Madrid to Santander train with Renfe ALVIA

Thu, Nov 20
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe (13)
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe Intercity
Renfe (13)
Renfe Viajeros
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santander

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

€44

Average price

€74

Fastest journey

4 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 31 m

Trains per day

60

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 €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €44.

Fast trains

Of the 60 trains that leave Madrid for Santander on Thu, Nov 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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.

Renfe AVLO05817+Renfe18105
02:23PM8h06
Madrid Chamartín
10:29PMSantander station
441One-way
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04073
07:45AM4h21
Madrid Chamartín
12:06PMSantander station
451One-way
0 transfers
Renfe AVLO05817+Renfe (13)37193
02:23PM9h05
Madrid Chamartín
11:28PMSantander station
461One-way
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04261+Renfe18101
07:04AM6h39
Madrid Chamartín
01:43PMSantander station
511One-way
1 transfer
Renfe ALVIA04261 · 04073
07:04AM5h02
Madrid Chamartín
12:06PMSantander station
511One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Santander

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 bus costs an average of €33, and a flight costs an average of €59.

Distance: 339 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€57

Average price

€50

Average price

Cheapest

€268

Average price

5h 3m

Average total duration

4h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 28m

Average total duration

7h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 29m

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

Air Nostrum

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Madrid to Santander train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:53 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
7:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h24
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18061+renfe18105
On time
8:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
13h23
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18061+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
8:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
8h58
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04091 · 04143
On time
8:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h49
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05763+renfe18105
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
13h04
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
8:25 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h39
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05071+renfe18105
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h33
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
8:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h08
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08109+renfe18105
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h14
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
9:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h49
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO04121+renfe18105
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h06
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h41
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeMD37193
On time
10:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h05
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h59
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeMD37193
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h23
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08129+renfe18105
On time
11:05 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h24
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
11:25 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
11h03
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18063+renfe18105
On time
11:25 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
10h04
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18063 · 37193
On time
11:25 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
11h03
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05101+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h01
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05101+RenfeMD37193
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
10h25
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE05101+renfe18105
On time
12:03 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h26
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeMD37193
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h48
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04143
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h24
5:04 PM Santander station
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04143+renfe18105
On time
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h49
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04143 · 04193
Delayed
12:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h48
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeMD37193
On time
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h05
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO05817+renfe18105
On time
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h06
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
1:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h05
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04257+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
1:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h42
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04257+RenfeMD37193
On time
1:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h42
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04257+renfe18105
On time
1:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h43
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeMD37193
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h48
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h48
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08359+renfe18105
On time
2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h49
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08169+renfe18105
On time
3:15 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h14
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18003 · 37193
On time
3:26 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h02
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18003+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
3:26 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h02
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE04161+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h51
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE04161+RenfeMD37193
On time
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h51
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVE04161+renfe18105
On time
3:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h52
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08179+renfe18105
On time
4:00 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h29
9:29 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18065 · 37193
On time
4:06 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
6h22
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18065+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
4:06 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
6h22
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04179+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
4:30 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h58
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeINTERCITY04179+RenfeMD37193
On time
4:30 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h58
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04267+RenfeMD37193
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h51
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08389+RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
5:15 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h13
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08389+RenfeMD37193
On time
5:15 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h13
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04181 · 04193
Delayed
5:51 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h37
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04181+RenfeMD37193
On time
5:51 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h37
10:28 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04193
Delayed
6:08 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h20
10:28 PM 10:28 PMSantander station
0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 20
RenfeAVANT08069+renfe18101
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h07
12:43 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04073
On time
5:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h30
11:06 AM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeMD18001+renfe18101
On time
5:40 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h03
12:43 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04261+renfe18101
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h39
12:43 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04073
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h02
11:06 AM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04143
On time
6:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h00
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187 · 04073
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h46
11:06 AM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04087 · 04073
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h46
11:06 AM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04187+renfe18101
On time
6:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
6h23
12:43 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073+renfe18101
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h58
12:43 PM Santander station
1 transfer
RenfeALVIA04073
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h21
11:06 AM Santander station
0 transfersDirect
RenfeALVIA04073 · 04143
On time
6:45 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h19
5:04 PM Santander station
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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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 77 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Santander

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €22 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 20m.

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 33m
Cheapest ticket price
€22
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
4h 20m
First train
06:36
Last train
19:08
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, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe Intercity, Renfe (13), Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Santander from €22. 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 7m
Cheapest Price
€25
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

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 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
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 (13)

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 15m
Cheapest Price
€36
Renfe Viajeros frequency
4 a day

Ouigo

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Price
€34
Ouigo frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Santander can start from as little as €16 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Santander is €36; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Madrid to Santander train time is 4 h 4 min   covering the 339 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Madrid to Santander leaves at 06: 48. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Madrid to Santander leaves at 19: 50.
There are 2 trains a day from Madrid to Santander which require at least one change with Renfe ALVIA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Madrid to Santander, you can count on Renfe ALVIA for the best way to get you to Santander. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service from Madrid to Santander and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 19: 50.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Madrid Chamartín, which is located around 4.8 miles (7.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Santander, located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Santander from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 4 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Santander is August.
You have options as you can travel between Madrid and Santander 3 different ways: coach, train or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Santander

Madrid
Santander
The major train station for departures in Madrid is Madrid Chamartín. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid Chamartín for your trip from Madrid to Santander.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km

Most popular train connections to Santander

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