The best way to get to San Sebastián from Madrid or Barcelona depends on your priorities—speed, cost, or convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

From Madrid to San Sebastián:

1- Train (Recommended for Comfort & Scenery)

Duration: ~5-6 hours

Operator: Renfe (Alvia trains)

Cost: €25-€60 (depending on how early you book)

Departure: Madrid Chamartín station

Arrival: San Sebastián-Donostia station

2- Flight (Fastest Option)

Duration: ~1 hour (plus airport time)

Airlines: Iberia, Volotea

Cost: €40-€120

Arrival: San Sebastián Airport (EAS), but most flights go to Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is ~1 hour from San Sebastián.

3- Bus (Cheapest Option)

Duration: ~5-6 hours

Operator: ALSA

Cost: ~€20-€40

Departure: Madrid South Bus Station

4- Car (Scenic, Flexible, & Road Trip Vibes)

Duration: ~4.5-5 hours

Route: A-1 highway

Toll Costs: ~€20

Best for: Exploring stops like Burgos, Vitoria-Gasteiz, or La Rioja on the way

From Barcelona to San Sebastián:

1- Flight (Fastest & Easiest Option)

Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Airlines: Vueling, Iberia

Cost: €40-€100

Arrival: Bilbao Airport (BIO) → Bus to San Sebastián (~1 hour, €6-€17)

2- Train (Scenic but Long)

Duration: ~5.5-6 hours

Operator: Renfe (Alvia trains)

Cost: ~€35-€70

Departure: Barcelona Sants station

Arrival: San Sebastián-Donostia station

3- Bus (Budget-Friendly)

Duration: ~7.5-8 hours

Operator: ALSA

Cost: ~€30-€50

Comfort: Usually direct but long

4- Car (Road Trip Option)

Duration: ~5.5-6 hours

Route: AP-2 and AP-68 (toll roads)

Best for: Exploring Zaragoza or Pamplona along the way

For the main event, we will arrange transportation between the château, Hotel Maria Cristina, and another hotel (TBD). Since our wedding falls during peak season, we highly recommend booking accommodations early to secure the best rates. Below is a list of hotels we recommend, but there are also many other hotel and Airbnb options in the heart of San Sebastián to suit a range of budgets.