MADRID to SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA train from £5 with AVE

Name: How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?
Creator: Omio

2,000+ travel companies

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 Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 22 Oct

Cheapest price on 22 Oct

£26

Average ticket price on 22 Oct

£57

Fastest journey on 22 Oct

3 h 2 m

Average journey duration on 22 Oct

3 h 4 m

Trains on 22 Oct

Distance

487 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

On Thu 22 Oct, we found 37 trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, including 8 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 487 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 8 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.

04295
6:303h26
Madrid Chamartín
9:56Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£261One-way
0 changes
04475
8:263h06
Madrid Chamartín
11:32Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£431One-way
0 changes
04975
18:063h18
Madrid Chamartín
21:24Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£441One-way
0 changes
04515+12960
11:177h10
Madrid Chamartín
18:27Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£481One-way
1 change
04295+34475
6:305h02
Madrid Chamartín
11:32Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£491One-way
1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela run on average 32 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:41, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 487 km distance in 2h 52m.

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

487 km

Average train duration

3h 13m

Cheapest ticket price

£5

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 52m

First train

5:41

Last train

21:10

Cheapest Month

Apr

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

7 days

Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £21.

The train journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela covers a distance of 487 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 32 per day.

The train distance from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is 487 km.

The first train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 5:41.

The last train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela departs at 21:10.

Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela run approximately 32 times per day.

Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by AVE, Renfe AVLO.

Live departures

Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains for tomorrow, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
04295	6:30 Madrid Chamartín	3h26	9:56 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04295+04475	6:30 Madrid Chamartín	5h02	11:32 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04295+34475	6:30 Madrid Chamartín	5h02	11:32 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04295+09090	6:30 Madrid Chamartín	4h03	10:33 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04475	8:26 Madrid Chamartín	3h06	11:32 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04475+09140	8:26 Madrid Chamartín	6h37	15:03 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04475+09120	8:26 Madrid Chamartín	4h52	13:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04475+09550	8:26 Madrid Chamartín	7h42	16:08 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
05273+09140	10:04 Madrid Chamartín	4h59	15:03 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
05273+09550	10:04 Madrid Chamartín	6h04	16:08 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
05273+09120	10:04 Madrid Chamartín	3h14	13:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04515+09550	11:17 Madrid Chamartín	4h51	16:08 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04515+09140	11:17 Madrid Chamartín	3h46	15:03 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04515+12960	11:17 Madrid Chamartín	7h10	18:27 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04325+34345	13:20 Madrid Chamartín	4h22	17:42 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04325+09160	13:20 Madrid Chamartín	3h58	17:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04325+12960	13:20 Madrid Chamartín	5h07	18:27 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04345 · 04565	14:40 Madrid Chamartín	4h02	18:42 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04345	14:40 Madrid Chamartín	3h02	17:42 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04345+37722	14:40 Madrid Chamartín	7h08	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04345+09590	14:40 Madrid Chamartín	5h03	19:43 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04565	15:32 Madrid Chamartín	3h10	18:42 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04565+37722	15:32 Madrid Chamartín	6h16	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04565+09590	15:32 Madrid Chamartín	4h11	19:43 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04565+34375	15:32 Madrid Chamartín	4h46	20:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04375	17:10 Madrid Chamartín	3h08	20:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04375+37722	17:10 Madrid Chamartín	4h38	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04375+04975	17:10 Madrid Chamartín	4h14	21:24 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04375+00622	17:10 Madrid Chamartín	4h38	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04975+34395	18:06 Madrid Chamartín	4h13	22:19 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04975+37722	18:06 Madrid Chamartín	3h42	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04975+00622	18:06 Madrid Chamartín	3h42	21:48 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04975	18:06 Madrid Chamartín	3h18	21:24 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04395	19:17 Madrid Chamartín	3h02	22:19 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
04395+04405	19:17 Madrid Chamartín	4h08	23:25 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04395+34405	19:17 Madrid Chamartín	4h08	23:25 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	1 change
04405	20:23 Madrid Chamartín	3h02	23:25 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains with Omio?

AVE as well as Renfe AVLO or Renfe ALVIA offer trains services from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Why book with Omio vs AVE?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe AVLO or Renfe ALVIA to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.
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 AVE with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Why book with Omio over Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Santiago de Compostela route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

Trains

from £9

Coaches

from £19

Flights

from £27

Train companies: AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe ALVIA from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trainsAVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe ALVIA trains will get you between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

AVE

About

Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average AVE Duration

2h 52m

Cheapest AVE Price

£5

AVE frequency

21 a day

Luggage included

1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund conditions depend on ticket type

Refund

Full refund if train is canceled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class

Seat reservation

Included in ticket price for all classes

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available

Pets

Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.

Quiet zone

Learn more about AVE

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 33m

Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price

£7

Renfe ALVIA frequency

3 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 AVLO

About

Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Renfe AVLO Duration

2h 58m

Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price

£7

Renfe AVLO frequency

8 a day

Luggage included

1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and spaces between seats

Cancellation Policy

According to fare conditions

Refund

Full refund if train is canceled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservation included in ticket price

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and assistance available

Pets

Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed

Learn more about Renfe AVLO

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by AVE, Renfe AVLO.

There is no night train service from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

Complete guide to Santiago de Compostela

Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

Discover the best of Santiago de Compostela — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santiago de Compostela trip today.

Must visit

Museo da Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

The cathedral museum complex displays sacred art, cloisters and historic spaces, offering the best way to understand the monument beyond the nave.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Museo do Pobo Galego

Museum of the Galician people housed in a former convent, noted for regional culture, traditional life and the remarkable triple spiral staircase.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

CGAC

Galicia’s main contemporary art centre in a former convent, with changing exhibitions in a bold architectural setting near the old town.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Spain: pilgrim lodgings help, meals are reasonable, and the compact centre limits transport costs, though peak-season rooms can rise.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for a simple meal.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a meal.
Fine dining: €50+ per person for fine dining.
Coffee: €1.50-2.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafés; taxis usually rounded up.

Plan your visit to Santiago de Compostela

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Santiago de Compostela.

The train journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela offers a scenic experience, featuring diverse landscapes including rolling hills, picturesque villages, and lush Galician countryside, making it a visually appealing route for travellers.

Renfe trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

Renfe is Spain's national train operator and connects the country's main points of interest. In addition, Renfe has the largest high-speed network in Europe with AVE and Alvia trains. Other Renfe train types are Altaria, Euromed and Talgo. All Renfe trains are equipped with an on-board bistro, toilets, air conditioning and many of them with Wi-Fi.

At Omio you can easily check the Renfe timetable for your trip and book cheap Renfe tickets from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. When booking, you can choose different classes (Tourist, Tourist Plus, Preferred and Club), the seat and the type of ticket you want (Promo, Promo+, Flexible or Round Trip). If you have a Renfe discount card, you can specify it when you buy your ticket at Omio and take advantage of many offers. For information on ticket cancellation, please visit our Help centre.

Renfe

More information

More information:	Trains in Spain
More information:	Renfe
More information:	Book your trains in Europe
More information:	Cheap train tickets
More information:	High speed trains in Europe

FAQs: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.