How much is the train ticket from Madrid to San Sebastian?

The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian start from R 477. The average price for this train route is around R 1 116. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

The average train journey time from Madrid to San Sebastian is 5h 28m, covering a distance of 347 km. The quickest train can get you there in 5h and is operated by Renfe .

Which train operators serve the Madrid to San Sebastian route?

Several major train operators run on this route, with 4 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Madrid to San Sebastian?

The earliest train from Madrid to San Sebastian departs at 07:20. And the latest train departs at 17:37.

Train Madrid to San Sebastian from R 353

Next train departures

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 12 December
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	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	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 13 December
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	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	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 39m	16:45	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 14 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 40m	16:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:37	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 15m	22:52	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 16 December
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 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Next departures from Madrid to San Sebastian on 17 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	Cheapest
Train	14:46	Madrid-Chamartin	5h	19:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	Fastest
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	07:20	Madrid-Chamartin	5h 30m	12:50	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags
Train	09:06	Madrid-Príncipe Pio	7h 40m	16:46	San Sebastian, Donostia	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:05 PM 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 R 340, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14carpool per day

4h 50mAverage duration

353 kmDistance

15kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 728 - R 2 540	Average duration6h	CO₂ emissions 9kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 477 - R 2 384	Average duration5h 28m	CO₂ emissions 8kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 340 - R 1 084	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

4/5926 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.5

WiFi3.1

Based on 926 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 R 477

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

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Madrid to San Sebastian?
The cheapest train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian start from R 477. The average price for this train route is around R 1 116. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Madrid to San Sebastian?
The average train journey time from Madrid to San Sebastian is 5h 28m, covering a distance of 347 km. The quickest train can get you there in 5h and is operated by Renfe.
Which train operators serve the Madrid to San Sebastian route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 4 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Madrid to San Sebastian?
The earliest train from Madrid to San Sebastian departs at 07:20. And the latest train departs at 17:37.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

09/12

R 1 056

10/12

R 1 165

Today

R 1 465

12/12

R 1 038

13/12

R 1 031

14/12

R 1 031

15/12

R 889

16/12

R 353

The cheapest trip from Madrid to San Sebastian was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 353

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 R 353 to R 1 952 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 R 353, which is on 2025-12-16.