Trains from Basel to San Sebastián
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Travel from Basel to San Sebastián by train in 10 hours 34 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Basel to San Sebastián by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Basel to San Sebastián by train is 17 hours 26 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 hours 34 minutes. Around 2 trains per day travel the 548 miles (882 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to San Sebastián. You're likely to be travelling with TGV, ICE or Renfe to San Sebastián. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Basel to San Sebastián in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £265.97. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search 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.
Basel to San Sebastián by train
It takes an average of 17h 26m to travel from Basel to San Sebastián by train, over a distance of around 548 miles (882 km). There are normally 2 trains per day travelling from Basel to San Sebastián and tickets for this journey start from £265.97 when you book in advance.
| First train | 08:34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:34 | |
| Departure station | Basel | |
| Arrival station | San Sebastián | |
| Journey time | From 10h 34m | |
| Distance | 548 miles (882 km) | |
| Frequency | 2 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From £265.97 | |
| Train and bus operators | ALSA, Deutsche Bahn, db_other, Flixbus, BlaBlaBus, obb, Renfe, Renfe-SNCF, SNCF, tgv_lyria, Vibasa |
Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Renfe and Renfe-SNCF trains from Basel to San Sebastián
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
Renfe
Renfe-SNCF
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
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- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
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.
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Renfe-SNCF trains are the result of a collaboration between France and Spain to bring the two countries together via a network of high-speed trains. There are two comfort classes – Turista (or Second Class) and Preferente (or First Class). Both classes have power sockets and comfortable seating. Luggage security checks are in force at all Spanish stations before boarding. It's also advisable to travel with your identity card for border control.
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TGV INOUI, ICE and Nightjet classes from Basel to San Sebastián
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, ICE and Nightjet when travelling from Basel to San Sebastián.
TGV INOUI
ICE
Nightjet
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
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.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
If you're travelling in ICE's Second Class, you'll get to enjoy free WiFi and a bistrò carriage where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
First Class
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class, in First Class you'll get more legroom, a catering service, Fast Track in some stations and free access to DB lounges.
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Free WiFi
- Entertainment portal
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Seat reservation
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
- Fast track
- Quiet area
Seating Carriage
If you're looking for the cheapest option when booking your trip on the ÖBB Nightjet, the Seating Carriage sits within Standard Class, with six seats in each compartment.
- Food and drink service
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Wakeup service
- Bunk bed
- Welcome drink
- Private bathroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
Couchette
Couchette is the ideal choice for family or group trips. Here, you can choose from a four-bunk room with two bunk beds or a six-bunk room with three bunk beds.
- Food and drink service
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Wakeup service
- Bunk bed
- Welcome drink
- Private bathroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
Sleeper Cabin
Sleeper Cabins offer single, double and triple compartments. You can also choose between Standard class with a washbasin, or Deluxe clas with a toilet, sink and shower.
- Food and drink service
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Wakeup service
- Bunk bed
- Welcome drink
- Private bathroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, ICE and Nightjet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Basel to San Sebastián.
TGV INOUI
ICE
Nightjet
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).
You can take as much luggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Luggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Luggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead luggage rack. Generally, the standard dimensions of luggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm. Larger items of luggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large luggage racks by the doors.
When travelling with ICE, you can enjoy an extensive menu in the on-board restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you choose the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
Upgrade to First Class and you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB change their menu every three months, but you will always find a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
If you’re travelling on a ICE train, you can connect to the free WiFi and catch up on some work or your favourite TV show.
You can also connect to the ICE portal, where you’ll find a wide range of entertainment, such as films, television, audiobooks, games, newspapers and magazines.
On DB’s ICE trains, kids under 5 years old travel for free and don’t need a ticket. Children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
You can also book family areas and children compartments on all ICE trains.
With ICE, you need a bicycle ticket and reservation to take a bicycle onboard. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Generally, bike storage spaces are located in second class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
You can travel with your pet on all ICE trains. You do not need an extra ticket If you have a small dog and they can travel in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an additional ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not travelling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
DB’s Mobility Service can assist you with boarding, disembarking or changing trains. Also, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
There's no limit to the amount of luggage you can take on Nightjet trains. However, luggage storage facilities in each carriage can be limited. Place your luggage in the overhead luggage racks above your seat or couchette. Some carriages on Nightjet trains are equipped with more spacious luggage racks at the front.
You can go to the café-bar carriage at any point during your journey, whether you're looking for snacks or drinks. In Couchette carriages, you'll get a Viennese breakfast including a tea or coffee, a bread roll, butter and jam. In a cabin, you can choose your breakfast from an à la carte menu.
WiFi is not currently available on board Nightjet trains.
We recommend reserving a cabin or a private couchette carriage if you're travelling as a family. Children under 5 travel free if they share a seat with an adult. If they need their own bed, they can get a reduced price children's ticket (which includes a seat reservation). Reduced price tickets are available for children aged between 6 and 14.
Currently, bikes can only be taken on trains between Germany and Austria, as well as Switzerland (during the summer season). You'll need a separate bike ticket and reservation to take one on board.
Dogs are allowed on all Nightjet services. However, you must reserve a couchette compartment or a private couchette, and you'll need to buy an extra ticket (currently €30). Guide dogs are also permitted.
On many routes, passengers with reduced mobility can travel in a wheelchair-accessible compartment, with accessible toilets nearby.
You'll find bathrooms in each carriage. Deluxe cabins are equipped with private showers, toiletries and towels.
Cheap train tickets from Basel to San Sebastián
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 Basel to San Sebastián 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 Basel to San Sebastián? 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 Basel to San Sebastián take?
The average journey time by train between Basel and San Sebastián is 17 hours and 26 minutes, with around 2 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 Basel and San Sebastián by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Basel to San Sebastián is 10 hours and 34 minutes.
How much does the train from Basel to San Sebastián cost?
Train ticket prices from Basel to San Sebastián can start from as little as £265.97 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 Basel to San Sebastián?
No, there are no direct train services from Basel to San Sebastián. Travelling from Basel to San Sebastián by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Basel to San Sebastián leave?
The first train from Basel to San Sebastián leaves at 08:34. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Basel to San Sebastián leave?
The last train from Basel to San Sebastián leaves at 10:34. 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 Basel and San Sebastián by train?
Trains travelling from Basel to San Sebastián cover a distance of around 548 miles (882 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from San Sebastián to Basel.