Santander to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu 04 Dec
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Barcelona

Showing times and prices for 05 Dec

Cheapest price

£63

Average price

£146

Fastest journey

8 h 23 m

Average duration

9 h 34 m

Trains per day

6

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 £146 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.

Fast trains

To travel from Santander to Barcelona you need to make at least one change.

AlsaNormal+Renfe15016
09:0012h37
Santander, Estación de Autobuses
21:37Barcelona Sants
£631One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+iryo06201
13:589h16
Santander station
23:14Barcelona Sants
£1591One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04072+iryo06141
06:4810h06
Santander station
16:54Barcelona Sants
£1601One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04072+iryo06121
06:488h26
Santander station
15:14Barcelona Sants
£1621One-way
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+iryo06013
13:588h23
Santander station
22:21Barcelona Sants
£1631One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, 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 train with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the coach is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £55.

Distance: 541 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£178

Average Price

£75

Average Price

7h 44m

Average total duration

7h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 39m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

13h 10m

Average total duration

12h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

-

CO2 emissions

1.6 - 3.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Vueling Airlines

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

Santander to Barcelona train times

The table below shows live departures for Santander to Barcelona trains for today, Thursday 4 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 01:08
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
RenfeALVIA04072+iryo06141
On time
05:48 Santander station
10h06
15:54 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA04072+iryo06121
On time
05:48 Santander station
8h26
14:14 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA04072+iryo06021
On time
05:48 Santander station
10h53
16:41 Barcelona Sants
1 change
alsaNormal+renfe1501608:00 Santander, Estación de Autobuses
12h37
20:37 Barcelona Sants1 change
RenfeALVIA04142+iryo06013
On time
12:58 Santander station
8h23
21:21 Barcelona Sants
1 change
RenfeALVIA04142+iryo06201
On time
12:58 Santander station
9h16
22:14 Barcelona Sants
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santander to Barcelona 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.

Thu
04 Dec
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05 Dec
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06 Dec
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24 Dec

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

The best time to book your train from Santander to Barcelona is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Santander to Barcelona route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Santander to Barcelona 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 Santander to Barcelona.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santander to Barcelona

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Santander to Barcelona run on average 15 times per day, taking around 7h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.

There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 17:00. The fastest train covers the 541 km distance in 2h 37m.

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
541 km
Average train duration
7h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
£21
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
15
Fastest train
2h 37m
First train
02:30
Last train
17:00
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 Viajeros, Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve from Santander to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros, Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve trains will get you between Santander and Barcelona from £21. 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 Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 15m
Cheapest Price
£72
Renfe Viajeros frequency
1 a day

Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 27m
Cheapest Price
£53
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
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.
The cheapest way to get from Santander to Barcelona is by train, costing approximately £21.
The train distance from Santander to Barcelona is 541 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £41.
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 last train from Santander to Barcelona departs at 17:00.
There is no night train service from Santander to Barcelona.
The train journey from Santander to Barcelona covers a distance of 541 km and takes approximately 2h 37m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train station in Santander that goes to Barcelona is Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
The first train from Santander to Barcelona leaves at 2:30.
Trains from Santander to Barcelona run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Santander to Barcelona.
Yes, you can take the train 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 train, coach and flight.
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.
A day trip from Santander to Barcelona is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 37m. There are 15 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 541 km.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Santander and Barcelona

Santander
Barcelona
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
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
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Hotspots in and near restaurants.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Staffed and automatic. Open daily from 05:30 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • 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
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • All areas of the station have full disability access facilities.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Apartments Eixample
  • Apartment Guell
  • Sweet Inn Callao
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in various locations inside the station.
Public transport options for Barcelona Sants
  • Metro lines: L3, L5
  • Bus lines: A1, A2
  • Train lines: AVE, Alvia, Euromed, Talgo, Trenhotel, TGV, Avant, Intercity, R1, R2, R2 Nord, R2 Sud, R3, R4, RG1, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17

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