- 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 17 Oct
Cheapest price on 17 Oct
£66
Average ticket price on 17 Oct
£81
Fastest journey on 17 Oct
8 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 17 Oct
11 h 35 m
Trains on 17 Oct
2
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 £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
Fast trains
To travel from Santander to Barcelona you need to make at least one change.
71851+
004377:5814h15Santander station22:13Barcelona Sants£661One-way1 change- 04142+
0601513:558h55Santander station22:50Barcelona Sants£951One-way1 change
- 04142+0601513:558h55Santander station22:50Barcelona Sants£951One-way1 change
- 71851+004377:5814h15Santander station22:13Barcelona Sants£661One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to Barcelona
SpainSpain
Trains from Santander to Barcelona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 16:58. The fastest train covers the 541 km distance in 6h 53m.
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 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 6h 53m |
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
Live departures
Santander to Barcelona train times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71851+00437 | 7:58 Santander station | 14h15 | 22:13 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
| 04142+06015 | 13:55 Santander station | 8h55 | 22:50 Barcelona Sants | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY from Santander to Barcelona trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Santander and Barcelona from £8. 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 Renfe ALVIA Duration
6h 53m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£8
Renfe ALVIA frequency
4 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 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 Renfe INTERCITY Duration
7h 16m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£28
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
4 a day
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 cost of a train ticket from Santander to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from Santander to Barcelona covers a distance of 541 km and takes approximately 6h 53m. Trains run 4 per day.
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 4 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.
There is no night train service from Santander to Barcelona.
The train station in Santander that goes to Barcelona is Santander station, and it arrives at Barcelona Sants.
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.
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 Santander 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 Santander station do trains to Barcelona leave from?
Trains from Santander to Barcelona leave from Santander. The station is 1 km from Santander city centre at 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
Santander39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Santander train station facilities and services
Santander has practical services for this route, including 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 and drink options are available at Santander.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Santander.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santander. Information desks are available at Santander.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander.
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 · £1 · 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 · £1
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.
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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