Santander to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu 30 Jul
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Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
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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 and prices for 30 Jul

Cheapest price

£44

Average price

£62

Fastest journey

4 h 16 m

Average duration

5 h 3 m

Trains per day

14

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 £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Santander for Madrid every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 16 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 53 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.

  • Renfe18104+Renfe AVLO04190
    16:275h58
    Santander station
    22:25Madrid Chamartín
    £441One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe ALVIA04072+Renfe MD18010
    6:486h37
    Santander station
    13:25Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £501One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe18102+Renfe MD18004
    9:208h09
    Santander station
    17:29Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £501One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe18102+Renfe AVLO05178
    9:207h24
    Santander station
    16:44Madrid Chamartín
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe MD37072 · 18010
    6:486h37
    Santander station
    13:25Madrid Príncipe Pío
    £541One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, and a flight costs an average of £49.

Distance: 339 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£31

Average Price

Cheapest

£54

Average Price

£254

Average Price

4h 47m

Average total duration

4h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 22m

Average total duration

5h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 41m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

1.0 - 2.0kg

CO2 emissions

Renfe ALVIA

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Santander to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Santander to Madrid trains for today, Wednesday 29 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA04072
On time
6:48 Santander station
4h35
11:23 Madrid Chamartín		0 changesdirect
Renfe MD37072+Renfe ALVIA04186
On time
6:48 Santander station
4h40
11:28 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe MD37072 · 18010
On time
6:48 Santander station
6h37
13:25 Madrid Príncipe Pío		1 change
Renfe MD37072+Renfe AVANT08118
On time
6:48 Santander station
5h47
12:35 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142
Delayed
13:58 Santander station
4h16
16:14 16:14Madrid Chamartín		0 changesdirect
Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe AVANT08178
On time
13:58 Santander station
4h57
18:55 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+Renfe MD18006
On time
13:58 Santander station
6h43
20:41 Madrid Príncipe Pío		1 change
Renfe ALVIA04142+AVE05792
On time
13:58 Santander station
5h02
19:00 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe18104+Renfe AVLO04190
Delayed
16:27 Santander station
5h58
20:25 20:25Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe18104+Renfe AVANT34366
On time
16:27 Santander station
5h53
22:20 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe18104+Renfe ALVIA04176
On time
16:27 Santander station
5h53
22:20 Madrid Chamartín		1 change
Renfe ALVIA04192
Delayed
19:00 Santander station
4h24
21:24 21:24Madrid Chamartín		0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santander to Madrid by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train 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.

Wed
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18 Aug

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 bus, train 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 63 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 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 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 16m.

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 17m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
4h 16m
First train
6:36
Last train
19:20
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
49 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 £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
Average Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Price
£16
Renfe ALVIA frequency
3 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 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 Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Price
£34
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
1 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

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
Learn more about Renfe

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 Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Price
£35
Renfe Viajeros frequency
2 a day

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 £16, while the average price tends to be around £31.
The train journey from Santander to Madrid covers a distance of 339 km and takes approximately 4h 16m. 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 ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe Viajeros.
To get from Santander to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train 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 £16.
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 16m. 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 about 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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