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Winner: Advancing International Rail TravelBranchBranchWinner2024 Global Recognition AwardGlobal Recognition Award*

San Sebastian to Madrid Trains

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San Sebastian to Madrid Train Tickets & Timetable

The San Sebastian to Madrid route offers various train ticket options and seating classes, primarily on Alvia services. Departing from San Sebastian-Donostia station, the train makes stops at stations such as Vitoria-Gasteiz and Valladolid. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices and preferred seating. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately €35-95 (around $38-105 USD). For accurate timetable information, current ticket availability, and class fares, use the search page to find options. Our online schedule provides updates on San Sebastian to Madrid departures, train times, and prices.
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How to Book Train Tickets Online from San Sebastian to Madrid

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Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations
We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans if needed, and modify your San Sebastian to Madrid tickets based on availability and the specific fare conditions of the operator.
24/7 Human Customer Support
Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer your questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We're here to ensure the simplest booking experience for your journey across Spain.
Secure Payment Options
Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy San Sebastian to Madrid tickets.
All Travel Classes
All travel classes are supported - you can choose any class offered by the rail supplier for your route, including Estándar and Confort options on Spanish long-distance services.
Book Official Tickets Easily
Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the San Sebastian to Madrid route, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With just a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive an electronic PDF ticket sent to your email.

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

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Book your train tickets from San Sebastian to Madrid on Rail Monsters and benefit from a 24/7 customer support team, mobile apps for iOS and Android, compare train ticket prices across different sources, enjoy flexible bookings and cancellations, access real-time train information, and use one account to book train tickets worldwide.

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San Sebastian to Madrid Route Overview

The rail link between San Sebastian and Madrid connects the northern coast with central Spain. Most direct services are operated by Alvia trains, which use both conventional and high-speed tracks to optimize travel time. The journey typically takes around 5 hours, passing through the Basque Country and the plains of Castile. Passengers can choose between standard and first-class seating. This route is favored by those avoiding the complexities of airport transfers at either end.
time-s

Travel time

5h 15m

train-s

Train type

fastest-s

Fastest trip

5h 5m

longest-s

Longest trip

5h 26m

San Sebastian/Donostia

San Sebastian (Donostia) - A coastal city in the Basque Country famous for La Concha Beach and its world-renowned culinary scene. The main station, Donostia-San Sebastian, is centrally located near the Urumea River.

San Sebastian/Donostia

StationStation
arrowarrow

5h 15m

Madrid

Madrid - The capital of Spain and its primary transport hub. Trains from the north usually arrive at Madrid Chamartín station, providing access to the city's financial district and extensive metro network.

Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

StationStation

Madrid Atocha

StationStation

Madrid Príncipe Pio

StationStation

Madrid - Atocha Cercanías

StationStation

Available Ticket Classes

On the San Sebastian to Madrid route, Renfe typically offers Estándar (Standard) and Confort (First Class) options. Confort class provides 2+1 seating arrangements with more space, while Estándar offers 2+2 seating. Fare types like Básico, Elige, and Pró specify the level of flexibility for changes and cancellations.
Economy Class
from
$5413
Economy Class
Business class
from
$7610
Business class

Practical Information for Spain Train Travelers

Luggage icon
Luggage Guidelines on Spanish Trains. Traveling from San Sebastian to Madrid involves specific rules for carry-on items. Below are key points for your journey:
Luggage Allowance
Passengers may carry up to three pieces of hand luggage with a total weight limit of 25 kg. The largest item should not exceed dimensions of 85x55x35 cm. This allows for standard suitcases and personal bags.
Storage Facilities
Alvia trains feature luggage racks located at the ends of each carriage for larger suitcases. Overhead racks are available for smaller bags, backpacks, and coats, keeping the seating area clear.
Special Items
Bicycles must be folded or disassembled and placed in a carrying bag if they exceed certain dimensions. Sports equipment and musical instruments are permitted if they fit within the standard luggage racks.

Average rating & reviews

4.7
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Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
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Among mobile stores and search platforms
Easy purchase and process
We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience
avatarDenise 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.
avatarMitja 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
avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-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!
avatarAllison Makhoul

San Sebastian to Madrid Map

Plan your trip from San Sebastian to Madrid using the Spanish rail network. The route travels south through the Basque mountains, stopping at Vitoria-Gasteiz, then continues through the Castile and Leon region via Burgos and Valladolid. As the train moves toward central Spain, the landscape shifts from green hills to the high plains of the Meseta. The line concludes at Madrid Chamartín station in the northern part of the capital.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

5h 18m

Price from

$32

Departures

40

Rating

Train

Intercit

Changes

Direct

Travel time

5h 7m

Price from

$30

Departures

17

Rating

Rail travel between San Sebastian and Madrid offers a direct link between city centers, avoiding the long commutes to airports like Barajas or Hondarribia. While buses are the least expensive option, they take significantly longer. Flights are faster in the air but involve security checks and wait times. The train provides a balance of speed and productivity with onboard workspace and power outlets.
Greener choice

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 15m

$37-$126

Bus

Apprx.

6h 15m

$25-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 5m

$45-$180

Cities at Both Ends

San Sebastian, or Donostia, is a Basque cultural hub known for the San Sebastian Film Festival and its Belle Époque architecture. Departing from its central station, travelers head to Madrid, the Spanish capital famous for the 'Golden Triangle of Art' including the Reina Sofía. Arriving at Chamartín, visitors are a short metro ride from the city's historic core, where they can explore the Royal Palace and Retiro Park.
Madrid
Madrid
The capital of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

FAQ about the San Sebastian - Madrid Route

How much is the train from San Sebastian to Madrid?

A one-way train ticket from San Sebastian to Madrid costs between €45 and €125 (48 USD - 135 USD) depending on how far in advance you book and the chosen class. Booking earlier usually yields lower prices for the Elige fare category.

How long is the train journey from San Sebastian to Madrid?

The direct Alvia train journey typically takes between 4 hours 55 minutes and 5 hours 20 minutes. There are also options involving a transfer in Valladolid or Zaragoza, which may take longer.

Which station in Madrid do trains from San Sebastian arrive at?

Most trains departing from San Sebastian-Donostia arrive at Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station. Some connecting services might arrive at Madrid Atocha, so check your ticket carefully.

Are there high-speed trains from San Sebastian to Madrid?

The route is served by Alvia trains, which are high-speed capable but restricted by the track infrastructure in the northern sections. They reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph) once they join the high-speed line near Segovia or Valladolid.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide

Popular Train Routes

Trains from San Sebastian/Donostia

Trains from Madrid

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