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If you want to know more about the journey from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia by train is 37 hours 7 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 34 hours 3 minutes. Around 3 trains per day travel the 741 miles (1192 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 5 changes along the way to San Sebastián-Donostia. You're likely to be travelling with TGV, Frecciarossa or Renfe to San Sebastián-Donostia. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
First train | 00:17 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:55 | |
Departure station | Rome | |
Arrival station | San Sebastián-Donostia | |
Journey time | From 34h 3m | |
Distance | 741 miles (1192 km) | |
Frequency | 3 trains per day | |
Changes | 5 changes | |
Train and bus operators |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi connection and 4 levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). You can now also travel with Frecciarossa between Milan and Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The new Frecciarossa trains have 4 levels of service – Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room – and two types of carriage: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
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).
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
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.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi, but at a cheaper price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and luggage space, as well as a welcome service offering a complimentary sweet or salty snack and drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free foodbox containing a fresh product, a snack and a drink is also served to your seat.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
If you fancy travelling in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free entry to Italo Club Lounge.
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
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.
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).
If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.
While there’s no bar or restaurant carriage on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as at-seat power sockets.
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).
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 Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Rome and San Sebastián-Donostia is 37 hours and 7 minutes, with around 3 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia is 34 hours and 3 minutes.
No, there are no direct train services from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia. Travelling from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia by train will require a minimum of 5 changes.
The first train from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia leaves at 00:17. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia leaves at 23:55. 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.
Trains travelling from Rome to San Sebastián-Donostia cover a distance of around 741 miles (1192 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from San Sebastián-Donostia to Rome.