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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Madrid
Showing times and prices for 30 Apr
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
4 h 16 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Trains per day
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 £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
Of the 15 trains that leave Santander for Madrid every day 3 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 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 57 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.
0419219:254h34Santander station23:59Madrid Chamartín£321One-way0 changes- 040726:484h35Santander station11:23Madrid Chamartín£371One-way0 changes
18104+0419216:277h32Santander station23:59Madrid Chamartín£381One-way1 change- 18102+
051789:207h24Santander station16:44Madrid Chamartín£401One-way1 change - 18104+0436616:275h46Santander station22:13Madrid Chamartín£421One-way1 change
- 0414213:584h16Santander station18:14Madrid Chamartín£631One-way0 changes
- 0419219:254h34Santander station23:59Madrid Chamartín£321One-way0 changes
- 040726:484h35Santander station11:23Madrid Chamartín£371One-way0 changes
- 04072 · 041866:484h40Santander station11:28Madrid Chamartín£461One-way1 change
- 04142+
0817813:584h57Santander station18:55Madrid Chamartín£751One-way1 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 prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. 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 £21, and a flight costs an average of £25.
Distance: 339 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price | £218 Average Price |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration 6h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  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 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:48 Santander | 4h35 | 10:23 Madrid | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:58 Santander | 4h16 | 17:14 Madrid | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:00 Santander | 4h24 | 22:24 Madrid | 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 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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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 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.
Trains
from £31Coaches
from £35Flights
from £62Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Santander to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:08. 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 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 16m |
First train 6:36 |
Last train 19:08 |
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 £21. 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
£21
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 22m
Cheapest Price
£29
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
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
£33
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Santander to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £35.
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 19:08.
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 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 £21.
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
Santander
Madrid
The major train station for departures in Santander is Santander. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santander for your trip from Santander to Madrid.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
The major train station for arrivals in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your journey to Madrid from Santander.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Most popular train connections from Santander
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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