1st Class
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Food available
- Extra legroom
- Newspapers and magazines
- Air-conditioned
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£17
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£78
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 40 m
Trains on 18 Sept
62
Distance
346 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 62 trains from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 346 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 56 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.
08129+
18063
04121+
18063
05763+
18061
04687+
18061
04687+
18063
04257
04167
04087
04179+
04167
08069+
04087Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £40, while a flight costs an average of £202.
Distance: 346 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price | £202 Average Price | £85 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián:
A train is £16 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián costing on average £44.
A train is £136 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián costing on average £164.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastián take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 37m.
Coach takes on average 6h 38m.
Tickets start at around £27 compared to roughly £85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £58. The journey takes 5h 37m versus 4h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:20 Madrid Chamartín | 5h30 | 10:50 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:20 Madrid Chamartín | 5h30 | 11:50 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:46 Madrid Chamartín | 5h00 | 17:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:46 Madrid Chamartín | 5h00 | 18:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h15 | 20:52 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 15:48. The fastest train covers the 346 km distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 346 km |
Average train duration 5h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
First train 4:48 |
Last train 15:48 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Compare Renfe ALVIA classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Renfe INTERCITY classes and the amenities included in each one.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián 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 Sebastián, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Chamartín and Donostia-San Sebastián train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
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.