Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Renfe AVANT08129+Renfe MD18063
    12:058h10
    Madrid Chamartín
    20:15Donostia-San Sebastián
    £171One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe AVLO04121+Renfe MD18063
    11:238h52
    Madrid Chamartín
    20:15Donostia-San Sebastián
    £591One-way
    1 change
  • AVE05763+Renfe MD18061
    9:257h21
    Madrid Chamartín
    16:46Donostia-San Sebastián
    £591One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe INTERCITY04687+Renfe MD18061
    8:408h06
    Madrid Chamartín
    16:46Donostia-San Sebastián
    £601One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe INTERCITY04687+Renfe MD18063
    8:4011h35
    Madrid Chamartín
    20:15Donostia-San Sebastián
    £601One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián

Omio 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

Compare train with

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)

Renfe INTERCITY

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is a train with an average price of £27.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 11m.

Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastián take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 37m.

Coach takes on average 6h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid Chamartín and Donostia-San Sebastián including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA5:20 Madrid Chamartín
5h30
10:50 Donostia-San Sebastián0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA6:20 Madrid Chamartín
5h30
11:50 Donostia-San Sebastián0 changesdirect
Renfe INTERCITY12:46 Madrid Chamartín
5h00
17:46 Donostia-San Sebastián0 changesdirect
Renfe INTERCITY13:46 Madrid Chamartín
5h00
18:46 Donostia-San Sebastián0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA15:37 Madrid Chamartín
5h15
20:52 Donostia-San Sebastián0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián by coach, train or flight

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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
Mon
05 Oct
Tue
06 Oct
Wed
07 Oct

Why should you book Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián trains with Omio?

Renfe MD as well as Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe ALVIA offer trains services from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe MD?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe MD, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe ALVIA to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.
  • 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 MD with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.

Why book with Omio over Raileurope or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

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.

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
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
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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD trains will get you between Madrid Chamartín and Donostia-San Sebastián from £16. 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
5h 15m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£16
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 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

What's included in each class

Compare Renfe ALVIA classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Food available
  • Extra legroom
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Air-conditioned
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • Food available
  • Air-conditioned

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
5h 0m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£29
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
1 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

What's included in each class

Compare Renfe INTERCITY classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
2nd Class
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy

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
7h 53m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£44
Renfe MD frequency
2 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

FAQs: Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián covers a distance of 346 km and takes approximately 5h 0m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is 346 km.
The first train from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián departs at 15:48.
Trains from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid Chamartín and Donostia-San Sebastián. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD.
To get from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is by train, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Basque Country, lush greenery, and picturesque villages, enhancing the travel experience with a unique glimpse of northern Spain's natural beauty.
A day trip from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 0m and the train frequency is 2 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid Chamartín and Donostia-San Sebastián

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.

Departure train stations in Madrid
Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian
Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusN24 · 24m · £3 · every ~11 min
Subway1 · 19m · £2 · every ~24 min

Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.

HomeTrainsTrains in SpainMadrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone