- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Barcelona’s leading art museum holds an outstanding collection of Picasso’s early works, offering insight into his formative years in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Barcelona
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Sept
Cheapest price on 02 Sept
£92
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£92
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
8 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
8 h 55 m
Trains on 02 Sept
1
Distance
541 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santander to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santander to Barcelona will cost around £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £92.
Fast trains
To travel from Santander to Barcelona you need to make at least one change.
04142+
0601513:558h55Santander station22:50Barcelona Sants£921One-way1 change
- 04142+0601513:558h55Santander station22:50Barcelona Sants£921One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Santander to Barcelona
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Santander to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £59 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the coach is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.5 - 1.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £59, while a flight costs an average of £113.
Distance: 541 km
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|
£113 Average Price | £59 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
 Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Santander to Barcelona by coach or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to Barcelona
SpainSpain
Take a train from Santander to Barcelona and enjoy the approximately 541 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 16:58.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Distance 541 km |
Average train duration 9h 44m |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 15 |
First train 2:30 |
Last train 16:58 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £18
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY from Santander to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Santander and Barcelona from £18. 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
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 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
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 Barcelona
Things to do in Barcelona
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
- Must visit
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
MNAC presents Catalan art from Romanesque frescoes to modern works inside a grand national palace with excellent terrace views.
- Recommended
Fundació Joan Miró
A striking museum devoted to Joan Miró, with major paintings, sculptures and a bright hilltop setting on Montjuïc.
- Must visit
La Rambla
Barcelona’s famous boulevard links Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, lively with kiosks, architecture and constant people-watching.
- Must visit
Barri Gòtic
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of medieval lanes, hidden squares and historic buildings that captures the atmosphere of old Barcelona.
- Must visit
Passeig de Gràcia
This elegant avenue showcases luxury shops and several major modernista buildings, making it one of Barcelona’s best architectural walks.
- Gluten-free
Esqueixada de bacallà
A rustic Catalan salad of salt cod, tomatoes, onions and olives. It is a classic Barcelona starter linked to the region’s preserved fish traditions.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Pa amb tomàquet
Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, often finished with salt. This simple Catalan staple appears on tables across Barcelona.
Fideuà
Short pasta baked with pork, sausage, tomatoes and aioli. A beloved Catalan comfort dish strongly associated with family meals and local cuisine.
Disfrutar
World-renowned fine dining restaurant by the sea, noted for creative seafood-focused tasting menus and polished service.
La Cova Fumada
Long-standing tapas bar celebrated for bombas, vermouth and classic small plates in a busy, no-frills local atmosphere.
El Quim de la Boqueria
Historic market bar in La Boqueria, famous for fresh seafood, tapas and a lively counter dining atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and public transport are reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; round up in taxis; small change is fine in cafés.
TMB App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €2.90
- Day pass
- €12.50
To the city centre
Barcelona Sants -> Plaça de Catalunya
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 11 min
- Bank card/contactless payment is available on TMB buses and at some metro station machines for digital ticket purchase and validation.
- The Hola Barcelona Travel Card starts at €12.50 for 24 hours and covers metro, TMB bus, TRAM, FGC Zone 1 and Rodalies Zone 1, including airport metro.
FAQs: Santander to Barcelona train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Santander to Barcelona is 541 km.
The first train from Santander to Barcelona leaves at 2:30.
The last train from Santander to Barcelona departs at 16:58.
Trains from Santander to Barcelona run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Santander to Barcelona.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Santander to Barcelona.
To get from Santander to Barcelona, you can choose from several travel options including coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Santander to Barcelona.
The train station in Santander that goes to Barcelona is Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
The cheapest way to get from Santander to Barcelona is by flight, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Santander to Barcelona in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Santander to Barcelona offers a scenic experience, taking passengers through diverse landscapes including the lush greenery of Cantabria, the picturesque Basque Country, and the rugged beauty of Catalonia, providing a delightful visual treat along the way.
In Barcelona, you can explore Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona, with its fascinating tours and museum. Enjoy stunning views from Montjuïc, where you can visit the Magic Fountain and Montjuïc Castle. Relax at Barceloneta Beach, perfect for sunbathing and seaside dining. Discover the vibrant El Raval neighbourhood, known for its cultural diversity, street art, and nightlife. For family fun and panoramic vistas, head to Tibidabo Amusement Park. Don't miss iconic sights like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and Casa Batlló, all showcasing the city's rich history and Gaudí's architectural genius.
Three to four days in Barcelona are ideal to explore its iconic attractions, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter, while also enjoying the city's vibrant culture and cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Santander to Barcelona.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Santander and Barcelona
Most Santander to Barcelona trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Barcelona Sants station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and Barcelona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Santander
Arrival train stations in Barcelona
Which Barcelona station do trains from Santander arrive at?
Trains from Santander to Barcelona arrive at Barcelona Sants. Barcelona Sants is 2 km from Barcelona city centre.
Barcelona SantsPlaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain+34 934956020
City-centre transport
Getting to Barcelona Sants from Barcelona city centre
Barcelona Sants is 1 km from Barcelona city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainR1, R4 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Re, 15254, 15710, 15760, 15762, 15770, 15772, 15774, 15778, 15780, 15782, 15784, 15786, 15788, 15792, 15850, 15860, 15868, 15874, 15878, 15886 · 5m · £0.90
BusN28 · 20m · every ~3 min
D20 · 21m · £3 · every ~12 min
SubwayL3 · 16m · £3 · every ~26 min
Barcelona Sants train station facilities and services
Barcelona Sants 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 and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald’s, Caffe di Fiore, Ars Café, Café de l'Estació, Café de l’Estació Deli, Lavazza, Como, Peter's, Tutti Frutti, Enrique Tomás, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Hotspots in and near restaurants. ATMs are in the central part of the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located in various locations inside the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barcelona Sants: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barcelona Sants: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barcelona Sants: All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apartments Eixample, Apartment Guell, Sweet Inn Callao.
Most popular train connections from Santander
More options for your journey from Santander to Barcelona
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barcelona and Santander
Most popular train connections to Barcelona
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