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Take the train from San Sebastián to Arcachon in 20 hours 33 minutes
If you want to travel from San Sebastián to Arcachon by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from San Sebastián to Arcachon by train to take around 20 hours 33 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 20 hours 33 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 1 train per day running on this route, which spans 101 miles (163 km). You’ll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Arcachon. TGV, Renfe or SNCF are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
You can save money on train tickets from San Sebastián to Arcachon if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from San Sebastián to Arcachon if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
San Sebastián to Arcachon by train
| First train | 10:55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:55 | |
| Departure station | San Sebastián | |
| Arrival station | Arcachon | |
| Journey time | From 20h 33m | |
| Distance | 101 miles (163 km) | |
| Frequency | 1 train per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators |
Renfe, Trenhotel, SNCF and TER trains from San Sebastián to Arcachon
Renfe
Trenhotel
SNCF
TER
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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The Trenhotel is Renfe's night train service, which serves national and international routes in Portugal. The trains offer three classes with different levels of comfort for the beds and seats – Turista (Second Class), Preferente (First Class) and Gran Confort or Gran Clase. There are six different Trenhotel routes – Galicia (Barcelona – Vigo), Rosalía de Castro (Barcelona – A Coruña), Rías Gallegas (Madrid – Pontevedra), Atlántico (Madrid – Ferrol), Lusitania (Madrid – Lisbon) and Surexpreso (Irun – Lisbon).
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
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TGV INOUI and TER classes from San Sebastián to Arcachon
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and TER when travelling from San Sebastián to Arcachon.
TGV INOUI
TER
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
Onboard services on TGV INOUI and TER
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from San Sebastián to Arcachon.
TGV INOUI
TER
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
Cheap train tickets from San Sebastián to Arcachon
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 San Sebastián to Arcachon 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from San Sebastián to Arcachon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from San Sebastián to Arcachon take?
The average journey time by train between San Sebastián and Arcachon is 20 hours and 33 minutes, with around 1 train per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between San Sebastián and Arcachon by train?
The fastest journey time by train from San Sebastián to Arcachon is 20 hours and 33 minutes.
Is there a direct train from San Sebastián to Arcachon?
No, there are no direct train services from San Sebastián to Arcachon. Travelling from San Sebastián to Arcachon by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from San Sebastián to Arcachon leave?
The first train from San Sebastián to Arcachon leaves at 10:55. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from San Sebastián to Arcachon leave?
The last train from San Sebastián to Arcachon leaves at 10:55. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between San Sebastián and Arcachon by train?
Trains travelling from San Sebastián to Arcachon cover a distance of around 101 miles (163 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Arcachon to San Sebastián.