Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train with Renfe ALVIA

Tue 09 Dec
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe AVLO
AVE
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe AVLO
AVE
Renfe Viajeros
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

Showing times and prices for 09 Dec

Cheapest price

£51

Average price

£78

Fastest journey

3 h 2 m

Average duration

3 h 4 m

Trains per day

33

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 £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.

Fast trains

Of the 33 trains that leave Madrid for Santiago de Compostela every day 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

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.

Renfe AVLO04405
20:233h02
Madrid Chamartín
23:25Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£511One-way
0 changes
AVE04375
17:103h08
Madrid Chamartín
20:18Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£601One-way
0 changes
AVE04345
14:403h02
Madrid Chamartín
17:42Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£601One-way
0 changes
AVE04395
19:173h02
Madrid Chamartín
22:19Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£601One-way
0 changes
Renfe AVLO04295
08:253h25
Madrid Chamartín
11:50Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
£611One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £28.

Distance: 487 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£58

Average Price

Cheapest

£179

Average Price

£65

Average Price

3h 50m

Average total duration

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 34m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

10h 46m

Average total duration

10h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 2.9kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe AVLO

Most popular train company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains for today, Monday 8 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
RenfeAVE17:17 Madrid
3h02
20:19 Santiago de Compostela0 changesdirect
RenfeAVLO18:23 Madrid
3h02
21:25 Santiago de Compostela0 changesdirect
Tuesday 9 December
RenfeAVE04475+RenfeAVLO04295
On time
06:14 Madrid Chamartín
4h36
10:50 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04475+RenfeAVANT09090
On time
06:14 Madrid Chamartín
3h19
09:33 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04475+RenfeAVANT09120
On time
06:14 Madrid Chamartín
6h04
12:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVLO0429507:25 Madrid Chamartín
3h25
10:50 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao0 changesdirect
RenfeAVE05273+RenfeAVANT09140
On time
09:04 Madrid Chamartín
4h59
14:03 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE05273+RenfeAVANT09120
On time
09:04 Madrid Chamartín
3h14
12:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE05273 · 04515
On time
09:04 Madrid Chamartín
4h17
13:21 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04515+RenfeAVANT09140
On time
10:17 Madrid Chamartín
3h46
14:03 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04515+RenfeAVANT09550
On time
10:17 Madrid Chamartín
4h51
15:08 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04515+renfe12960
On time
10:17 Madrid Chamartín
7h10
17:27 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeAVE04515
On time
10:17 Madrid Chamartín
3h04
13:21 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
0 changesdirect
RenfeALVIA04325+renfe12960
On time
12:20 Madrid Chamartín
5h07
17:27 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeALVIA04325+RenfeAVANT34345
On time
12:20 Madrid Chamartín
4h22
16:42 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change
RenfeALVIA04325+RenfeAVANT09160
On time
12:20 Madrid Chamartín
3h58
16:18 Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train, coach or flight

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.

Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
Sat
13 Dec
Sun
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
Wed
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec

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 91 days 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:41, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 487 km distance in 3h 2m.

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 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
05:41
Last train
21:10
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 AVLO, AVE, Renfe Viajeros from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, AVE, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela from £13. 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
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
£61
Renfe ALVIA frequency
1 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

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 Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
£22
AVE frequency
2 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

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 Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
£13
Renfe AVLO frequency
2 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

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Price
£46
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day


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.


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.

FAQs
In Santiago de Compostela, you can immerse yourself in local flavours at the bustling Mercado de Abastos or explore Galician culture at the Museo do Pobo Galego. Enjoy a traditional Galician music performance with unique sounds of bagpipes. Wander through the historic streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a guided tour of the ancient University of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago, and relax at Alameda Park with scenic city views. Discover more about Galicia at the Museum of the Galician People, and admire the grand Monastery of San Martiño Pinario.
A day trip from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 2m. However, there are 5 train trips per day covering a distance of 487 km.
Typically, spending two to three days in Santiago de Compostela allows visitors to explore the cathedral, wander through the historic old town, and enjoy the local cuisine.
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.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Santiago de Compostela. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe AVLO, AVE, Renfe Viajeros.
The train distance from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is 487 km.
Booking trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela covers a distance of 487 km and takes approximately 3h 2m. Trains run 5 per day.
The first train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 5:41.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is by train, costing approximately £13.
The last train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela departs at 21:10.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Santiago de Compostela is Madrid Chamartín, and it arrives at Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao.
Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Santiago de Compostela

Madrid
Santiago de Compostela
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 Santiago de Compostela.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km

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