How much does a cheap train ticket from Madrid to San Sebastian cost?

The average train ticket price from Madrid to San Sebastian is £51. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the train trip from Madrid to San Sebastian?

A train trip between Madrid and San Sebastian is around 5h 28m, although the fastest train will take about 5h. This is the time it takes to travel the 219 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Madrid and San Sebastian?

The number of trains from Madrid to San Sebastian can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Madrid to San Sebastian by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Madrid to San Sebastian?

When taking the train from Madrid to San Sebastian, you can travel comfortably and safely with Renfe.

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

Trains travelling between Madrid and San Sebastian leave from Madrid-Príncipe Pio or Madrid-Chamartin and arrive at Donostia.

Train Madrid to San Sebastian from £16

Next train departures

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 21 November
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	12:25	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 58m	20:23	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
	Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 15m	22:52	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 22 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 15m	22:52	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 23 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 24 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	CheapestFastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 25 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 26 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 27 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 28m	12:48	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:31 CET.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Madrid to San Sebastian

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach San Sebastian. The journey takes about 4 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just £16, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

16carpool per day

4h 50mAverage duration

219 milesDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£39 - £117	Average duration5h 45m	CO₂ emissions 9kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£19 - £109	Average duration5h 28m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£16 - £49	Average duration4h 50m	CO₂ emissions 15kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Madrid and San Sebastian?

Madrid

A
Madrid-Príncipe Pio
Príncipe Pío, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
B
Madrid-Chamartin
C. de la Hiedra, 5, 28036 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
C
Madrid Puerta De Atocha
Madrid Atocha railway station, Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain
Visit page
D
Madrid-Barajas Airport
Visit page
E
Nuevos Ministerios
Estación de Nuevos Ministerios, 28046 Madrid, Spain

San Sebastian

A
Donostia
Federico García Lorca Pasealekua, 2, 20014 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Visit page

Train Companies

Renfe

4/5916 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

Based on 916 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the Wi-Fi. Renfe ticket prices on this trip start at £19

RENFE Alvia Madrid San Sebastian recent customer reviews

On time and comfortable

Angela D.

15 October 2023

It was a good train ride

Russell L.

27 July 2021

ES train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Madrid to San Sebastian by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Madrid to San Sebastian cost?
The average train ticket price from Madrid to San Sebastian is £51. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the train trip from Madrid to San Sebastian?
A train trip between Madrid and San Sebastian is around 5h 28m, although the fastest train will take about 5h. This is the time it takes to travel the 219 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Madrid and San Sebastian?
The number of trains from Madrid to San Sebastian can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Madrid to San Sebastian by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Madrid to San Sebastian?
When taking the train from Madrid to San Sebastian, you can travel comfortably and safely with Renfe.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Madrid to San Sebastian?
Trains travelling between Madrid and San Sebastian leave from Madrid-Príncipe Pio or Madrid-Chamartin and arrive at Donostia.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

19/11

£86

20/11

£105

Today

£48

22/11

£48

23/11

£48

24/11

£44

25/11

£40

26/11

£33

The cheapest trip from Madrid to San Sebastian was searched and found on 26 Nov 2025 with a price of £33

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £33 to £105 for a train ticket from Madrid to San Sebastian based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £33, which is on 2025-11-26.