Your driver will meet you at your address in San Sebastian.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 4 h 30 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Madrid.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
453 km4 h 30 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Sebastian to Madrid
What is the distance from San Sebastian to Madrid?
The shortest road distance from San Sebastian to Madrid is 279.4 miles, which takes 4.5 hours to drive at a safe speed. However, arriving in Madrid during peak traffic hours between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. can add an extra hour to the journey.
How do I get from San Sebastian to Madrid fast?
Flights are the quickest way to get from San Sebastian to Madrid. Iberia and Vueling can get you from San Sebastian Airport to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in only 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, you still need to hire a taxi to and from the city center, and there's a 1.5- to 2-hour waiting time for security checks.
What is the best way to get from San Sebastian to Madrid?
Overall, Daytrip is the best way to get from San Sebastian to Madrid. Our private door-to-door service will get you from your accommodation in San Sebastian to your new one in Madrid in only 4.5 hours. You don't have to stand in line for public transport, and we allow you to stop and explore the sights on route!
Is Madrid safe at night?
Madrid scores 73 on the safety index and is considered a city safe during the day and night for every type of traveler. Flamingo dancing, late-night parties, and chic cocktail bars create a vibrant nightlife. But you should still party responsibly and be vigilant if walking alone in the evening.
Is the train from San Sebastian to Madrid scenic?
The train from San Sebastian to Madrid is scenic, especially in the lush Basque region. Due to the changing landscape of northern Spain, you'll also see various terrains, including thick woodlands, sprawling vineyards, and rustic mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
With each passing year, more and more travelers are venturing outside the usual tourist hotspots. For decades, the north of Spain was hidden in the shadows of the south's glamorous resorts and beachside skyscrapers. But now, the breathtaking car trip from San Sebastian to Madrid is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Though just 280 miles sit on the drive between the two bustling centers, the voyage feels like you're venturing across the entire continent. At first, weaving lanes flow through gently rolling hills coated in lush greenery. But it's not long before the land transforms into pristine rock formations zig-zagging over jagged terrain and under soaring snow-capped peaks. You barely have time to notice the olive growths and whitewashed villages before Madrid's highrise buildings and towering landmarks are visible from your window.
If you're one of Spain's 85 million visitors and are fortunate enough to travel from San Sebastian to Madrid, you must seize this moment. So, keep reading our insider's guide to uncover tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
About Madrid
After enjoying the scenic San Sebastian to Madrid drive, you'll arrive in Spain's capital and largest, most populous city. Over 3.3 million locals live here, almost 320,000 of whom are students, creating a hotbed of energy and traditional ways of life.
Most of Europe's capitals tend to sit on a frontier or along its coast. However, Madrid has an atypical situation, lying almost at the dead center of the nation along the Manzanares River. Many geological factors helped the city rise to a European powerhouse from its foundation in the 9th century.
History of Madrid
Celtic tribes have inhabited the surrounding area since the Stone Age. However, it wasn't until 865 that Emir Muhammad constructed a fort overlooking the Manzanares River when a town emerged.
Religion was instrumental in shaping Madrid's history. For centuries, the region swapped hands under the rule of Muslims and Christian leaders. It began after the collapse of the Roman Empire. But its most significant moment was being recaptured by Christian forces during the Reconquista.
In the 1560s, Madrid replaced Toledo as the capital, primarily due to its central location and cooler climate. But its good fortune ran out during the Napoleonic Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco leading up to the 21st century.
Modern Madrid
Fortunately, Madrid recovered from its partial destruction in the 1900s. And today, you'll find century-old buildings crammed between sleek skyscrapers and futurist architecture. The Caixa Forum and the Arganzuela Footbridge in Rio Park are fine examples of its continued look to the future.
But it's Madrid's unique atmosphere that takes center stage. During the day, locals pack out the boutique stores and sip on a creamy cortado in trendy cafes. But when the sun goes down, you'll encounter anything, from a quick bite of tapas in a quaint square to a vodka-fueled nightclub until the morning. Its inclusive atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, and the only downside of visiting is having to say adiós.
