- 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.
Cheapest price on 02 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
4 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
4 h 12 m
Trains on 02 Sept
67
Distance
339 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Santander will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
On Wed 02 Sept, we found 67 trains from Madrid to Santander, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
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04143
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04073
04193
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04073
04181+
37193
04181 · 04193Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a flight costs an average of £259.
Distance: 339 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £259 Average Price |
4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for today, Tuesday 1 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
35063+ 18105 | Delayed 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 10h00 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
18063+ 18105 | Delayed 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 10h00 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
35063+ 04193 | Delayed 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 10h47 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04143 | On time 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 4h07 | 17:47 Santander station | 0 changesdirect | |
04143+ 18105 | Delayed 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 8h45 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
04143 · 04193 | Delayed 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h32 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04143+ 37193 | On time 13:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h32 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
04149+ 18105 | Delayed 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 8h32 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
04149+ 04193 | Delayed 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 9h19 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04149+ 37193 | On time 13:53 Madrid Chamartín | 9h19 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
05817+ 18105 | Delayed 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h02 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
05817+ 04193 | Delayed 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h49 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
05817+ 37193 | On time 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h49 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
04257+ 18105 | Delayed 14:50 Madrid Chamartín | 7h35 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
04257+ 04193 | Delayed 14:50 Madrid Chamartín | 8h22 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04151+ 18105 | Delayed 14:59 Madrid Chamartín | 7h26 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
08359+ 18105 | Delayed 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h45 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
08359+ 37193 | On time 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h32 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08359+ 04193 | Delayed 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h32 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
08169+ 18105 | Delayed 16:15 Madrid Chamartín | 6h10 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
18003 · 37193 | On time 16:26 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 6h46 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
18003+ 04193 | Delayed 16:26 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 6h46 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04161+ 18105 | Delayed 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h48 | 20:57 20:57Santander station | 1 change | |
04161+ 04193 | Delayed 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04161+ 37193 | On time 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 6h35 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08179+ 37193 | On time 17:00 Madrid Chamartín | 6h12 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08179+ 04193 | Delayed 17:00 Madrid Chamartín | 6h12 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04179+ 37193 | On time 17:30 Madrid Chamartín | 5h42 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
04179+ 04193 | Delayed 17:30 Madrid Chamartín | 5h42 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04267 · 04193 | Delayed 17:48 Madrid Chamartín | 5h24 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04167 · 04193 | Delayed 17:48 Madrid Chamartín | 5h24 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04267+ 37193 | On time 17:48 Madrid Chamartín | 5h24 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08389+ 04193 | Delayed 18:15 Madrid Chamartín | 4h57 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
08389+ 37193 | 18:15 Madrid Chamartín | 4h57 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08189+ 37193 | On time 18:40 Madrid Chamartín | 4h32 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
08189+ 04193 | Delayed 18:40 Madrid Chamartín | 4h32 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04181+ 37193 | Delayed 16:51 18:51Madrid Chamartín | 4h21 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
04181 · 04193 | Delayed 16:51 18:51Madrid Chamartín | 4h21 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 1 change | |
04193 | Delayed 19:08 Madrid Chamartín | 4h04 | 21:12 21:12Santander station | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 2 September | |||||
08069+ 18101 | On time 6:36 Madrid Chamartín | 8h17 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
08069+ 04073 | On time 6:36 Madrid Chamartín | 5h14 | 11:50 Santander station | 1 change | |
18001+ 18101 | 6:40 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 8h13 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
04087 · 04073 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 4h55 | 11:50 Santander station | 1 change | |
04187 · 04073 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 4h55 | 11:50 Santander station | 1 change | |
04187+ 18101 | On time 6:55 Madrid Chamartín | 7h58 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
04261 · 04143 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 10h43 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04261 · 04073 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 4h46 | 11:50 Santander station | 1 change | |
04261+ 18101 | On time 7:04 Madrid Chamartín | 7h49 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
04073 | 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 4h09 | 11:50 Santander station | 0 changesdirect | |
04073 · 04143 | 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 10h06 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04073+ 18101 | 7:41 Madrid Chamartín | 7h12 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
08079+ 18101 | 7:51 Madrid Chamartín | 7h02 | 14:53 Santander station | 1 change | |
08079+ 04143 | 7:51 Madrid Chamartín | 9h56 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04687+ 04143 | 8:40 Madrid Chamartín | 9h07 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04687+ 18105 | 8:40 Madrid Chamartín | 13h45 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
18061+ 04143 | 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 8h41 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
35061+ 04143 | 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 8h41 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
35061+ 18105 | 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 13h19 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
04091 · 04143 | 9:15 Madrid Chamartín | 8h32 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
05763+ 04143 | 9:25 Madrid Chamartín | 8h22 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
05763+ 18105 | 9:25 Madrid Chamartín | 13h00 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
05071+ 04143 | 9:56 Madrid Chamartín | 7h51 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
05071+ 18105 | 9:56 Madrid Chamartín | 12h29 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
08109+ 18105 | 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 12h10 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
08109+ 04143 | 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 7h32 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04121+ 04143 | 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 6h24 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
04121+ 37193 | 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 11h49 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
04121+ 18105 | 11:23 Madrid Chamartín | 11h02 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
08129+ 18105 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 10h20 | 22:25 Santander station | 1 change | |
08129+ 04143 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 5h42 | 17:47 Santander station | 1 change | |
08129+ 37193 | 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 11h07 | 23:12 Santander station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Madrid to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:20. The fastest train covers the 339 km distance in 4h 4m.
Distance 339 km |
Average train duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 6:36 |
Last train 19:20 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Museum in a historic market building covering Santander’s prehistory, Roman past and medieval development through well-presented local finds.
Large art centre on the waterfront with modern and contemporary exhibitions, a striking building and broad views over the bay.
Museum dedicated to Cantabrian maritime history, fishing and oceanography, with aquariums and displays suited to adults and children.
Historic gardens by the bay and Centro Botín, ideal for a gentle walk among monuments, flowerbeds and harbour views.
Headland park with the palace, coastal paths, beaches and sea views; one of Santander’s classic places for walking and photography.
Clifftop viewpoint and green space above the sea, popular for sunsets, dramatic waves and broad views of the Cantabrian coast.
Hearty Cantabrian bean stew with white beans, chorizo, morcilla and pork. A regional cold-weather classic closely tied to Santander and wider 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.
Bonito tuna cooked with onions, peppers and tomato. A beloved summer dish across Cantabria, showcasing local fishing and seasonal produce.
Established dining room specialising in fish and seafood rice dishes, offering polished service and a classic Santander feel.
Traditional seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Cantabrian cooking in a smart but approachable setting.
Popular traditional venue for rabas, seafood tapas and casual local eating, especially good for sampling classic Santander flavours.
Moderate for Spain: hotels and dining are fair, while local buses and casual meals stay reasonably priced for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport -> Estación de Autobuses de Santander
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

Most Madrid to Santander trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Santander station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Santander train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín 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 options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
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 options are available at Santander.
ATMs are available at Santander.
Ticket office support is available at Santander. Information desks are available at Santander.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need