- 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
£44
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 43 m
Trains per day
34
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 £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Of the 34 trains that leave Madrid for Donostia-San Sebastian every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 352 km distance in an average of 5 h 43 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 55 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.
18063
18061
04087
04121+
18063
04257
04257
04167
04179+
04167
05817+
04257
04087Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £31, and a flight costs an average of £46.
Distance: 352 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price | £275 Average Price |
5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.1kg 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 16:37 Madrid | 5h15 | 21:52 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
04087 | 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 5h55 | 12:50 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04087+ 18063 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 13h20 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04087+ 04257 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 13h20 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04087+ 18061 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 9h51 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
18061 | 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h40 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04091+ 18063 | 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 11h00 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04091+ 04257 | 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 11h00 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04091+ 18061 | 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 7h31 | 16:46 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08109+ 18063 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 10h00 | 20:15 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 | |
04121+ 18063 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h52 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04121+ 04257 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h52 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04121+ 04167 | On time 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 11h57 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 18063 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 8h10 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 04257 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 8h10 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
08129+ 04167 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 11h15 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
18063 | 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h50 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04143+ 18063 | 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+ 04257 | 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
34101+ 18063 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04149+ 18063 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04149+ 04257 | 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 6h22 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05817+ 04257 | 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
05817+ 04167 | 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h57 | 23:20 Donostia-San Sebastián | 1 change | |
04257 | 14:50 Madrid Chamartín | 5h25 | 20:15 Donostia-San Sebastián | 0 changesdirect | |
04257+ 04167 | 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 | |
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
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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 352 km distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 352 km |
Average train duration 5h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 5h 0m |
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 |
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
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.
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