- Must visit
MUSAC
Contemporary art museum known for its colourful glass façade and changing exhibitions. Best for modern culture and current creative trends in León.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to León
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£27
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
4 h 11 m
Trains on 23 Sept
14
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santander to León is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santander to León will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Fast trains
To travel from Santander to León you need to make at least one change.
04142+
1821513:554h30Santander station18:25León station£271One-way1 change- 18102 · 182159:209h05Santander station18:25León station£281One-way1 change
- 04142+
3717913:555h53Santander station19:48León station£291One-way1 change - 18102+371019:206h44Santander station16:04León station£291One-way1 change
- 18104+1800316:294h29Santander station20:58León station£301One-way1 change
- 04192+
0518319:003h30Santander station22:30León station£461One-way1 change - 04192+1800519:004h06Santander station23:06León station£371One-way1 change
- 18102+
041219:204h21Santander station13:41León station£401One-way1 change - 18104+1800316:294h29Santander station20:58León station£301One-way1 change
- 04142+1821513:554h30Santander station18:25León station£271One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach for Santander to León
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santander to León among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £15, while a coach costs an average of £27.
Distance: 172 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price |
4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Santander to León is a train with an average price of £15.
This is compared to other travel options from Santander to León:
A train is £12 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Santander to León costing on average £27.
The fastest way to travel from Santander to León is by train with an average journey time of 3h 51m.
Other travel options to León take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 14m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Santander and León.
Live departures
Santander to León train times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to León trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04072+05071 | On time 7:05 Santander station | 4h56 | 12:01 León station | 1 change | |
| 37072+05071 | On time 7:05 Santander station | 4h56 | 12:01 León station | 1 change | |
| 04072 · 04091 | On time 7:05 Santander station | 4h31 | 11:36 León station | 1 change | |
| 18102+04121 | Delayed 9:20 Santander station | 4h21 | 11:41 11:41León station | 1 change | |
| 18102 · 18215 | On time 9:20 Santander station | 9h05 | 18:25 León station | 1 change | |
| 18102+00622 | On time 9:20 Santander station | 7h33 | 16:53 León station | 1 change | |
| 04142+37179 | On time 13:55 Santander station | 5h53 | 19:48 León station | 1 change | |
| 04142+18215 | On time 13:55 Santander station | 4h30 | 18:25 León station | 1 change | |
04142+ 04179 | On time 13:55 Santander station | 5h53 | 19:48 León station | 1 change | |
| 18104+18005 | On time 16:29 Santander station | 6h37 | 23:06 León station | 1 change | |
| 18104+05183 | Delayed 16:29 Santander station | 6h01 | 20:30 20:30León station | 1 change | |
| 18104+18003 | On time 16:29 Santander station | 4h29 | 20:58 León station | 1 change | |
| 04192+05183 | Delayed 19:00 Santander station | 3h30 | 20:30 20:30León station | 1 change | |
| 04192+18005 | On time 19:00 Santander station | 4h06 | 23:06 León station | 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 León by coach
Compare coach 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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Why should you book Santander to León trains with Omio?
Renfe MD as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe ALVIA and more offer trains services from Santander to León.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santander to León.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe MD?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe MD, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Renfe ALVIA to find the best option for your trip from Santander to León.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Raileurope, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe or Renfe ALVIA to find the best option for your trip from Santander to León.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to León
SpainSpain
Trains from Santander to León run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 172 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 172 km |
Average train duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:16 |
Last train 19:00 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY from Santander to León trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Santander and León from £10. 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
3h 2m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£10
Renfe ALVIA frequency
6 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
About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
3h 43m
Cheapest Renfe Price
£11
Renfe frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe MD
About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe MD Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£11
Renfe MD frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, 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
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, 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
3h 9m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£10
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
3 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 León
Things to do in León
Discover the best of León — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect León trip today.
