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Travelling from San Sebastián to Groningen by train

Looking to travel from San Sebastián to Groningen by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 31 hours 52 minutes to travel from San Sebastián to Groningen by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 30 hours 14 minutes though. You'll usually find 3 trains per day running along the 787 miles (1267 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 4 changes during the journey to Groningen, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with TGV, Thalys or Renfe on your way to Groningen, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from San Sebastián to Groningen.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Groningen by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Trains to Groningen from San Sebastián

First train

07:28

Last train

14:04

Departure stationSan Sebastián
Arrival stationGroningen
Journey time

From 30h 14m

Distance

787 miles (1267 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

4 changes

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaBus, NS, Renfe, Renfe-SNCF, SNCB, SNCF, Vibasa

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from San Sebastián to Groningen?

Want to know more about your journey from San Sebastián to Groningen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from San Sebastián to Groningen?

You can get from San Sebastián to Groningen by train in 31 hours and 52 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 30 hours and 14 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from San Sebastián to Groningen take?

The average journey time by train between San Sebastián and Groningen is 31 hours and 52 minutes, with around 3 trains per day running on this route. 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 San Sebastián and Groningen by train?

The fastest journey time by train from San Sebastián to Groningen is 30 hours and 14 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from San Sebastián to Groningen?

No, there are no direct train services from San Sebastián to Groningen. Travelling from San Sebastián to Groningen by train will require a minimum of 4 changes.

Renfe, Renfe-SNCF, Trenhotel and NS trains from San Sebastián to Groningen

You can travel from San Sebastián to Groningen on Renfe, Renfe-SNCF, Trenhotel and NS trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

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.

PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Trenhotel is Renfe's night train service, which serves national and international routes in Portugal. The trains offer three classes with different levels of comfort for the beds and seats – Turista (Second Class), Preferente (First Class) and Gran Confort or Gran Clase. There are six different Trenhotel routes – Galicia (Barcelona – Vigo), Rosalía de Castro (Barcelona – A Coruña), Rías Gallegas (Madrid – Pontevedra), Atlántico (Madrid – Ferrol), Lusitania (Madrid – Lisbon) and Surexpreso (Irun – Lisbon).

PhotoNicky Boogaard, under licence CC BY-SA 2.0

NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.

What TGV INOUI, SNCB, NS and TER classes are there from San Sebastián to Groningen?

Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, SNCB, NS and TER when travelling from San Sebastián to Groningen.

What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, SNCB, NS and TER?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from San Sebastián to Groningen.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

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.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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).

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:

  • Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
  • Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
  • Pushchairs and prams
  • Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
  • Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains or at stations.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.

When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Guide and assistance dogs

Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.

Pets

Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

There are no luggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

There is no onboard catering on NS trains.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the carriage. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal luggage.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a lead - you must also buy a dog train ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.

How do I find cheap train tickets from San Sebastián to Groningen?

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

The price of train tickets from San Sebastián to Groningen starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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