Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train with Renfe ALVIA

Mon 25 May
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
Ouigo
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 to Donostia-San Sebastian

Showing times and prices for 25 May

Cheapest price

£43

Average price

£64

Fastest journey

5 h

Average duration

5 h 23 m

Trains per day

52

Distance

352 km

Cheap tickets

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 £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.

Fast trains

Of the 52 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 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 46 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 ALVIA04167
    17:375h15
    Madrid Chamartín
    22:52Donostia-San Sebastián
    £431One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe MD18061
    9:067h40
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    16:46Donostia-San Sebastián
    £451One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe MD18063
    12:257h58
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    20:23Donostia-San Sebastián
    £451One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe AVLO05817+Renfe ALVIA04167
    14:238h29
    Madrid Chamartín
    22:52Donostia-San Sebastián
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe INTERCITY04687+Renfe MD18063
    8:4011h43
    Madrid Chamartín
    20:23Donostia-San Sebastián
    £521One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

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

Omio 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 £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 7m. 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 £17, and a flight costs an average of £40.

Distance: 352 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£42

Average Price

Cheapest

£60

Average Price

£268

Average Price

5h 41m

Average total duration

5h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 51m

Average total duration

6h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.1kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe INTERCITY

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Sunday 24 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA5:20 Madrid
5h30
10:50 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA6:20 Madrid
5h50
12:10 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect
Renfe MD10:25 Madrid
7h58
18:23 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect
Renfe MD11:25 Madrid
7h58
19:23 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect
Renfe INTERCITY13:46 Madrid
5h00
18:46 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA15:37 Madrid
5h15
20:52 Donostia-San Sebastian0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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.

Sun
24 May
Mon
25 May
Tue
26 May
Wed
27 May
Thu
28 May
Fri
29 May
Sat
30 May
Sun
31 May
Mon
01 Jun
Tue
02 Jun
Wed
03 Jun
Thu
04 Jun
Fri
05 Jun
Sat
06 Jun
Sun
07 Jun
Mon
08 Jun
Tue
09 Jun
Wed
10 Jun
Thu
11 Jun
Fri
12 Jun
Sat
13 Jun

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

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo and more offer trains services from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
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 INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros or Ouigo to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
  • 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

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

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is 77 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

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.

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
352 km
Average train duration
5h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
5h 0m
First train
4:45
Last train
17:37
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
77 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, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian from £17. 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 Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
£17
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

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 Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
£17
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

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 Duration
7h 58m
Cheapest Price
£45
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

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
£36
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day

Ouigo

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 8m
Cheapest Price
£50
Ouigo frequency
1 a day

Trains from Madrid to San Sebastian

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.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to San Sebastian?

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.

How long is the train from Madrid to San Sebastian?

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.

How many trains are there from Madrid to San Sebastian?

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.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Madrid to San Sebastian?

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.


Renfe trains from Madrid to San Sebastián

+

Renfe is Spain's national train operator and connects the country's main points of interest. In addition, Renfe has the largest high-speed network in Europe with AVE and Alvia trains. Other Renfe train types are Altaria, Euromed and Talgo. All Renfe trains are equipped with an on-board bistro, toilets, air conditioning and many of them with Wi-Fi.

At Omio you can easily check the Renfe timetable for your trip and book cheap Renfe tickets from Madrid to San Sebastián. When booking, you can choose different classes (Tourist, Tourist Plus, Preferred and Club), the seat and the type of ticket you want (Promo, Promo+, Flexible or Round Trip). If you have a Renfe discount card, you can specify it when you buy your ticket at Omio and take advantage of many offers. For information on ticket cancellation, please visit our Help centre.


More information: Trains in Spain
More information: Renfe
More information: Book your trains in Europe
More information: Cheap train tickets
More information: High speed trains in Europe

FAQs: Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian covers a distance of 352 km and takes approximately 5h 0m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is 352 km.
The first train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 4:45.
The last train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian departs at 17:37.
Trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros.
To get from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Donostia-San Sebastian is Madrid Chamartín, and it arrives at Donostia-San Sebastián.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian 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 to Donostia-San Sebastian is considered scenic, as it passes through picturesque Spanish landscapes, including rolling hills, charming villages, and the lush green countryside of the Basque Country.
A day trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 0m. Trains operate 4 times per day over a distance of 352 km.
In Donostia-San Sebastian, visitors can enjoy surfing at Zurriola Beach, embark on a pintxo tour in the lively bars of the Old Town, and ride the funicular to Monte Igueldo for breathtaking views and amusement park excitement. Exploring the Aquarium with its diverse marine life and ocean tunnel is a must, as is attending a concert or event at the Kursaal Congress Centre. Notable sights include the scenic La Concha Beach, the historic Old Town with its Basque architecture, Monte Igueldo, San Telmo Museoa focused on Basque culture, and the Miramar Palace with its beautiful gardens.
Three to four days is ideal to explore Donostia-San Sebastian, allowing time to enjoy its beaches, savour the famous pintxos, and visit key attractions like the Old Town and Mount Urgull.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Donostia-San Sebastian

Madrid
Donostia-San Sebastian
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Madrid ChamartínParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
address
Address
28036 Madrid, Spain
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Madrid Príncipe PíoWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Paseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with special rates arranged by nearby hotels.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Casa Mingo
  • Café de Oriente
  • Noodles King
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • €0.60
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Príncipe Pío
  • Acta Madfor Hotel
  • Hotel Exe Moncloa
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for regional and Cercanías trains
  • Hall 2: Metro connections
Public transport options for Madrid Príncipe Pío
  • Metro: Line 6, Line 10
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Cercanías: Lines C1, C7, C10

More options for your journey from Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return trains from Donostia-San Sebastian to Madrid
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian coach
Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian flights
Tickets and more information for trains to Madrid
Tickets and more information for trains to Donostia-San Sebastian

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

Prague to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Barcelona to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Vienna train
Madrid to Geneva train
Madrid to Birmingham train
London to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Rome to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Venice train
Marseille to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Porto to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Paris train
Paris to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Manchester to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Berlin to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Amsterdam train
Milan to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Geneva to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Prague train
Madrid to Glasgow train
Madrid to Rome train
Toulouse to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Edinburgh train
Madrid to Lisbon train
Seville to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Bordeaux to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Lisbon to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Liverpool train
Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Copenhagen train
Madrid to Leeds train
Madrid to Manchester train
Valencia to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Brussels to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Zurich to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to London train
Madrid to Stockholm train
Amsterdam to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Munich train
Madrid to Milan train
Naples to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Madrid to Florence train
Madrid to Brussels train
Madrid to Berlin train
Venice to Donostia-San Sebastian train
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to Donostia-San Sebastian Madrid to Donostia-San Sebastian 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