Santander to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Sun 13 Sept
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept

Cheapest price on 13 Sept

£45

Average ticket price on 13 Sept

£55

Fastest journey on 13 Sept

4 h 23 m

Average journey duration on 13 Sept

6 h 18 m

Trains on 13 Sept

9

Distance

339 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santander to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santander to Madrid will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

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

  • Renfe18102+Renfe MD18004
    9:208h09
    Santander station
    17:29Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe18102+Renfe MD18006
    9:2011h21
    Santander station
    20:41Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe18102+Renfe MD18012
    9:209h35
    Santander station
    18:55Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe ALVIA04072+Renfe MD18004
    7:0510h24
    Santander station
    17:29Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £451One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe18008
    13:559h45
    Santander station
    23:40Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £601One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Santander to Madrid

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santander to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £41, while a flight costs an average of £230.

Distance: 339 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£42

Average Price

£230

Average Price

£59

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 50m

Average total duration

4h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 26m

Average total duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 42m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

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 Madrid is a train with an average price of £41.

This is compared to other travel options from Santander to Madrid:

A train is £1 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Santander to Madrid costing on average £42.

A train is £189 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santander to Madrid costing on average £230.

The fastest way to travel from Santander to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 42m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 20m.

Coach takes on average 5h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santander and Madrid including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 21m faster (4h 20m by train vs 4h 41m by car) and roughly £19 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£41 vs £59). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Renfe Viajeros.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Santander to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Santander to Madrid trains for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA0414213:55 Santander station
4h00
17:55 Madrid Chamartín0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe MD18006
On time
13:55 Santander station
6h46
20:41 Madrid Príncipe Pío
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe MD18014
Delayed
13:55 Santander station
7h47
19:42 19:42Madrid Príncipe Pío
1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe AVANT08198
On time
13:55 Santander station
6h51
20:46 Madrid Chamartín
1 change
Sunday 13 September
Renfe MD37072+Renfe ALVIA041867:05 Santander station
4h23
11:28 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA04072 · 041867:05 Santander station
4h23
11:28 Madrid Chamartín1 change
Renfe ALVIA04072+Renfe MD180047:05 Santander station
10h24
17:29 Madrid Príncipe Pío1 change
Renfe18102+Renfe MD180049:20 Santander station
8h09
17:29 Madrid Príncipe Pío1 change
Renfe18102+Renfe MD180129:20 Santander station
9h35
18:55 Madrid Príncipe Pío1 change
Renfe18102+Renfe MD180069:20 Santander station
11h21
20:41 Madrid Príncipe Pío1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santander to Madrid 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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12 Sept
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Why should you book Santander to Madrid trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros and more offer trains services from Santander to Madrid.
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 INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros to find the best option for your trip from Santander to Madrid.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Renfe ALVIA with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santander to Madrid.

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

The best time to book your train from Santander to Madrid is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Santander to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Santander to Madrid 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 Madrid.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santander to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Santander to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:20. The fastest train covers the 339 km distance in 4h 4m.

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
339 km
Average train duration
4h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
4h 4m
First train
6:36
Last train
19:20
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
63 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 INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros from Santander to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros trains will get you between Santander and Madrid from £15. 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
4h 8m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£15
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

What's included in each class

Compare Renfe ALVIA classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Food available
  • Extra legroom
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Air-conditioned
2nd Class
  • Power plugs
  • Food available
  • Air-conditioned

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
4h 4m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£31
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

What's included in each class

Compare Renfe INTERCITY classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
2nd Class
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy

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

What's included in each class

Compare Renfe classes and the amenities included in each one.

1st Class
Renfe AVE INT
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Quiet zone
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
  • Air-conditioned
2nd Class
Renfe AVE INT
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Quiet zone
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
  • Air-conditioned

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

Renfe Viajeros

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Viajeros Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Renfe Viajeros Price
£32
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day

Complete guide to Madrid

Things to do in Madrid

Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional del Prado

Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.

  • Must visit

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or menú del día.
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 modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.

FAQs: Santander to Madrid train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £41.
The train journey from Santander to Madrid covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 4h 4m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Santander to Madrid is 339 km.
The first train from Santander to Madrid leaves at 6:36.
The last train from Santander to Madrid departs at 19:20.
Trains from Santander to Madrid run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Santander to Madrid.
Yes, there is a direct train between Santander and Madrid. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe Viajeros.
To get from Santander to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Santander to Madrid.
The train station in Santander that goes to Madrid is Santander station, and it arrives at Madrid Chamartín.
The cheapest way to get from Santander to Madrid is by train, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Santander to Madrid 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 Madrid offers picturesque views of the Cantabrian Mountains and lush green landscapes, providing a scenic experience, especially in the initial stages of the trip.
A day trip from Santander to Madrid is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 4m. Trains operate 3 times per day.
In Madrid, visit the bustling Puerta del Sol for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel and explore the lively nightlife in the Malasaña district. Experience traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour or a football match. Discover artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum and explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid. Relax in Retiro Park, admire the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy shopping or entertainment along Gran Vía.
To fully experience Madrid, 3 to 4 days are recommended, allowing time to explore its cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich culinary scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Santander to Madrid.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Santander and Madrid

Most Santander to Madrid trains use the Santander to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and Madrid 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 Madrid

Which Santander station do trains to Madrid leave from?

Trains from Santander to Madrid leave from Santander. The station is 1 km from Santander city centre at 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
Santander39008 Santander, Cantabria, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk

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.

More options for your journey from Santander to Madrid

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

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