How to Travel From Paris to San Sebastián by Train
Travelling by train from Paris – or any other city in France – to San Sebastián is straightforward, although many people make a common mistake when trying to book this route.
In this short guide, I will explain exactly how you can travel by train from Paris to San Sebastián in the Basque Country region of northern Spain, as well as how to book tickets.
By train to the Basque Country
San Sebastián, called Donostia in Basque, is one of the most popular destinations in the Basque Country, thanks to its stunning bay setting and its reputation as a foodie hotspot.
However, when people want to travel there by train from Paris or elsewhere and look up the journey in a rail planner, they are not always shown the cheapest and most direct option.
This is because the direct train service from the French border station of Hendaye to San Sebastián in Spain is operated by a local train that is not shown on most journey planners, and tickets for it cannot be booked online.
Therefore, you should plan your trip from Paris or elsewhere in France to San Sebastián in stages, first arranging the train to Hendaye and then the onward journey to San Sebastián.
TGV high-speed trains at Paris Montparnasse station. ©AndyBTravels
First leg: Paris to Hendaye
Hendaye, located in south-western France right at the border with Spain, is connected by multiple daily trains to Paris Gare de Montparnasse railway station.
These are comfortable inOui TGV high-speed trains operated by French national railway company SNCF, offering seats in both second class, in a 2+2 configuration, and first class, in a 2+1 configuration, as well as a café-bar coach.
Use the search tool below of the reliable booking website Omio to look up the best train option for your travel date and to book your ticket.
Remember that TGV high-speed train tickets have variable pricing, much like airline tickets, with prices depending on how far in advance you book and how busy the travel date is, with tickets in the high summer season and around national holidays being more expensive than off-peak days in the low season.
Read this page for more information on how to make an Interrail or Eurail passholder reservation for the Paris-Hendaye train if you are using a rail pass.
Second leg: Hendaye to San Sebastián
Once your train arrives in Hendaye, you need to walk out of the main railway station, turn right, and walk a couple of metres to reach the adjacent Euskotren station.
It is from here that the narrow-gauge Euskotren services on line E2 – essentially a form of inter-urban metro system – depart for San Sebastián.
Simply buy your ticket from one of the machines and board the train.
Unlike the TGV high-speed train, where your ticket automatically includes a seat reservation, these trains have unreserved seating only, so you can take any available seat.
It is a good idea to check the Euskotren website to confirm whether there is still a service to San Sebastián after your arrival in Hendaye, particularly if you are travelling later in the evening.
Conclusion
Travelling by train from Paris to San Sebastián is straightforward, although you should make sure to avoid a common booking mistake by not buying separate tickets from the French capital to the border at Hendaye and from there to your final destination.
First, simply book your TGV high-speed train ticket from Paris to Hendaye, ideally as far in advance as possible to secure the best deal.
Then, buy your Hendaye to San Sebastián ticket for the local Euskotren service at the station, as these have a fixed price, do not sell out, and cannot be purchased online.
