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Take the train from Madrid to San Sebastian in 6h 05m
If you want to travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by train, you've come to the right place.
The average journey time from Madrid to San Sebastian by train is 6h 5m, with around 1 train per day travelling 219 miles (353 km) between these two destinations. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to San Sebastian from Madrid, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. You can travel on this route with Renfe, which is the main train operator in Spain and has the widest network of high-speed trains in Europe. The fastest journey time from Madrid to San Sebastian is 6h 05m on the fastest Renfe services.
You can save money on train tickets from Madrid to San Sebastian if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to San Sebastian, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia by train
It takes an average of 7h 7m 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 travelling from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia and tickets for this journey start from £11.54 when you book in advance.
| First train | 07:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 19:53 | |
| Departure station | Madrid | |
| Arrival station | San Sebastián-Donostia | |
| Journey time | From 4h 55m | |
| Distance | 219 miles (353 km) | |
| Frequency | 7 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £11.54 | |
| Train and bus operators |
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.
More information
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 travelling from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia.
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy comfier seats, more legroom, an at-seat catering service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Luggage 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 luggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand luggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley 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 luggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special luggage 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.
Journey details
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.
How long does the train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia take?
The average journey time by train between Madrid and San Sebastián-Donostia is 7 hours and 7 minutes, with around 7 trains 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 Madrid and San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia is 4 hours and 55 minutes.
How much does the train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia cost?
Train ticket prices from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia can start from as little as £11.54 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leave?
The first train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leaves at 07:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leave?
The last train from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia leaves at 19:53. 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 Madrid and San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
Trains travelling from Madrid to San Sebastián-Donostia cover a distance of around 219 miles (353 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from San Sebastián-Donostia to Madrid.