Language: Spanish
Climate: cold, semi-arid
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT+1
Plug Types: C and F
Peak tourist season: July to early September
From San Sebastian to Madrid: Travel Tips
On a drive that takes around five hours, you'll need to know the secrets to make every minute enjoyable. Luckily, our local drivers are experts on the route from San Sebastian to Madrid and want to share helpful travel tips!
Book in Advance
Firstly, you should book your mode of transportation at least 30 days before the departure dates. You'll ensure you get a seat at your desired time and take advantage of the best offers. Also, you should book tickets for popular tours and museums you want to witness before arriving in Madrid so you don't have to wait your time queuing.
Prepare for the Weather
Due to the mountainous terrain en route from San Sebastian to Madrid, the temperature can change in the blink of an eye. The landscape also makes it challenging to predict the weather. So, prepare for the changing elements before you leave your hotel and pack a bag with sunscreen, sun hats, and waterproof clothing.
Go Sightseeing
The uneven terrain makes for a scenic cruise from San Sebastian to Madrid. But it also means that reaching these destinations from Madrid is challenging and time-consuming. Don't cut into your Madrid vacation time and explore the fascinating sights along the way, including the Anana Salt Valley and the alternative yet picturesque town of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
How to Get From San Sebastian to Madrid
Deciding how to travel can feel overwhelming if it's your first time going from San Sebastian to Madrid. Luckily, there are four ways you can choose from, and each has its own unique benefit!
Flights from San Sebastian to Madrid
Due to Spain's vast size, air travel is a popular mode of transport for locals and visitors alike. The flight time from San Sebastian to Madrid is 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, this doesn't factor in the hour spent in taxis to and from the airport and the 1.5–2 hour wait time. Still, this shaves an hour off the travel time by car, which usually takes around 5 hours,
Since budget airlines Iberia and Vueling operate on this route, you can find seats as low as €19.99 during the week or in the off-season.
Trains from San Sebastian to Madrid
A direct train is the cheapest way to travel from San Sebastian to Madrid. As a result, it's also the most popular transportation method with locals and tourists, especially those utilizing the Interrail Pass.
Renfe is the primary train operator, with tickets costing between €16 and €32. Booking seats between 2 and 4 months in advance will get deals towards the lower end of the scale. As Madrid has two stations, check which is more convenient for you before purchasing a ticket.
Cheapest ticket: €16
Average price ticket: €24
Fastest journey: 4 hours, 48 minutes
Average journey: 6 hours, 25 minutes
Daily trains: 14
Daytrip Private Car from San Sebastian to Madrid
A private car with Daytrip is the easiest and most comfortable way to speed from San Sebastian to Madrid. You'll travel door-to-door on your own schedule, so your driver can whisk you from the golden beaches to grand avenues, whether it's midnight or midday. Our customer service is also available 24/7 to give you peace of mind until your English-speaking driver arrives to help with your luggage.
We know that the road from San Sebastian to Madrid is a highlight of your vacation. So, we want you to explore the best of the Basque region's hidden gems and alternative towns. Not many tourists can say they stopped to admire the UNESCO cathedral in Burgos or roamed the charming city of Onati en route.
Seats from: €140
Duration: 4.5 hours
Sanitized vehicles
Complimentary water
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Prepared for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
Bus from San Sebastian to Madrid
The bus is not a popular way to travel from San Sebastian to Madrid. It's the longest mode of transport, with several stops on the road. So, the duration can vary from 5 to 6.5 hours.
Alsa is the only direct bus provider between the cities, with an adult ticket ranging from €35 to €50. The service has many arrival locations in Madrid. Therefore, it's worth waiting a few hours for a more convenient drop-off point. On the plus side, one of the stops is at Madrid Airport, which is helpful if you're traveling to catch a flight.
