- 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 14 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 14 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 14 Sept
5 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 14 Sept
5 h 1 m
Trains on 14 Sept
2
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palencia 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
On Mon 14 Sept, we found 2 trains from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 1 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.




Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 254 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian:
A coach is £3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian costing on average £31.
Other travel options to Donostia-San Sebastian take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 29m.
Tickets start at around £31 compared to roughly £45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £14. The journey takes 4h 29m versus 3h 11m 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 MD, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trains for tomorrow, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:45 Palencia | 5h01 | 14:46 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:45 Palencia | 5h01 | 15:46 Donostia-San Sebastian | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 15:57. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 5h 1m.
Distance 254 km |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 1m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 15:57 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palencia 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 Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastian trains use the Palencia to Donostia-San Sebastián station pair. Use this guide to compare Palencia and Donostia-San Sebastian train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Palencia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Palencia.
ATMs are available at Palencia.
Ticket office support is available at Palencia.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Palencia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Palencia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palencia.
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