- Must visit
Museo de Prehistoria y Arqueología de Cantabria
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Barcelona to Santander
Showing times and prices for 27 Aug
Cheapest price
£76
Average price
£95
Fastest journey
8 h 25 m
Average duration
9 h 18 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
541 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Santander will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £76.
Fast trains
To travel from Barcelona to Santander you need to make at least one change.
06080+
041437:509h57Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£761One-way1 change- 06080+041937:5015h25Barcelona Sants23:15Santander station£761One-way1 change
- 06080+
041837:5014h27Barcelona Sants22:17Santander station£761One-way1 change - 06070+041437:0510h42Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£891One-way1 change
- 06070+041837:0515h12Barcelona Sants22:17Santander station£891One-way1 change
- 06150+0419314:508h25Barcelona Sants23:15Santander station£1031One-way1 change
- 06012+041438:459h02Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£1121One-way1 change
- 06014+0418313:139h04Barcelona Sants22:17Santander station£961One-way1 change
- 06080+041437:509h57Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£761One-way1 change
- 06014+0419313:1310h02Barcelona Sants23:15Santander station£961One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Barcelona to Santander
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £48, and a flight costs an average of £45.
Distance: 541 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£95 Average Price | £125 Average Price | £79 Average Price Cheapest |
7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 38m Average total duration 10h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Barcelona to Santander train times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Santander trains for tomorrow, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06070+04143 | 7:05 Barcelona Sants | 10h42 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06070+04183 | 7:05 Barcelona Sants | 15h12 | 22:17 Santander station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barcelona to Santander by train, coach or flight
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Why should you book Barcelona to Santander trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, AVE, iryo and more offer trains services from Barcelona to Santander.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe INTERCITY, AVE or iryo to find the best option for your trip from Barcelona to Santander.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barcelona to Santander.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Barcelona to Santander?
The best time to book your train from Barcelona to Santander is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Barcelona to Santander route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Barcelona to Santander per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Barcelona to Santander.
Trains
from £15Coaches
from £53Flights
from £67Journey information
Overview: Train from Barcelona to Santander
SpainSpain
Trains from Barcelona to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £91 but you can travel from only £45 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 541 km distance in 8h 3m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £45
Distance 541 km |
Average train duration 7h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £91 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 8h 3m |
First train 2:30 |
Last train 21:07 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £45
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, AVE, iryo from Barcelona to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, AVE, iryo trains will get you between Barcelona and Santander from £45. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe INTERCITY
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 3m
Cheapest Price
£91
AVE frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
iryo
About
iryo is a new brand from railway operator ILSA operating in Spain since 2022. iryo uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains which are modern, can travel at up to 360km/h and have a minimal environmental impact. iryo’s Frecciarossa trains have different classes, all of which come with free unlimited WiFi, power sockets, toilets and an onboard entertainment portal where you can watch films and TV series. The main classes are: Infinita Class, Singular Café Class, Singular Class, Inicial Class. These new trains take 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Madrid and Barcelona. They depart from Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations, and stop in Zaragoza along the way. iryo services also cover Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Alicante, Córdoba, Seville and Málaga.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 44m
Cheapest Price
£101
iryo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (36x56x26cm) and 1 handbag (36x30x10cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead compartments and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with Mediterranean cuisine, at-seat service in both classes
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Large dogs need paid ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Santander
Things to do in Santander
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
- Must visit
Centro Botín
Large art centre on the waterfront with modern and contemporary exhibitions, a striking building and broad views over the bay.
- Recommended
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
Museum dedicated to Cantabrian maritime history, fishing and oceanography, with aquariums and displays suited to adults and children.
- Must visit
Jardines de Pereda
Historic gardens by the bay and Centro Botín, ideal for a gentle walk among monuments, flowerbeds and harbour views.
- Must visit
Península de la Magdalena
Headland park with the palace, coastal paths, beaches and sea views; one of Santander’s classic places for walking and photography.
- Recommended
Parque de Mataleñas
Clifftop viewpoint and green space above the sea, popular for sunsets, dramatic waves and broad views of the Cantabrian coast.
- Gluten-free
Cocido montañés
Hearty Cantabrian bean stew with white beans, chorizo, morcilla and pork. A regional cold-weather classic closely tied to Santander and wider Cantabria.
- Gluten-free
Anchoas de Cantabria
Fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, often salted or preserved in olive oil. Santander is especially known for high-quality bocarte and anchovy traditions.
- Gluten-free
Marmita de bonito
Bonito tuna cooked with onions, peppers and tomato. A beloved summer dish across Cantabria, showcasing local fishing and seasonal produce.
El Serbal
Established dining room specialising in fish and seafood rice dishes, offering polished service and a classic Santander feel.
Casa Lita
Traditional seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Cantabrian cooking in a smart but approachable setting.
Bodega del Riojano
Popular traditional venue for rabas, seafood tapas and casual local eating, especially good for sampling classic Santander flavours.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining are fair, while local buses and casual meals stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares.
TUS Santander
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- Unknown
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport -> Estación de Autobuses de Santander
- Distance
- 5 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- The airport bus links Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport with Estación de Autobuses de Santander in under 20 min according to flight schedules.
- Card or contactless payment information was not clearly confirmed from the official sources reviewed, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Barcelona to Santander train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barcelona to Santander by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Barcelona to Santander can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £91, while the average price tends to be around £95.
The train journey from Barcelona to Santander covers a distance of 541 km and takes approximately 8h 3m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Barcelona to Santander is 541 km.
The first train from Barcelona to Santander leaves at 2:30.
The last train from Barcelona to Santander departs at 21:07.
Trains from Barcelona to Santander run approximately 3 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Barcelona to Santander.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Barcelona to Santander.
To get from Barcelona to Santander, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Barcelona to Santander.
The cheapest way to get from Barcelona to Santander is by flight, costing approximately £45.
Booking trains from Barcelona to Santander in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Barcelona to Santander offers a scenic experience, showcasing diverse landscapes such as the rolling hills of Catalonia, the lush greenery of northern Spain, and picturesque views of the Cantabrian Mountains.
In Santander, you can explore the Santander Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture and historical significance. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Parque de Mataleñas, ideal for hiking. Visit Mercado de la Esperanza to experience local culture and cuisine. Stroll along Paseo de Pereda, a picturesque waterfront promenade. Discover the Gran Casino del Sardinero for entertainment and a glimpse into the city's past. Don't miss Palacio de la Magdalena for stunning views and guided tours, Centro Botín for modern art, Playa del Sardinero's golden sands, the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico for maritime history, and Jardines de Piquío for a peaceful retreat.
Three to four days in Santander should be sufficient to explore the city's cultural landmarks, enjoy its beaches, and experience the local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Barcelona to Santander.
More options for your journey from Barcelona to Santander
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santander and Barcelona
Most popular train connections to Santander
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