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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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Taking the train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia in 4 hours 47 minutes
What better way to uncover the true beauty of Spain, than by zipping from its cultural centre to the coast by train? With comfortable air-conditioned carriages and a buffet car at your disposal, the reliable Renfe network is a popular way to visit San Sebastian from Madrid.
Take the direct train from city-centre to city-centre in less than five-and-a-half-hours. With the train station a mere ten minutes’ walk from the beach, in no time you’ll be knocking back sangria and eating tapas with a bayfront backdrop to boot. With around 10 trains a day serving the route, there’s nearly twice as much choice as flying. Plus, you won’t have to worry about liquid restrictions or luggage allocation with three bags per traveller allowed. Not sure where to visit first? Check out our guide on what to do in San Sebastian, as well as our favorite restaurants in San Sebastian.
If you need any more information before committing to this journey, take a look at our detailed route facts below, including train times and FAQs.
Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia by train
It takes an average of 7h 6m to travel from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, over a distance of around 219 miles (353 km). There are normally 7 trains per day traveling from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia and tickets for this journey start from $23.66 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia?
How close is Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
Which train companies operate from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Is it possible to get from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia?
What time does the first train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leave?
What time does the last train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leave?
How often are trains from Madrid and San Sebastián-Donostia?
Do you need to book the train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Renfe, Alvia and Media Distancia trains from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia
Renfe
Alvia
Media Distancia
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
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Renfe's Media Distancia are regional trains operated by CAF locomotives that run on medium-distance routes not covered by Avant high-speed trains. Most Media Distancia trains have one class. However, there are some that will have Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). These trains also have spaces for bicycles, and all seats are equipped with power sockets and reading lights.
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Alvia classes from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia
Compare the different travel classes offered by Alvia when traveling from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia.
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, power outlets at every seat and footrests.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy more comfortable seats, more legroom, an in-seat meal service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on Alvia
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia.
On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of baggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Strollers and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand baggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat service with a wide selection of food and drinks.
On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.
Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.
With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand baggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special baggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.
You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.
Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.