- Recommended
Museo de San Isidoro
Museum inside San Isidoro with sacred art, manuscripts and royal tombs. A rich introduction to León's medieval culture and religion.
- Recommended
Museo Casa Botines Gaudí
Museum devoted to Gaudí's Casa Botines, with restored rooms, art and interpretation of the building's design and history.
- Must visit
Barrio Húmedo
León's old quarter is a lively maze of lanes, historic buildings and tapas streets. Ideal for walking, people-watching and evening atmosphere.
- Recommended
Plaza de Regla
Elegant square beside the cathedral with cafés, terraces and heritage buildings. A pleasant base for exploring the historic centre on foot.
- Recommended
Calle Ancha
Broad, central avenue lined with shops and notable buildings including Casa Botines. Good for a leisurely walk between León's main sights.
- Gluten-free
Cecina de León
Cecina de León is air-dried, lightly smoked beef with a deep savoury flavour. It is one of León’s best-known cured meats and a classic tapa.
- Gluten-free
Morcilla de León
Morcilla de León is a local black pudding made mainly with pig’s blood and onions, often spread on bread. It is a staple of Leonese bars and home cooking.
- Gluten-free
Botillo del Bierzo
Botillo del Bierzo is a hearty pork dish of stuffed and cured cuts, usually boiled and served with cabbage and potatoes. It is a traditional winter speciality nearby.
Cocinandos
Contemporary restaurant offering creative tasting menus rooted in Leonese flavours, with polished service and an intimate setting.
Casa Mando
Popular central venue for tapas and castizo dishes, with a busy atmosphere and a strong focus on local ingredients and wines.
Restaurante Ezequiel
Established restaurant serving refined Leonese cooking and regional produce in a smart but relaxed dining room near the old city.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: León is usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona for hotels, meals and local buses, while tourist-centre prices rise slightly in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- €45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; taxis are usually rounded up, not tipped heavily.
León Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
León station -> Plaza de Santo Domingo, León
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Use the León Bus app for real-time arrivals and journey planning.
- León station and the bus station are adjacent, making onward travel to the centre straightforward.
FAQs: Santander to León train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander to León 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 León, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to León can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £15.
The train journey from Santander to León covers a distance of 172 km and takes approximately 3h 2m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Santander to León is 172 km.
The first train from Santander to León leaves at 5:16.
The last train from Santander to León departs at 19:00.
Trains from Santander to León run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Santander to León.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Santander to León.
To travel from Santander to León, you can take a coach.
There is no night train service from Santander to León.
The train station in Santander that goes to León is Santander station, and it arrives at León station.
The cheapest way to get from Santander to León is by train, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Santander to León 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 León is quite scenic, offering views of the lush Cantabrian landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, especially as the route traverses the Cantabrian Mountains.
In León, you can explore the vibrant Barrio Húmedo, known for its tapas bars and nightlife, and enjoy panoramic views from the León Cathedral's rooftop. Attend cultural events at the historic Teatro Emperador and visit the avant-garde exhibitions at MUSAC. For relaxation, stroll along the Bernesga River. Notable sights include the stunning Gothic Catedral de León, the Romanesque Basílica de San Isidoro, Gaudí's modernist Casa Botines, the historic Convento de San Marcos, and the Museo de León, which showcases the region's rich history.
You typically need 2 to 3 days to explore León, allowing time to visit the Gothic Cathedral, Casa Botines, and the vibrant Barrio Húmedo.
Yes, you can take the train from Santander to León.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Santander and León
Most Santander to León trains use the Santander to León station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and León 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 León
Which Santander station do trains to León leave from?
Trains from Santander to León 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 León station do trains from Santander arrive at?
Trains from Santander to León arrive at León. León is 1 km from León city centre.
León24009 León, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to León from León city centre
León is 1 km from León city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
León train station facilities and services
León has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, 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 León.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at León.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at León. Information desks are available at León.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at León: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at León: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at León.
More options for your journey from Santander to León
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from León and Santander
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