Santander to Barcelona train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu 05 Mar
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe Viajeros
Renfe Cercanias AM - Feve
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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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 coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 coach costs an average of £42, and a flight costs an average of £29.

Distance: 541 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach

£66

Average Price

£107

Average Price

£59

Average Price

Cheapest

7h 45m

Average total duration

7h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 36m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

9h 17m

Average total duration

8h 47m

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.

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.

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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 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £53 but you can travel from only £29 by flight.

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 12h 15m.

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 £29
Distance
541 km
Average train duration
7h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
£53
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
15
Fastest train
12h 15m
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £29

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 £29. 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
£71
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
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to Barcelona can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £53, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Santander to Barcelona covers a distance of 541 km and takes approximately 12h 15m. Trains run 15 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 17:00.
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 train, 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 £29.
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.
A day trip from Santander to Barcelona is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 15m. There are 15 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 541 km.
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

Santander
Barcelona
Barcelona SantsWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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
address
Address
Plaça dels Països Catalans, 1, 7, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
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

More options for your journey from Santander to Barcelona

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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