- 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, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£79
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£169
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
8 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
9 h 34 m
Trains on 11 Oct
10
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 £169 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.
Fast trains
To travel from Barcelona to Santander you need to make at least one change.
00438+
718748:5013h50Barcelona Sants22:40Santander station£791One-way1 change
06014+0419313:139h59Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1431One-way1 change- 06150+0419314:508h22Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1501One-way1 change
- 06012+041439:128h35Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£1531One-way1 change
- 06012+041939:1214h00Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1651One-way1 change
- 06150+0419314:508h22Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1501One-way1 change
- 06012+041439:128h35Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£1531One-way1 change
- 06080+041437:509h57Barcelona Sants17:47Santander station£2181One-way1 change
- 06014+0419313:139h59Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1431One-way1 change
- 06320+0419312:1410h58Barcelona Sants23:12Santander station£1651One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Barcelona to Santander
SpainSpain
Trains from Barcelona to Santander run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 541 km distance in 6h 57m.
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
Distance 541 km |
Average train duration 7h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 6h 57m |
First train 2:30 |
Last train 21:07 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Live departures
Barcelona to Santander train times
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Santander trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06320+04193 | 12:14 Barcelona Sants | 10h58 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06014+04193 | 13:13 Barcelona Sants | 9h59 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06350+04193 | 14:12 Barcelona Sants | 9h00 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| Sunday 11 October | |||||
| 06080+04143 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 9h57 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06080+04193 | 7:50 Barcelona Sants | 15h22 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 00438+71874 | 8:50 Barcelona Sants | 13h50 | 22:40 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06012+04143 | 9:12 Barcelona Sants | 8h35 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06012+04193 | 9:12 Barcelona Sants | 14h00 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06110+04193 | 10:45 Barcelona Sants | 12h27 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 06020+04193 | 11:18 Barcelona Sants | 11h54 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 63 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 £25Coaches
from £59Flights
from £33Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY from Barcelona to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Barcelona and Santander from £8. 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
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
6h 57m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£8
Renfe ALVIA frequency
10 a day
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
Average Renfe INTERCITY Duration
7h 30m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£15
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
5 a day
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
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 £8, while the average price tends to be around £38.
The train journey from Barcelona to Santander covers a distance of 541 km and takes approximately 6h 57m. Trains run 11 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 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Barcelona to Santander.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Barcelona to Santander.
There is no night train service from Barcelona to Santander.
The train station in Barcelona that goes to Santander is Barcelona Sants, and it arrives at Santander station.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Barcelona to Santander.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Barcelona and Santander
Most Barcelona to Santander trains use the Barcelona Sants to Santander station pair. Use this guide to compare Barcelona and Santander train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Barcelona
Arrival train stations in Santander
Which Barcelona station do trains to Santander leave from?
Trains from Barcelona to Santander leave from Barcelona Sants. The station is 2 km from Barcelona city centre at Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona SantsPlaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain+34 934956020
City-centre transport
Getting to Barcelona Sants from Barcelona city centre
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainR1, R4 · 4m · £0.89 · every ~15 min
Re, 15254, 15710, 15760, 15762, 15770, 15772, 15774, 15778, 15780, 15782, 15784, 15786, 15788, 15792, 15850, 15860, 15868, 15874, 15878, 15886 · 5m · £0.89
BusN28 · 20m · every ~3 min
D20 · 21m · £3 · every ~12 min
SubwayL3 · 16m · £3 · every ~26 min
Barcelona Sants train station facilities and services
Barcelona Sants has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Which Santander station do trains from Barcelona arrive at?
Trains from Barcelona to Santander arrive at Santander. Santander is 1 km from Santander city centre.
Santander39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Santander train station facilities and services
Santander has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Santander.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Santander.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santander. Information desks are available at Santander.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander.
Most popular train connections from Barcelona
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
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