- 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 on 07 Oct
£30
Average ticket price on 07 Oct
£66
Fastest journey on 07 Oct
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 07 Oct
5 h 39 m
Trains on 07 Oct
50
Distance
352 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
On Wed 07 Oct, we found 50 trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 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 52 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.
04087
18061
18063
05817+
04167
04687+
18061
04257
04167
04087
04179+
04167
05817+
04257Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 42 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 352 km distance in 4h 54m.
Distance 352 km |
Average train duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 42 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 4h 54m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 17:37 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
08069+ 04087 | On time 6:36 Madrid Chamartín | 5h56 | 12:32 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08069+ 18061 | On time 6:36 Madrid Chamartín | 10h10 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08069+ 18063 | On time 6:36 Madrid Chamartín | 13h47 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04087 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 5h37 | 12:32 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04087+ 18061 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 9h51 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04187+ 18061 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 9h51 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04087+ 18063 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 13h28 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04261+ 04257 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 13h11 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04261+ 18061 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 9h42 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04261+ 18063 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 13h19 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04073+ 04257 | On time 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 12h34 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04073+ 18063 | On time 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 12h42 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04073+ 18061 | On time 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 9h05 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04687 · 04257 | On time 8:40 Madrid Chamartín | 11h35 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04687+ 18061 | On time 8:40 Madrid Chamartín | 8h06 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04687+ 18063 | On time 8:40 Madrid Chamartín | 11h43 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
18061 | 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h40 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04091+ 18061 | On time 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 7h31 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04091+ 18063 | On time 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 11h08 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05763+ 18061 | 9:25 Madrid Chamartín | 7h21 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05071+ 04257 | 9:56 Madrid Chamartín | 10h19 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05071+ 18061 | 9:56 Madrid Chamartín | 6h50 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05071+ 18063 | 9:56 Madrid Chamartín | 10h27 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08109+ 04257 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 10h00 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08109+ 18061 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 6h31 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08109+ 18063 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 10h08 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04121+ 04257 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h52 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04121+ 18063 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 9h00 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04121+ 04167 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 11h57 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 04167 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 11h15 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 04257 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 8h10 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 18063 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 8h18 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
18063 | 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h58 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04143+ 04257 | 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04143 · 04167 | 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h40 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04143+ 18063 | 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h43 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04149+ 04257 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04149+ 18063 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 6h30 | 20:23 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04149+ 04167 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 9h27 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05817+ 04167 | 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h57 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05817+ 04257 | 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04257 | 14:50 Madrid Chamartín | 5h25 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04257+ 04167 | On time 14:50 Madrid Chamartín | 8h30 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04151+ 04167 | 14:59 Madrid Chamartín | 8h21 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08359+ 04167 | 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h40 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08169+ 04167 | 16:15 Madrid Chamartín | 7h05 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04161+ 04167 | 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 6h43 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08179+ 04167 | 17:00 Madrid Chamartín | 6h20 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04179+ 04167 | 17:30 Madrid Chamartín | 5h50 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04167 | 17:48 Madrid Chamartín | 5h32 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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
The most popular day trips by train from Donostia-San Sebastian are Bilbao, Pamplona, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bayonne and Biarritz. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Donostia-San Sebastian on Omio.

Bilbao is known for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its blend of industrial heritage with contemporary design. Along the river, Basque culture shapes the city’s food, architecture and lively old quarter.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:35. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 3h 51m.

Pamplona is best known for San Fermín and the running of the bulls, but its compact old quarter and medieval walls give it a steadier character year-round. Navarrese traditions, green parks and a lively pintxos scene shape daily life.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:32, the last at 19:39. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 1h 52m.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for its medieval old town, green spaces and role as the capital of the Basque Country. Its calm streets, elegant squares and pintxos culture give it a measured, local character.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 1h 45m.

Bayonne is a historic city in the French Basque Country with a lively old town and a strong regional identity. It is known for Sainte-Marie Cathedral, traditional chocolate-making and the culinary fame of jambon de Bayonne.

Biarritz is a stylish Basque coast resort known for surf beaches, elegant seafront buildings and Atlantic views. Its mix of ocean culture, smart promenades and lively food gives the city a refined yet relaxed character.
With between 9 and 12 departures a day, every day of the week, travelling by train from Madrid to San Sebastian is very straightforward. There are several direct routes, while some others require a connection, giving varied journey times from just under 5 hours to around 15 hours. The first train departs in the morning and service continues until early evening. All departures are from Madrid Chamartin with arrivals at San Sebastian Donostia Station.
Trains to San Sebastian from Madrid are operated by Renfe, the national rail carrier of Spain. Onboard services include comfortable seating with spacious legroom, wifi, power sockets and a choice of buffet or trolley catering.
Direct train journeys to San Sebastian from Madrid vary in time. The fastest direct route is just under 5.5. hours with longer routes taking up to 7 hours. Routes that involve a connection at Tudela De Navarra or Vitoria-Gasteiz can match the direct route, with others taking up 15 hours depending on the waiting time for connecting trains.
There are between 9 and 12 daily departures on routes from Madrid to San Sebastian. A similar service operates seven days a week, although the first departure is slightly later at weekends. Departure times are spread throughout the day, ending in the early evening.
Departure station:All departures are from Madrid Chamartin located approximately 1.5 miles north of the city centre. Local trains, or Cercanias, as well as Metro services, buses and taxis link the station to central Madrid and onwards to Madrid Barajas Airport. Station facilities include parking, taxi ranks, wifi, toilets, ATMs, bars, restaurants and a left luggage office.
Arrival station:Trains from Madrid to San Sebastian arrive at Donostia station which is conveniently near the historic city centre. It is linked to the San Sebastian Metro and a narrow-gauge railway which runs along the Basque coastline to Bilbao. Station facilities include parking, a taxi rank, toilets and restaurants.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian 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.
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes 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: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
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.
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