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Take the train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia in 28 hours 2 minutes
If you want to travel from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia by train to take around 32 hours 7 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 28 hours 2 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 5 trains per day running on this route, which spans 687 miles (1106 km). You’ll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to San Sebastián-Donostia. AVE, ICE or Renfe are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia start from £218.71 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Trains to San Sebastián-Donostia from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
It takes an average of 32h 7m to travel from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, over a distance of around 687 miles (1106 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia and tickets for this journey start from £218.71 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:56 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 18:56 | |
| Departure station | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | |
| Arrival station | San Sebastián-Donostia | |
| Journey time | From 28h 2m | |
| Distance | 687 miles (1106 km) | |
| Frequency | 5 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From £218.71 | |
| Train and bus operators | ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, Monbus, Renfe, SNCF Voyageurs, Sindbad, Trenitalia |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Want to know more about your journey from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
Are there direct trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
What's the distance between Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
Who runs the trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Can you travel from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to San Sebastián-Donostia from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf?
What time is the first train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
What time is the last train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
How often do trains go from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Is there a return trip from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express), Renfe and Trenitalia trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia
Deutsche Bahn
ICE (Intercity Express)
Renfe
Trenitalia
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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The high-speed train of Deutsche Bahn, with a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), the ICE connects major cities and is also used for international travel to neighbouring countries such as Austria, France and Denmark. This train is equipped with air conditioning, a dining car, a children's compartment and power sockets. Passengers enjoy a free WiFi connection throughout the duration of the ICE trip.
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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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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.
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What ICE, AVE and Alvia classes are there from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Compare the different travel classes offered by ICE, AVE and Alvia when travelling from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia.
ICE
AVE
Alvia
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
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
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.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on ICE, AVE and Alvia?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia.
ICE
AVE
Alvia
What luggage limits are there? | 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. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | 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. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | 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. |
What luggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free. |
What special assistance is available? | AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly. |
What luggage limits are there? | 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. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | 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). |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to San Sebastián-Donostia?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.