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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santander
Showing times and prices for 19 Apr
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Trains per day
38
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
Of the 38 trains that leave Madrid for Santander every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 29 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.
18061+
181059:0613h23Madrid Príncipe Pío22:29Santander station£451One-way1 change- 18011+181059:3612h53Madrid Príncipe Pío22:29Santander station£451One-way1 change
- 18063+1810512:2510h04Madrid Príncipe Pío22:29Santander station£451One-way1 change
05817+1810514:238h06Madrid Chamartín22:29Santander station£451One-way1 change
04087+181017:206h23Madrid Chamartín13:43Santander station£501One-way1 change
- 0419319:084h20Madrid Chamartín23:28Santander station£801One-way0 changes
- 04181 · 0419318:514h37Madrid Chamartín23:28Santander station£1011One-way1 change
- 0414314:054h54Madrid Chamartín18:59Santander station£631One-way0 changes
08389+0419318:155h13Madrid Chamartín23:28Santander station£751One-way1 change- 08179+1810517:005h29Madrid Chamartín22:29Santander station£511One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Santander
Omio 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 prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a flight costs an average of £28.
Distance: 339 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £157 Average Price |
5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration 7h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 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.
Live departures
Madrid to Santander train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for tomorrow, Saturday 18 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04087+18101 | On time 7:20 Madrid Chamartín | 6h23 | 13:43 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04087 · 04143 | On time 7:20 Madrid Chamartín | 11h39 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18061+18105 | On time 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 13h23 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18061+04143 | On time 9:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 9h53 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18011+04143 | On time 9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 9h23 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18011+18105 | On time 9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 12h53 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18011+04193 | On time 9:36 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 13h52 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08109+18105 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 12h14 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08109+04143 | On time 10:15 Madrid Chamartín | 8h44 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08129+04143 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 6h54 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08129+04193 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 11h23 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08129+18105 | On time 12:05 Madrid Chamartín | 10h24 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18063+04193 | On time 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 11h03 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18063+18105 | On time 12:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 10h04 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
 05101+04193 | On time 13:03 Madrid Chamartín | 10h25 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05101+04143 | On time 13:03 Madrid Chamartín | 5h56 | 18:59 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05101+18105 | On time 13:03 Madrid Chamartín | 9h26 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04143 · 04193 | On time 14:05 Madrid Chamartín | 9h23 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04143 | On time 14:05 Madrid Chamartín | 4h54 | 18:59 Santander station | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04143+18105 | On time 14:05 Madrid Chamartín | 8h24 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05817+18105 | On time 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 8h06 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05817+04193 | On time 14:23 Madrid Chamartín | 9h05 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
 04257+18105 | On time 14:46 Madrid Chamartín | 7h43 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05721+04193 | On time 14:59 Madrid Chamartín | 8h29 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 05721+18105 | On time 14:59 Madrid Chamartín | 7h30 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08359+04193 | On time 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 7h48 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08359+18105 | On time 15:40 Madrid Chamartín | 6h49 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18003+04193 | On time 16:26 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 7h02 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04161+04193 | On time 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 6h51 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04161+18105 | On time 16:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h52 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08179+04193 | On time 17:00 Madrid Chamartín | 6h28 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08179+18105 | On time 17:00 Madrid Chamartín | 5h29 | 22:29 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 18065+04193 | On time 17:06 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 6h22 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04267 · 04193 | On time 17:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h51 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04167 · 04193 | On time 17:37 Madrid Chamartín | 5h51 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 08389+04193 | On time 18:15 Madrid Chamartín | 5h13 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04181 · 04193 | On time 18:51 Madrid Chamartín | 4h37 | 23:28 Santander station | 1 change | |
| 04193 | On time 19:08 Madrid Chamartín | 4h20 | 23:28 Santander station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Santander by train, coach or flight
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Why should you book Madrid to Santander trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros 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, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros 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 77 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 £35Coaches
from £35Flights
from £52Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Santander
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:08. The fastest train covers the 339 km distance in 4h 20m.
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 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 20m |
First train 6:36 |
Last train 19:08 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Santander from £23. 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 Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
£23
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
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
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 Duration
4h 53m
Cheapest Price
£31
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
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
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 Viajeros
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
£33
Renfe Viajeros frequency
4 a day
Ouigo
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Price
£30
Ouigo frequency
1 a day
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 £23, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Madrid to Santander covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 4h 20m. Trains run 3 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 19:08.
Trains from Madrid to Santander run approximately 3 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 Viajeros.
To get from Madrid to Santander, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Santander is by train, costing approximately £23.
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.
A day trip from Madrid to Santander is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 20m. There are 3 trains per day.
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 Madrid to Santander.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Santander
Madrid
Santander
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Santander.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
The major train station for arrivals in Santander is Santander. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santander for your journey to Santander from Madrid.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
More options for your journey from Madrid to Santander
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santander and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Santander
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