second class, or 4-berth couchettes in first class, with the option to book an entire compartment for privacy. Services can include Wi-Fi, pre-ordered meals, and even shower access at select stations for first-class travelers. Popular routes include Paris to Nice, Toulouse, Briançon, and Lourdes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | Intercités de nuit Duration
15h 43m
Cheapest SNCF | Intercités de nuit Price
£227
SNCF | Intercités de nuit frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Luggage racks at the end of carriages and overhead storage
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Food sold onboard
Vending machine with snacks and drinks available
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe AVLO

About
Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe AVLO Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price
£40
Renfe AVLO frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed

Complete guide to Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona

Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.

  • Must visit

Museu Picasso

Barcelona’s leading art museum holds an outstanding collection of Picasso’s early works, offering insight into his formative years in the city.

  • Must visit

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

MNAC presents Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to modern works inside a grand national palace with excellent terrace views.

  • Recommended

Fundació Joan Miró

A striking museum devoted to Joan Miró, with major paintings, sculptures and a bright hilltop setting on Montjuïc.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are reasonable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change is fine in cafés.

FAQs: Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona covers a distance of 401 km and takes approximately 2h 37m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona is 401 km.
The first train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona leaves at 4:44.
The last train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona departs at 21:07.
Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.
Yes, there is a direct train between Donostia-San Sebastian and Barcelona. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, AVE, Renfe AVLO.
Yes, there is a night train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.
The train station in Donostia-San Sebastian that goes to Barcelona is Donostia-San Sebastián, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
Booking trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona offers scenic views, including rolling green hills, charming Basque countryside, and glimpses of the Pyrenees, making it a visually appealing trip.
Yes, you can take the train from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Donostia-San Sebastian and Barcelona

Most Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona trains use the Donostia-San Sebastián to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Donostia-San Sebastian and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian
Arrival train stations in Barcelona

Which Donostia-San Sebastian station do trains to Barcelona leave from?

Trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona leave from Donostia-San Sebastián. The station is 1 km from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre at De Francia Ibilbidea, 22, 20012 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
Donostia-San SebastiánDe Francia Ibilbidea, 22, 20012 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Donostia-San Sebastián from Donostia-San Sebastian city centre

Bus9, 37, B3, 42 · 6m · £2 · every ~14 min

Donostia-San Sebastián train station facilities and services

Donostia-San Sebastián has practical services for this route, including Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Donostia-San Sebastián. Information desks are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Donostia-San Sebastián: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Donostia-San Sebastián.

Most popular trains to and from Barcelona and Donostia-San Sebastian

HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to Barcelona Donostia-San Sebastian to Barcelona train

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