Things to Do When You Get to Madrid
The Spanish capital may not be as in demand as its coastal rival, Barcelona. But that doesn't mean there isn't a wealth of culture, history, and outdoor activities waiting for you to discover when you travel from San Sebastian to Madrid! Here are some of the best things to do when you get to Madrid:
Visit the Prado Museum
Art lovers can dive straight into the world of Spanish crafts at one of the most renowned art museums worldwide. If you're not one yet, you will be after a visit to the Prado Museum, which rivals the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The gallery houses an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. It even boasts masterpieces by Spanish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Stroll Through Retiro Park
You can easily forget about relaxing on vacation in a city bursting with museums, galleries, and major attractions. So remember to unwind and stroll through the urban oasis that is Retiro Park!
This vast Garden of Eden, known as the city's lungs, is more than just an average city park. The setting spans over 1.43 km2, with endless walking trails, exquisite water features, and boats to hire. It won't cost a penny to enter, but you should consider spending a few euros at a food market and enjoying a picnic with a view!
Eat Through Mercado de San Miguel
Along with being Spain's political headquarters, Madrid is also the nation's food capital. Last year, almost 10,500 eateries filled the city lanes. And the best place in town to savor fresh ingredients and authentic flavors is the Mercado de San Miguel.
The stylish exterior will draw you in, and the delicious aromas drifting through the air inside will keep you exploring the traditional food stalls. Many locals come to find the best fish in town, but you can also grab some street food or tasty treats, including local meats and cheeses.
Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the greatest reminder of the city's prosperous past. No ordinary city would possess such an elegant structure with jaw-dropping murals still in perfect condition. You'll find over 3,400 rooms inside, making it one of the largest in Europe.
While you're here, it's worth visiting the Catedral de la Almudena, Sabatini Garden, and Athens Park. Each one is just a stone's throw from the place.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Madrid?
Madrid guarantees an action-packed adventure whenever you visit. But due to its cold, semi-arid climate and popularity amongst tourists, you should avoid visiting in summer. Instead, the shoulder seasons are the best time to travel from San Sebastian to Madrid.
Madrid in the Spring
Spring is the best time to travel to Madrid. The area welcomes only a fraction of the summer tourist numbers but still receives pleasant weather. Madrid's average daily temperature sits at 78° Fahrenheit. So you can still wander the historic walkways and enjoy a coffee on the terrace without bumping shoulders with large crowds.
Madrid in the Fall
If getting value for money is your priority, the fall months of September, October, and November are the best times to visit. Before tours and hotels close or prepare for the low winter season, they offer enticing deals to fill the spaces. As a bonus, you'll witness the leafy walkways transform into a sea of red and orange!
Visit these sights on the way
Onati
Nestled quietly in a valley in the center of the Basque Country, this quaint countryside town dates back to the Medieval period. The Place of Many Hills
Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Basque community’s capital boasts the best preserved medieval center without the usual tourist traps. Basque-ing in Culture
Anana Salt Valley
For thousands of years, salt has been mined in the bed of this dried-up Triassic sea, the progression of which has been preserved to this day. Panning through the Centuries
Burgos
Once the seat of the Crown of Castile, this medieval city’s myriads of landmarks, including its UNESCO-listed Cathedral, will leave visitors in awe. The Catholic Capital of Castile
Aranda de Duero
Beneath the streets of the capital of the Ribera del Duero wine region, 5 miles of tunnels are used to age, and enjoy wine. Cave Dweller Cellars
Sepulveda
Set among picturesque gorges, this medieval town is home to the region’s first Romanesque church, and Europe’s largest colony of vultures. A Gorge-ous Venue
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“What could of been a tedious travel day became a relaxing, entertaining and easy trip to San Sebastián. With a charming side trip to Sepúlveda, lots of car snacks and the able and interesting Susana at the wheel the drive was a true vacation day rather than an interruption in our fabulous Spanish holiday. Highly recommend Daytrip and will use them again on our next vacation.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler LibbySherry
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
