MADRID to SANTANDER train from €7 with Renfe ALVIA

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santander

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 11

Cheapest price on Oct 11

€44

Average ticket price on Oct 11

€69

Fastest journey on Oct 11

4 h 4 m

Average journey duration on Oct 11

4 h 22 m

Trains on Oct 11

Distance

339 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Madrid to Santander will cost around €69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €44.

Fast trains

On Sun, Oct 11, we found 44 trains from Madrid to Santander, including 2 direct services.

On Sun, Oct 11 the direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 4 m .

On Sun, Oct 11 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.

05817+18105
2:23 PM8h02
Madrid Chamartín
10:25 PMSantander station
€441One-way
1 transfer
05817+37193
2:23 PM8h49
Madrid Chamartín
11:12 PMSantander station
€451One-way
1 transfer
18061+18105
9:06 AM13h19
Madrid Príncipe Pío
10:25 PMSantander station
€501One-way
1 transfer
18063+18105
12:25 PM10h00
Madrid Príncipe Pío
10:25 PMSantander station
€501One-way
1 transfer
18011+18105
9:36 AM12h49
Madrid Príncipe Pío
10:25 PMSantander station
€501One-way
1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Santander

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Santander run on average 60 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. 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 55m.

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 46m

Cheapest ticket price

€7

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 55m

First train

6:36 AM

Last train

7:20 PM

Cheapest Month

Mar

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

77 days

Price information

Live departures

Madrid to Santander train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for today, Saturday, October 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
04121+04143	On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín	6h24	5:47 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04121+04193	On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín	11h49	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04121+18105	On time 11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín	11h02	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18063+04193	On time 12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío	10h47	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18063+18105	On time 12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío	10h00	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
05817+04193	On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín	8h49	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
05817+18105	On time 2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín	8h02	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04151+04193	2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín	8h13	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04151+18105	2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín	7h26	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18003+04193	4:26 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío	6h46	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
08179+04193	5:00 PM Madrid Chamartín	6h12	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
08179+18105	5:00 PM Madrid Chamartín	5h25	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04167 · 04193	5:48 PM Madrid Chamartín	5h24	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04267 · 04193	5:48 PM Madrid Chamartín	5h24	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
08189+04193	6:40 PM Madrid Chamartín	4h32	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04181 · 04193	6:51 PM Madrid Chamartín	4h21	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04193	7:08 PM Madrid Chamartín	4h04	11:12 PM Santander station	0 transfersDirect
Sunday, October 11
04087 · 04143	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	10h52	5:47 PM Santander station	1 transfer
04087+18101	6:55 AM Madrid Chamartín	6h48	1:43 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18061+04143	9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	8h41	5:47 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18061+18105	9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	13h19	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18011+04143	9:36 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	8h11	5:47 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18011 · 37193	9:36 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	13h36	11:12 PM Santander station	1 transfer
18011+18105	9:36 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío	12h49	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
08109+04143	10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín	7h32	5:47 PM Santander station	1 transfer
08109+18105	10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín	12h10	10:25 PM Santander station	1 transfer
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Madrid to Santander trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD and more offer trains services from Madrid to Santander.

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, Renfe INTERCITY or Renfe MD to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Santander.
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 Madrid to Santander.

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

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Santander is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Santander route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Santander 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 Madrid to Santander.

Trains

from €7

Buses

from €35

Flights

from €37

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY from Madrid to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Madrid and Santander 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 55m

Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price

€7

Renfe ALVIA frequency

26 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 49m

Cheapest Renfe Price

€7

Renfe frequency

21 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

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

Average Renfe MD Duration

4h 1m

Cheapest Renfe MD Price

€7

Renfe MD frequency

16 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 8m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

€7

Renfe INTERCITY frequency

13 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

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Santander

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

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Santander can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Santander is €26; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Madrid to Santander is 3h 55m to travel the 339 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Madrid to Santander leaves at 6:36 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Madrid to Santander leaves at 7:20 PM.

Yes,there are 3 direct trains a day from Madrid to Santander with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

When taking a train from Madrid to Santander, you can count on Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD for the best way to get you to Santander. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Madrid and Santander and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Santander from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Santander including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Santander

Most Madrid to Santander trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Santander station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Santander train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Madrid

Arrival train stations in Santander

Which Madrid station do trains to Santander leave from?

Trains from Madrid to Santander leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.

Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain Parking

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.

More about Madrid Chamartín

Madrid Príncipe PíoPaseo de la Florida, s/n, 28008 Madrid, Spain+34 902 320 320 Wifi

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.