MADRID to SANTANDER train from £7 with Renfe ALVIA

Name: How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Santander?
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santander

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Oct

Cheapest price on 17 Oct

£36

Average ticket price on 17 Oct

£54

Fastest journey on 17 Oct

4 h 4 m

Average journey duration on 17 Oct

4 h 17 m

Trains on 17 Oct

Distance

339 km

Cheap tickets

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 £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Sat 17 Oct, we found 44 trains from Madrid to Santander, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 17 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 32 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.

04073
7:414h09
Madrid Chamartín
11:50Santander station
£361One-way
0 changes
04193
19:084h04
Madrid Chamartín
23:12Santander station
£361One-way
0 changes
05817+18105
14:238h02
Madrid Chamartín
22:25Santander station
£391One-way
1 change
05817+37193
14:238h49
Madrid Chamartín
23:12Santander station
£401One-way
1 change
18011+04143
9:368h11
Madrid Príncipe Pío
17:47Santander station
£441One-way
1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Santander

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Santander run on average 60 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 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 3h 55m.

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

339 km

Average train duration

4h 46m

Cheapest ticket price

£7

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 55m

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

Price information

Live departures

Madrid to Santander train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for today, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
	18:08 Madrid	4h20	22:28 Santander	0 changesdirect
Saturday 17 October
04187 · 04073	6:55 Madrid Chamartín	4h55	11:50 Santander station	1 change
04187+18101	6:55 Madrid Chamartín	6h48	13:43 Santander station	1 change
04087+18101	6:55 Madrid Chamartín	6h48	13:43 Santander station	1 change
04071 · 04143	7:32 Madrid Chamartín	10h15	17:47 Santander station	1 change
04071+18101	7:32 Madrid Chamartín	6h11	13:43 Santander station	1 change
04073	7:41 Madrid Chamartín	4h09	11:50 Santander station	0 changesdirect
04073+18101	7:41 Madrid Chamartín	6h02	13:43 Santander station	1 change
04687+04143	8:40 Madrid Chamartín	9h07	17:47 Santander station	1 change
18061+04143	9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío	8h41	17:47 Santander station	1 change
18061+18105	9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío	13h19	22:25 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
18011+04143	9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío	8h11	17:47 Santander station	1 change
18011 · 37193	9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío	13h36	23:12 Santander station	1 change
18011+18105	9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío	12h49	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
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
18063 · 37193	12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío	10h47	23:12 Santander station	1 change
18063+04193	12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío	10h47	23:12 Santander station	1 change
18063+18105	12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío	10h00	22:25 Santander station	1 change
05817+04193	14:23 Madrid Chamartín	8h49	23:12 Santander station	1 change
05817+37193	14:23 Madrid Chamartín	8h49	23:12 Santander station	1 change
05817+18105	14:23 Madrid Chamartín	8h02	22:25 Santander station	1 change
04151+04193	14:59 Madrid Chamartín	8h13	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04151+37193	14:59 Madrid Chamartín	8h13	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04151+18105	14:59 Madrid Chamartín	7h26	22:25 Santander station	1 change
08359+04193	15:40 Madrid Chamartín	7h32	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08359+18105	15:40 Madrid Chamartín	6h45	22:25 Santander station	1 change
08359+37193	15:40 Madrid Chamartín	7h32	23:12 Santander station	1 change
18003+04193	16:26 Madrid Príncipe Pío	6h46	23:12 Santander station	1 change
18003 · 37193	16:26 Madrid Príncipe Pío	6h46	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08179+04193	17:00 Madrid Chamartín	6h12	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08179+37193	17:00 Madrid Chamartín	6h12	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08179+18105	17:00 Madrid Chamartín	5h25	22:25 Santander station	1 change
04167 · 04193	17:48 Madrid Chamartín	5h24	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04167+37193	17:48 Madrid Chamartín	5h24	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08189+04193	18:40 Madrid Chamartín	4h32	23:12 Santander station	1 change
08189+37193	18:40 Madrid Chamartín	4h32	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04181 · 04193	18:51 Madrid Chamartín	4h21	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04181+37193	18:51 Madrid Chamartín	4h21	23:12 Santander station	1 change
04193	19:08 Madrid Chamartín	4h04	23:12 Santander station	0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Madrid to Santander trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD and more offer trains services from Madrid 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, Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe MD to find the best option for your trip from Madrid 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 Madrid to Santander.

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

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Santander is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Santander route.

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

Trains

from £7

Coaches

from £31

Flights

from £34

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY from Madrid to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Madrid and Santander from £7. 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

3h 55m

Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price

£7

Renfe ALVIA frequency

26 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

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

4h 49m

Cheapest Renfe Price

£7

Renfe frequency

21 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

Renfe MD

About

Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Renfe MD Duration

4h 1m

Cheapest Renfe MD Price

£7

Renfe MD frequency

16 a day

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, under seats, 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

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, 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

4h 8m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

£7

Renfe INTERCITY frequency

13 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

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: Madrid to Santander train

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Santander can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £24.

The train journey from Madrid to Santander covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 3h 55m. Trains run 60 per day.

The train distance from Madrid to Santander is 339 km.

The first train from Madrid to Santander leaves at 6:36.

The last train from Madrid to Santander departs at 19:20.

Trains from Madrid to Santander run approximately 60 times per day.

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

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

There is no night train service from Madrid to Santander.

The train station in Madrid that goes to Santander is Madrid Chamartín, and it arrives at Santander station.

Booking trains from Madrid 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 Madrid to Santander offers scenic views, including the picturesque landscapes of Castilla y León and the Cantabrian Mountains, providing a visually appealing experience.

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

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Santander

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.

Departure train stations in Madrid

Arrival train stations in Santander

Which Madrid station do trains to Santander leave from?

Trains from Madrid to Santander leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.

Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain Parking

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £1 · every ~15 min

Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £1 · every ~2 min

BusN24 · 24m · £3 · every ~11 min

Subway1 · 19m · £2 · every ~24 min

Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.

More about Madrid Chamartín

Madrid Príncipe PíoPaseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain+34 902 320 320 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Príncipe Pío from Madrid city centre

Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · £1 · every ~34 min

N18, N20, N19 · 7m · £1 · every ~34 min

Madrid Príncipe Pío train station facilities and services

Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.