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Travel from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia by train in 14 hours 54 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia by train is 21 hours 57 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 14 hours 54 minutes. Around 3 trains per day travel the 81 miles (130 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way to San Sebastián-Donostia. You can travel to San Sebastián-Donostia with SNCF – the main train operator in France – who offer comfortable, quick journeys on either a TER or Intercités service.
Book train tickets from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £201.75. 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.
Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia by train
It takes an average of 21h 57m to travel from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia by train, over a distance of around 81 miles (130 km). There are normally 3 trains per day travelling from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia and tickets for this journey start from £201.75 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:59 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 13:36 | |
| Departure station | Pau | |
| Arrival station | San Sebastián-Donostia | |
| Journey time | From 14h 54m | |
| Distance | 81 miles (130 km) | |
| Frequency | 3 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Price | From £201.75 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia
Want to know more about your journey from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
What's the distance between Pau and San Sebastián-Donostia by train?
Who runs the trains from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Can you travel from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to San Sebastián-Donostia from Pau?
What time is the first train from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
What time is the last train from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
How often do trains go from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Is there a return trip from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia?
Intercités and SNCF trains from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia
Intercités
SNCF
Intercités is the classic service of SNCF. The Intercités lines are an important part of the French rail network. Trains make more stops and are cheaper than TGVs, and run at speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h). Two comfort classes are offered aboard Intercités – First Class and Second Class. Intercités by night allows you to travel at night on certain routes, in sleeper cars.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
INTERCITÉS classes from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia
Compare the different travel classes offered by INTERCITÉS when travelling from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia.
Second Class
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll enjoy at-seat power sockets, free WiFi and a catering service offering snacks and drinks.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
First Class
In addition to all the amenities available in Standard Class, you'll find more legroom, adjustable seats and individual tables in First Class.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Single seat options
Onboard services on INTERCITÉS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia.
You can take as much luggage as you want on INTERCITÉS trains, whether that's a suitcase, overnight bag or a backpack - just make sure that each piece of luggage is no taller than 130cm and no wider than 90cm. You must be able to carry all your luggage yourself. All luggage must be labelled before you hop on board the train.
You can treat yourself without leaving your seat on INTERCITÉS trains, as there's an at-seat food and drink service. Discover the INTERCITÉS menu 'Nos Territoires Gourmands' and enjoy high-quality, local products. This service is only available on the following routes: Paris - Clermont-Ferrance, Paris - Toulouse, Bordeaux - Marseille, Paris - Briançon (night INTERCITÉS train), Paris - Toulouse (night train), Paris - Lourdes (night train), Paris - Nice (night train).
Free WiFi is available on some INTERCITÉS services. Kick back and relax with free WiFi on the following routes: Paris-Clermont-Ferrand, Paris-Limoges-Toulouse, Marseille-Bordeaux and Paris-Briançon. On overnight trains, you can connect to free WiFi on the Paris - Nice and Paris - Briançon routes.
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 for an additional fee.
Small pets are allowed on board INTERCITÉS 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 INTERCITÉS 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).
Cheap train tickets from Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia
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 Pau to San Sebastián-Donostia 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.