- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£91
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£130
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
11 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
11 h 59 m
Trains on 05 Sept
15
Distance
746 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nice 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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around £130 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £91.
Fast trains
To travel from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian you need to make at least 2 changes.
4762 · 14157+
1747610:3111h40Nice Saint-Augustin22:11Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£911One-way2 changes- 4762 · 14157+1747610:3111h52Nice Saint-Augustin22:23Hendaye station£911One-way2 changes
- 4760+
8549+174728:3112h17Nice Saint-Augustin20:48Hendaye station£1121One-way2 changes - 4760+8549+174728:3112h02Nice Saint-Augustin20:33Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£1121One-way2 changes
- 4758+8547+174686:3312h03Nice Saint-Augustin18:36Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£1151One-way2 changes
- 4762 · 14157+1747610:3111h40Nice Saint-Augustin22:11Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£911One-way2 changes
- 4762 · 14157+1747610:3111h52Nice Saint-Augustin22:23Hendaye station£911One-way2 changes
- 4760+8549+174728:3112h02Nice Saint-Augustin20:33Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£1121One-way2 changes
- 4758+8547+174686:3312h03Nice Saint-Augustin18:36Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure£1151One-way2 changes
- 4760+8549+174728:3112h17Nice Saint-Augustin20:48Hendaye station£1121One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £49, while a train costs an average of £145.
Distance: 746 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£145 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest | £122 Average Price | £218 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 11m Average total duration 10h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 23m Average total duration 12h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 4.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian is a coach with an average price of £49.
This is compared to other travel options from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A coach is £73 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average £122.
A coach is £96 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average £145.
The fastest way to travel from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 3m.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 41m.
Coach takes on average 12h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Nice and Donostia-San Sebastian including taking a train, coach 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 £145 compared to roughly £218 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £73. The journey takes 10h 41m versus 8h 38m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian train times
The table below shows live departures for Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5516 · 5382 · 8547 | 6:57 Nice-Ville | 11h54 | 18:51 Hendaye station | 2 changes | |
| 5516 · 5382 · 8547 | 6:57 Nice-Ville | 11h39 | 18:36 Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 2 changes | |
6188 · 8415+ L51 (866435) | 7:55 Nice-Ville | 12h05 | 20:00 Hendaye station | 2 changes | |
| 6188 · 8415+L51 (866435) | 7:55 Nice-Ville | 11h50 | 19:45 Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 2 changes | |
| 6188 · 8415+L51 (866435) | 7:55 Nice-Ville | 12h00 | 19:55 Les Deux-Jumeaux | 2 changes | |
| 6174 · 12267+L51 (866439) | 9:56 Nice-Ville | 12h06 | 22:02 Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 2 changes | |
| 6174 · 12267+L51 (866439) | 9:56 Nice-Ville | 12h21 | 22:17 Hendaye station | 2 changes | |
| 6174 · 12267+L51 (866439) | 9:56 Nice-Ville | 12h16 | 22:12 Les Deux-Jumeaux | 2 changes | |
| 6176 · 8551 | 11:56 Nice-Ville | 11h11 | 23:07 Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 change | |
| 6176 · 8551 | 11:56 Nice-Ville | 11h28 | 23:24 Hendaye station | 1 change | |
 5772+8537 | 18:58 Nice-Ville | 19h35 | 14:33 Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure | 1 change | |
| 5772+8537+F51 (866533) | 18:58 Nice-Ville | 21h06 | 16:04 Les Deux-Jumeaux | 2 changes | |
| 5772+8537 | 18:58 Nice-Ville | 19h50 | 14:48 Hendaye station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Nice 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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
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Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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09 Sept
09 Sept
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11 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian
France
Spain
Trains from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £97 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 746 km distance in 11h 39m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31
Distance 746 km |
Average train duration 10h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £97 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 11h 39m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 20:18 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31
Train companies: SNCF | Intercités, SNCF | TGV INOUI, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian trainsSNCF | Intercités, SNCF | TGV INOUI, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Nice and Donostia-San Sebastian from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | Intercités
About
SNCF Intercités is the brand used by France's national railway company, SNCF, for its non-high-speed, long and medium-distance services on the classic rail network. Established in 2006, it encompasses routes not served by the TGV network, including both day and overnight trains. Intercités connects major regional cities and offers an alternative for destinations not on the high-speed lines, such as Paris to Clermont-Ferrand, Bordeaux to Marseille, and Nantes to Lyon. These trains are known for being comfortable and air-conditioned, with services like luggage space and, on some lines, Wi-Fi.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | Intercités Duration
11h 39m
Cheapest SNCF | Intercités Price
£97
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Luggage racks at the end of carriages and overhead storage
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled by SNCF
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar-buffet car with snacks and drinks, or trolley service depending on route
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, additional fee applies. Free in 1st class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, assistance service must be booked 48h in advance
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require paid ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a \Bistro TGV INOUI\" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
12h 27m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
£158
SNCF | TGV INOUI frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Duration
13h 12m
Cheapest Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) Price
£254
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Donostia-San Sebastian
Things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
- Must visit
Chillida Leku
Museum dedicated to sculptor Eduardo Chillida, set in a large garden with monumental works. Combines art, landscape and a quieter side of the area.
