How to travel from San Sebastián to Madrid, Spain

The distance between San Sebastián and Madrid is around 451km (280 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 30m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from San Sebastián to Madrid by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out MadridSan Sebastián if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Madrid-Chamartin.

  • Duration5hrs
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    €40($40)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Madrid.

  • Duration6hrs
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    €45($45)
Operated byALSA+ 2 others
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Madrid.

  • Duration4h 30m
  • Distance451km (280 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between San Sebastián and Madrid

There are several options for getting from San Sebastián to Madrid by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around €40 ($40) and will take around 5hrs. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €54 ($54).

The distance between San Sebastián and Madrid is around 451km (280 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 353km (219 miles)

It takes around 5hrs to get from San Sebastián and Madrid by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from San Sebastián to Madrid is to drive which takes around 4h 30m and will set you back approx €54 ($54).

The cheapest way to travel between San Sebastián and Madrid, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around €40 ($40) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between San Sebastián and Madrid. It typically takes around 5hrs and departs every 20 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between San Sebastián and Madrid with no changeovers required. The train runs twice daily and takes 7h 40m.

Renfe run train services between San Sebastián and Madrid. Trains depart every 20 mins and will take around 5hrs, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from San Sebastián and Madrid. It typically takes around 6hrs and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between San Sebastián and Madrid with no changeovers required. The bus runs hourly and takes 6hrs.

ALSA run regular bus services between San Sebastián and Madrid. Buses run hourly and take around 6hrs on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from San Sebastián to Madrid. We recommend that you take the train to Madrid-Chamartin. instead which will take 5hrs.

The closest major airport to Madrid is Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) (MAD) which is approximately 14km (9 miles) from Madrid. Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) (ZAZ) and Vitoria Airport (VIT) (VIT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from San Sebastián and Madrid. The distance is around 451km (280 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from San Sebastián to Madrid is to take the train which takes, on average, 5hrs and will usually cost around €40 ($40).

How do I get from San Sebastián to Madrid

Compare travel optionsbetween San Sebastián and Madrid

Transport options from San Sebastián to Madrid
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
5hrs
€40($40)
every 20 mins555km (345 miles)
Train to Madrid-Principe Pio7h 40m
€45($45)
twice daily648km (403 miles)
Bus
6hrs
€45($45)
hourly452km (281 miles)
Drive
4h 30m
€54($54)
on demand451km (280 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between San Sebastián and Madrid

Bus companies

Airports near Madrid

The following major airports near Madrid offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Spain and internationally.

MAD
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
International Airport
Distance
14km (9 miles) from Madrid
ZAZ
Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
265km (165 miles) from Madrid
VIT
Vitoria Airport (VIT)
Domestic Airport
Distance
286km (178 miles) from Madrid