Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Trains

Spain /

Train Routes /

Get real-time train timetables

Download the Rail Monsters app today

Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Train Tickets & Timetable

Direct Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia trains are usually Renfe Alvia services using high-speed tracks from Madrid before continuing over the conventional northern route into Gipuzkoa. Trains depart from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor and commonly call at Segovia Guiomar, Valladolid-Campo Grande, Burgos Rosa Manzano, Miranda de Ebro, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Zumarraga before San Sebastian/Donostia. The rail distance is about 622 km, with the fastest direct trains taking around 5 hours 10 minutes and slower direct services taking about 5 hours 40 minutes. There are usually about 2 direct departures per day in each direction, with extra options possible by changing trains at Valladolid or Zaragoza depending on the date. One-way Alvia fares between Madrid and San Sebastian/Donostia start from about €25 ($27 USD) for advance Basico fares and can rise to around €100 ($108 USD) for flexible or higher-demand departures. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead; book earlier for Easter Week, August holidays, Christmas/New Year, and Spanish long weekends.

25Aug

Seats

Madrid

San Sebastian

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:55

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

5h 55m

12:50

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04087

from

74 USD

5h 55m, Direct

06:55

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

12:50

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

from

74 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04087

Day trains

14:50

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

5h 25m

20:15

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

Direct

Intercit 04257

from

98 USD

5h 25m, Direct

14:50

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

20:15

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

from

98 USD

Direct

Intercit 04257

17:48

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

5h 32m

23:20

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04167

from

74 USD

5h 32m, Direct

17:48

MadridMadrid Chamartín Clara Campoamor

23:20

San SebastianSan Sebastián/Donostia

from

74 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe Alvia 04167

First train

06:55

Last train

17:48

Travel duration

5h 38m

Daily departures

Departure station

Madrid

Changes

direct

Arrival station

San Sebastian

Ticket price

$26

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia

Add passengers

Receive your ticket

Take the train

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

Exchange and cancellation conditions depend on the Renfe fare selected for the Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Alvia. Flexible fares allow broader changes before departure, while lower advance fares may carry restrictions.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Human support is available 24/7 for Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia booking questions, timetable checks, seat selection help, and ticket change requests before travel.

Receive Your Tickets Instantly

After booking the Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train, your ticket confirmation is sent by email. Most Renfe tickets are issued as e-tickets for presentation on a phone or printed copy.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train route on Renfe Alvia services. Select departures from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to San Sebastian/Donostia station and confirm your seat online.

Secure Payment Options

Pay for Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train tickets using major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other supported digital payment methods. Online payments are processed with secure verification.

Why Book Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

Trusted by travelers
and rated 4.8 on average

e-Tickets to board

Seat Preferences
that works

International
Payment options

Rail Monsters gives Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia travelers real-time train information, 24/7 human support, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. A single account can also manage train bookings in Spain and on other rail networks worldwide.

We accept payments:

Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Route Overview

The Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia route links Spain's central plateau with the Basque coast, changing character after Burgos and Vitoria-Gasteiz as the line enters greener valleys and hill country. Alvia trains are built for mixed infrastructure, running at high speed on standard-gauge sections and then continuing on Iberian-gauge tracks after gauge-changing equipment. Seats on these trains are reserved, so every ticket is tied to a specific departure and coach. A useful route tip is to choose a daylight train for the approach through Gipuzkoa, where the line passes smaller Basque towns before reaching the coastal city.

Travel time

5h 38m

Train type

Renfe Alvia

Fastest trip

5h 25m

Longest trip

6h 10m

Madrid

Madrid is Spain's capital and the main rail hub for long-distance services to northern Spain. Trains to San Sebastian/Donostia normally depart from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor, north of the city center and linked to Cercanias, Metro, taxis, and long-distance platforms.

Madrid Chamartin Clara Campoamor

Chamartín, Calle de Agustín de Foxá, Castilla, Chamartín, Madrid, Community of Madrid, 28036, Spain

Madrid Atocha

Estación del Arte, Paseo de la Infanta Isabel, Jerónimos, Retiro, Madrid, Community of Madrid, 28014, Spain

Madrid Principe Pio

Madrid-Príncipe Pío, Glorieta de San Vicente, Casa de Campo, Moncloa-Aravaca, Madrid, Community of Madrid, 28008, Spain

Madrid Cercanias (Atocha sub)

Atocha-Cercanías, Avenida de la Ciudad de Barcelona, Atocha, Arganzuela, Madrid, Community of Madrid, 28007, Spain

5h 38m

San Sebastian

San Sebastian/Donostia is a Basque coastal city known for La Concha Bay, Parte Vieja pintxo bars, and the Kursaal area. San Sebastian/Donostia station sits beside the Urumea River, within walking distance of the city center and with local connections to nearby districts.

San Sebastian/Donostia

Donostia / San Sebastián, Frantzia pasealekua, Atotxa, Egia, Ipar-Ekialdea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, 20005, Spain

Available Ticket Classes

Renfe Alvia trains on the Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia route normally offer Standard class and Comfort class, both with reserved seating. Renfe fare families may include Basico, Elige, Elige Confort, and Premium depending on availability, with the fare family controlling change, cancellation, and seat-selection conditions. Standard class uses 2+2 seating, while Comfort class generally provides wider 2+1 seating on Alvia trainsets. This route is not an AVE-only high-speed corridor and is not served by Iryo or Ouigo Espana direct trains.

from

$59

Economy Class

from

$88

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Renfe Alvia trains have defined luggage limits and onboard storage areas. Check suitcase size before traveling from Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia.