- Recommended
Tabakalera
Contemporary art centre focused on Basque and international work. It is worth visiting for exhibitions, architecture and a calmer cultural stop in the city.
- Must visit
La Concha
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.
- Must visit
Parte Vieja
Historic quarter with narrow streets, churches and lively public spaces. Go for architecture, atmosphere and easy access to several major sights.
- Must visit
Monte Igueldo
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.
Bacalao a la Donostiarra
Battered cod fried with green peppers and onion. A classic Basque pintxo tied to local salt cod cooking traditions.
Txangurro a la Donostiarra
Whole spider crab dressed with its own juices, egg and breadcrumbs. A prized festive shellfish dish on the Basque coast.
- Vegetarian
Tarta de queso vasca
Basque-style cheesecake from San Sebastián, baked until deeply caramelised outside with a creamy centre. Now iconic city-wide.
Arzak
Elegant dining room known for creative Basque cooking with strong local produce and polished service.
La Viña
Historic old-town spot celebrated for Basque cheesecake and classic dishes in a bustling tavern setting.
Bar Ganbara
Busy traditional pintxos bar famed for mushroom pintxos and a lively old-town atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: pintxos and coffee are reasonable, but central hotels and popular dining can cost more than in many comparable Spanish cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for a casual meal or pintxos.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
MUGI
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.85
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
San Sebastián Airport -> Donostia Geltokia, Donostia-San Sebastián
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Use a MUGI card for integrated fares across Dbus and other Gipuzkoa operators; paying cash on Dbus is €1.85 for a single ticket.
- Aena confirms airport buses to San Sebastián run under Lurraldebus. Buy according to the operator’s current fare rules, as airport fare varies by zones.
FAQs: Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nice 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £97, while the average price tends to be around £145.
The train journey from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian covers a distance of 746 km and takes approximately 11h 39m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian is 746 km.
The first train from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian leaves at 4:44.
The last train from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian departs at 20:18.
Trains from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian.
To get from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian.
The train station in Nice that goes to Donostia-San Sebastian is Nice-Ville, and it arrives at Hendaye station.
The cheapest way to get from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian offers scenic views, especially as it travels along the French Riviera with glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. The route also passes through picturesque countryside and charming towns, providing a visually appealing experience.
A day trip from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 39m and covers 746 km. The frequency of trips is 7 per day for trains.
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 Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Nice and Donostia-San Sebastian
Most Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Nice Ville to Hendaye station pair. Use this guide to compare Nice and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Nice
Arrival train stations in Donostia-San Sebastian
Which Nice station do trains to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from?
Trains from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian leave from Nice Ville. The station is from Nice city centre at Avenue Thiers, 06008 Nice, France.
Nice VilleAvenue Thiers, 06008 Nice, France+33 493870707
City-centre transport
Getting to Nice Ville from Nice city centre
Bus99 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
Nice Ville train station facilities and services
Nice Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Agora, PAUL, Sushi Side, Factory Donuts, Deli & Cia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located on the forecourt of the station, on the right when exiting the station hall.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 15:30. Information desks are located in the station main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nice Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nice Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Ville: Level access from the entrance to the station, barrier-free toilets, magnetic induction loops. Assistance offered by Accès Plus to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, located in the central hall.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Trocadero, Ibis Nice Centre Gare, Hotel Belle Meuniere.
Nice Saint-AugustinGare de Nice Saint-Augustin, 06200 Nice, France+33 800 11 40 23
City-centre transport
Getting to Nice Saint-Augustin from Nice city centre
Nice Saint-Augustin is 5 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C13 · 5m · every ~25 min
Bus12+ · 25m · £2 · every ~10 min
TramL3, L2 · 26m · £2 · every ~29 min
Nice Saint-Augustin train station facilities and services
Nice Saint-Augustin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nice Saint-Augustin. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Saint-Augustin: Ramps, restrooms.
Nice Riquier4 Rue Alfred Binet, 06300 Nice, France+33 800 11 40 23
City-centre transport
Getting to Nice Riquier from Nice city centre
Nice Riquier is 1 km from Nice city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C13 · 4m · every ~15 min
Bus57 · 13m · £2 · every ~8 min
TramL1 · 22m · £2 · every ~25 min
Nice Riquier train station facilities and services
Nice Riquier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Le Millésime, La Roustide
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nice Riquier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nice Riquier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nice Riquier: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Riquier: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Apogia Nice, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port.
Most popular train connections from Nice
More options for your journey from Nice to Donostia-San Sebastian
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Donostia-San Sebastian and Nice
Most popular train connections to Donostia-San Sebastian
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