- 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 and prices for 09 Aug
Cheapest price
£3
Average price
£18
Fastest journey
7 h 1 m
Average duration
7 h 29 m
Trains per day
4
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 £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.
Fast trains
To travel from Santander to León you need to make at least one change.
18100+
372216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£31One-way1 change- 18100+372216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£41One-way1 change
- 18100+
041216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£131One-way1 change 
04072+372216:407h01Santander station13:41León station£521One-way1 change
- 04072+372216:407h01Santander station13:41León station£521One-way1 change
- 18100+372216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£41One-way1 change
- 18100+041216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£131One-way1 change
- 18100+372216:037h38Santander station13:41León station£31One-way1 change
Live departures
Santander to León train times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to León trains for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
37072+ 05071 | Delayed 6:48 Santander station | 5h13 | 10:01 10:01León station | 1 change | |
| 37072+18215 | On time 6:48 Santander station | 11h37 | 18:25 León station | 1 change | |
| 04072+18215 | On time 6:48 Santander station | 11h37 | 18:25 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 ALVIA as well as Renfe or Renfe MD offer trains services from Santander to León.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe or Renfe MD 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to León
SpainSpain
Take a train from Santander to León and enjoy the approximately 172 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 19:00.
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
Coach from £16
Distance 172 km |
Average train duration 3h 39m |
First train 5:16 |
Last train 19:00 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 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
Coach from £16
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD from Santander to León trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD trains will get you between Santander and León from £16. 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
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
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
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
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 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.
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 cheapest way to get from Santander to León is by coach, costing approximately £16.
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.
Most popular train connections from Santander
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
Most popular train connections to León
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