- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Oct
Cheapest price on 28 Oct
£31
Average ticket price on 28 Oct
£46
Fastest journey on 28 Oct
4 h
Average journey duration on 28 Oct
4 h 32 m
Trains on 28 Oct
15
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 £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
On Wed 28 Oct, we found 15 trains from Santander to Madrid, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
0419219:004h20Santander station23:20Madrid Chamartín£311One-way0 changes- 04072+
051787:059h39Santander station16:44Madrid Chamartín£331One-way1 change - 04072+
180107:056h20Santander station13:25Madrid Príncipe Pío£381One-way1 change 
18104+0419016:295h56Santander station22:25Madrid Chamartín£391One-way1 change- 18102+051789:207h24Santander station16:44Madrid Chamartín£391One-way1 change
- 0414213:554h00Santander station17:55Madrid Chamartín£411One-way0 changes
- 040727:054h14Santander station11:19Madrid Chamartín£411One-way0 changes
- 0419219:004h20Santander station23:20Madrid Chamartín£311One-way0 changes
- 04142+
0817813:555h00Santander station18:55Madrid Chamartín£651One-way1 change - 04142+
0579213:555h05Santander station19:00Madrid Chamartín£631One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Santander to Madrid run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 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 3h 54m.
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 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 54m |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Santander to Madrid trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santander to Madrid.
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £23.
The train journey from Santander to Madrid covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 3h 54m. Trains run 15 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 15 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Santander and Madrid. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe.
Live departures
Santander to Madrid train times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to Madrid trains for today, Tuesday 27 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04142 | 13:55 Santander station | 4h00 | 17:55 Madrid Chamartín | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04142+05792 | 13:55 Santander station | 5h05 | 19:00 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
04142+ 04786 | 13:55 Santander station | 6h28 | 20:23 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 04142+08178 | 13:55 Santander station | 5h00 | 18:55 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 18104+04366 | 16:29 Santander station | 5h51 | 22:20 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 18104+04192 | 16:29 Santander station | 6h51 | 23:20 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 18104+04190 | 16:29 Santander station | 5h56 | 22:25 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 04192 | 19:00 Santander station | 4h20 | 23:20 Madrid Chamartín | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 28 October | |||||
| 04072 | 7:05 Santander station | 4h14 | 11:19 Madrid Chamartín | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04072+05178 | 7:05 Santander station | 9h39 | 16:44 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 04072+18010 | 7:05 Santander station | 6h20 | 13:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 1 change | |
| 37072 · 18010 | 7:05 Santander station | 6h20 | 13:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 1 change | |
| 18102+08148 | 9:20 Santander station | 5h55 | 15:15 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 18102+05178 | 9:20 Santander station | 7h24 | 16:44 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 18102+18004 | 9:20 Santander station | 8h09 | 17:29 Madrid Príncipe Pío | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Santander to Madrid trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe, Renfe MD 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 or Renfe MD 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.
Trains
from £7Coaches
from £28Flights
from £33Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY from Santander to Madrid trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Santander and Madrid from £7. 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 54m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£7
Renfe ALVIA frequency
8 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
4h 4m
Cheapest Renfe Price
£7
Renfe frequency
9 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 54m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
£7
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
4h 4m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
£13
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Santander and Madrid
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Santander to Madrid.
There is no night train service from Santander to Madrid.
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 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.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Casa Dani
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
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.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is being introduced in Metro turnstiles for single tickets; buses and other modes may still require a transport card or other ticket.
- For the widest urban coverage, use CRTM fares and check your loaded ticket before entering Metro gates or boarding buses.
Plan your visit to Madrid
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Madrid.
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.
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.
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.
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, with some services arriving at Madrid Príncipe Pío. 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, 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 Madrid station do trains from Santander arrive at?
Trains from Santander to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid Chamartín. Some services arrive at Madrid Príncipe Pío, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.
Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £1 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £1 · every ~2 min
BusN24 · 24m · £3 · every ~11 min
Subway1 · 19m · £2 · every ~24 min
Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services
Madrid Chamartín 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 Madrid Chamartín.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Madrid Príncipe PíoPaseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain+34 902 320 320
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid Príncipe Pío from Madrid city centre
Madrid Príncipe Pío is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN18, N19, N20 · 6m · £1 · every ~34 min
N18, N20, N19 · 7m · £1 · every ~34 min
Madrid Príncipe Pío train station facilities and services
Madrid Príncipe Pío 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, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Casa Mingo, Café de Oriente, Noodles King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Madrid Príncipe Pío. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Príncipe Pío: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Príncipe Pío, Acta Madfor Hotel, Hotel Exe Moncloa.
Train stations for Santander to Madrid
Check train stations information for Santander and Madrid, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Santander that goes to Madrid is Santander, and it arrives at Madrid Chamartín.
More options for your journey from Santander to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Santander
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