BILBAO to SANTANDER train from £7 with Renfe

Name: How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Santander?
Creator: Omio

2,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Bilbao to Santander

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£8

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£8

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

3 h 9 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

3 h 18 m

Trains on 14 Oct

Distance

75 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bilbao to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bilbao to Santander will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 3 trains from Bilbao to Santander, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 75 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 34 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

71874
19:063h34
Bilbao-Concordia
22:40Santander station
£81One-way
0 changes
71870
8:453h11
Bilbao-Concordia
11:56Santander station
£81One-way
0 changes
71872
13:323h09
Bilbao-Concordia
16:41Santander station
£81One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bilbao to Santander

Spain

Trains from Bilbao to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:46, the last at 19:36. The fastest train covers the 75 km distance in 3h 10m.

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

Coach from £7

Distance

75 km

Average train duration

3h 25m

Cheapest ticket price

£8

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 10m

First train

7:46

Last train

19:36

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Mon

Least Busy Day

Wed

Best time to book

63 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £7

Live departures

Bilbao to Santander train times

The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Santander trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
71872	13:32 Bilbao-Concordia	3h09	16:41 Santander station	0 changesdirect
71874	19:06 Bilbao-Concordia	3h34	22:40 Santander station	0 changesdirect
Wednesday 14 October
71870	8:45 Bilbao-Concordia	3h11	11:56 Santander station	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bilbao to Santander trains with Omio?

Renfe operates all trains services from Bilbao to Santander.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bilbao to Santander.

Why book with Omio vs Renfe?

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 with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bilbao to Santander.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio or Raileurope?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bilbao to Santander.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bilbao to Santander?

The best time to book your train from Bilbao to Santander is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bilbao to Santander route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bilbao 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 Bilbao to Santander.

Trains

from £8

Coaches

from £7

Train companies: Renfe from Bilbao to Santander trainsRenfe trains will get you between Bilbao and Santander from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe

About

Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Renfe Duration

3h 10m

Cheapest Renfe Price

£8

Renfe frequency

3 a day

Luggage included

One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled trains

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free

Quiet zone

Learn more about Renfe

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

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Centro Botín

Large art centre on the waterfront with modern and contemporary exhibitions, a striking building and broad views over the bay.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico

Museum dedicated to Cantabrian maritime history, fishing and oceanography, with aquariums and displays suited to adults and children.

View on map Visit website

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.

Best day trips from Santander by train

The most popular day trips by train from Santander are Torrelavega and Reinosa. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Santander on Omio.

Day trip from Santander to Torrelavega by train

Why visit Torrelavega for the day?

Torrelavega is a busy Cantabrian market city known for its fairs, trading history and practical local character. Near the Green Coast and Altamira, it feels more rooted in everyday life than in grand sightseeing.

How to get from Santander to Torrelavega by train?

There are 73 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 22m.

Find tickets to Torrelavega

Day trip from Santander to Reinosa by train

Why visit Reinosa for the day?

Reinosa is a small city in southern Cantabria, known for its arcaded centre and mountain-town character. Near the Ebro reservoir and the Campoo valley, it feels practical and local, with strong ties to winter sport and rural traditions.

How to get from Santander to Reinosa by train?

There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 1h 4m.

Find tickets to Reinosa

FAQs: Bilbao to Santander train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao 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 Bilbao to Santander can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £8.

The train journey from Bilbao to Santander covers a distance of 75 km and takes approximately 3h 10m. Trains run 3 per day.

The train distance from Bilbao to Santander is 75 km.

The first train from Bilbao to Santander leaves at 7:46.

The last train from Bilbao to Santander departs at 19:36.

Trains from Bilbao to Santander run approximately 3 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bilbao to Santander.

Yes, there is a direct train between Bilbao and Santander. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe.

There is no night train service from Bilbao to Santander.

The train station in Bilbao that goes to Santander is Bilbao-Concordia, and it arrives at Santander station.

Booking trains from Bilbao 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 Bilbao to Santander is quite scenic, offering views of lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque coastal areas along the way.

Yes, you can take the train from Bilbao to Santander.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bilbao and Santander

Most Bilbao to Santander trains use the Bilbao-Concordia to Santander station pair, with some services arriving at Valdecilla La Marga. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Santander train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bilbao

Arrival train stations in Santander

Which Bilbao station do trains to Santander leave from?

Trains from Bilbao to Santander leave from Bilbao-Concordia. The station is from Bilbao city centre at 48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain.

Bilbao-Concordia48001, Nafarroa Kalea, 2, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain Parking

City-centre transport

Getting to Bilbao-Concordia from Bilbao city centre

BusA3631, A3632 · 5m · £2 · every ~7 min

03, 28, 30, 71, 72, 77, A1, A7, A9, G2 · 6m · £2 · every ~51 min

TramTr · 1m · £2 · every ~16 min

Bilbao-Concordia train station facilities and services

Bilbao-Concordia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bilbao-Concordia: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bilbao-Concordia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao-Concordia.

Basurto-Hospital48002 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain Accessibility

City-centre transport

Getting to Basurto-Hospital from Bilbao city centre

Basurto-Hospital is 2 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:

Train5m · £0.89

C4, C5 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~3 min

Bus28, 58, 85, G6 · 10m · £2 · every ~21 min

TramTr · 17m · £2 · every ~16 min

Basurto-Hospital train station facilities and services

Basurto-Hospital has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basurto-Hospital.

Which Santander station do trains from Bilbao arrive at?

Trains from Bilbao to Santander most often arrive at Santander. Some services arrive at Valdecilla La Marga, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santander arrival station.

Santander39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain Parking

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.