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may take up to 3 pieces of luggage, with each item weighing up to 25 kg. The combined dimensions of all pieces must not exceed 285 cm, measured as length + width + height.

Storage Facilities

Alvia coaches have overhead racks for smaller bags and suitcase areas near the ends of each coach. Keep tickets, passports, and valuables with you rather than in large cases placed away from your seat.

Special Items

Folded bicycles, skis, golf bags, and musical instruments can travel if packed and kept within Renfe size limits. Larger bicycles usually need to be folded or dismantled and carried in a protective bag.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Tokyo to Hiroshima, first timers

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. Bought the tickets online, printed them, no issues at all. Great experience.

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Lisbon–Porto

did lisbon to porto, booked the night before, ticket was in my email in like 2 minutes. easy.

J. Fernandes

Paris to Barcelona, would book again

I was comparing prices everywhere for the Paris–Barcelona high speed train and honestly Rail Monsters was the easiest to actually book. Confirmation came through straight away and everything matched at the station. No surprises, which is all I wanted.

Sophie L.

Makkah to Madinah

Booked the Haramain train Makkah to Madinah for my family. Simple and fast. Had one question and someone replied within a few minutes.

Khalid A.

Honest about the refund

Our plans fell through and I had to cancel. I expected a fight to be honest but they explained the refund rules clearly and sorted it without any drama. Really appreciated that.

Emma Richardson

Nozomi Osaka–Tokyo

Reserved seats on the Nozomi from Osaka to Tokyo. Everything correct, boarding was smooth. Recommend.

Takeshi

last minute rome florence

needed rome to florence same day, found the train, paid, done. ticket by email. saved me at the station honestly

Carla M.

first time booking abroad

First time buying train tickets in another country and I was a bit nervous about it. Site was clear, price was shown upfront with no hidden bits, tickets came by email within minutes. Nothing to stress about in the end.

Yuki Nioaro

Return with connections, all fine

Booked a return with two connections. All the tickets came together and each leg worked exactly as shown. No mess.

Mario Alves

clear pricing

prices were upfront, no weird fees added at the end. that alone made me trust it.

Priya

Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Map

The Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia rail route starts at Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor, runs north through Segovia Guiomar and Valladolid-Campo Grande, then continues via Burgos Rosa Manzano, Miranda de Ebro, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Zumarraga, and Tolosa. Alvia trains use high-speed infrastructure south of Valladolid and conventional tracks through the Basque Country. The final section follows inland Gipuzkoa valleys before reaching San Sebastian/Donostia near the Urumea River.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

5h 40m

Price from

$26

Departures

Rating

Train

Intercit

Changes

Direct

Travel time

5h 22m

Price from

$41

Departures

Rating

The train links Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor with San Sebastian/Donostia station in about 5 hours 10 minutes on the fastest direct Alvia, avoiding airport transfers at both ends. Buses between Madrid and San Sebastian often take around 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes and may use Madrid Avenida de America or other coach terminals. Flights from Madrid to San Sebastian have a short airborne time, but access to Madrid-Barajas, check-in, security, and the transfer from San Sebastian Airport near Hondarribia add time. Rail also produces lower emissions than flying on this domestic route.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

5h 38m

$26-$127

Bus

Apprx.

6h 0m

$28-$60

Flight

Apprx.

1h 10m

$55-$220

Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Train

Direct services between Madrid and San Sebastian/Donostia are mainly Renfe Alvia trains. Alvia trainsets can run up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on suitable high-speed sections, then continue on conventional northern lines at lower speeds. The fastest direct Alvia takes about 5 hours 10 minutes, while other direct departures take around 5 hours 40 minutes depending on stops and pathing. Some itineraries require a change, usually at Valladolid or Zaragoza, and may combine long-distance services with a connecting train. Standard and Comfort seating are available, with all seats reserved. Operator: Renfe.

Renfe Alvia

Renfe Alvia uses variable-gauge trains on long-distance routes across Spain.

Learn more

Cities at Both Ends

Madrid combines royal sites such as the Palacio Real with the Prado, Retiro Park, and neighborhoods around Sol and Atocha, while northbound Alvia trains use Chamartin-Clara Campoamor. San Sebastian/Donostia faces La Concha Bay and is known for Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull, and its Basque food culture; trains arrive at San Sebastian/Donostia station beside the Urumea River.

Madrid

Spain's principal rail hub, where high-speed, intercity, regional, and airport rail services converge.

FAQ about the Madrid - San Sebastian/Donostia Route

How do I book Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train tickets?

Book Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train tickets on Rail Monsters by entering your date, choosing a Renfe Alvia departure, selecting the available class and fare, and paying online. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead, and the iOS and Android apps can be used to manage the booking.

How much is the train from Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia?

One-way Renfe Alvia fares from Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia start from about €25 ($27 USD) for advance Basico fares and can rise to around €100 ($108 USD) for flexible or higher-demand departures. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability.

How fast is the Alvia from Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia?

Renfe Alvia trains can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed sections used after leaving Madrid. Speeds are lower on the conventional northern line through Burgos, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Gipuzkoa, which is why the full trip takes more than 5 hours.

Does Eurail cover Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia?

Eurail passes are valid on Renfe long-distance trains in Spain, including Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia Alvia services, but seat reservations are required and may carry a supplement. Rail Monsters sells individual tickets for this route.

How long is the Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia train?

The fastest direct Alvia train takes around 5 hours 10 minutes for the roughly 622 km trip from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to San Sebastian/Donostia. Slower direct departures take about 5 hours 40 minutes, and connecting itineraries can take longer.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide

Popular Train Routes

Trains from Madrid

Trains from San Sebastian

More to Explore