Santander to Madrid train with Renfe ALVIA

Wed, Nov 11
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe
Renfe MD
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 11
Cheapest price on Nov 11
€23
Average ticket price on Nov 11
€37
Fastest journey on Nov 11
4 h 24 m
Average journey duration on Nov 11
4 h 29 m
Trains on Nov 11
4
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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santander to Madrid will cost around €37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.

Fast trains

On Wed, Nov 11, we found 4 trains from Santander to Madrid, including 4 direct services.

On Wed, Nov 11 the direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 24 m .

On Wed, Nov 11 the slowest trains will take 4 h 35 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 ALVIA
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santander to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

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 AM
Last train
7:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
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

Live departures

Santander to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Santander to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA5:48 AM Santander
4h35
10:23 AM Madrid0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA5:00 PM Santander
4h24
9:24 PM Madrid0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA5:25 PM Santander
4h34
9:59 PM Madrid0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA6:00 PM Santander
4h24
10:24 PM Madrid0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

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.

Train 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
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
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
€15
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.

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

FAQs: Trains from Santander to Madrid

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
Cheap train tickets from Santander to Madrid can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Santander to Madrid 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 Santander to Madrid is 3h 54m 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 Santander to Madrid leaves at 6:36 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Santander to Madrid leaves at 7:20 PM.
Yes,there are 3 direct trains a day from Santander to Madrid with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Madrid. Take the fast train with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe from Santander to Madrid.
A trip to Madrid from Santander is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 54m 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 Santander and Madrid including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santander to 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, 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.

Most popular train connections from Santander

Train Santander - Bilbao

More options for your journey from Santander to Madrid

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Madrid to Santander
Buses from Santander to Madrid
Flights from Santander to Madrid
Compare all journeys between Santander and Madrid
Tickets and more information for trains to Santander
Tickets and more information for trains to Madrid

Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Santander

Train Paris - Madrid
Train Milan - Madrid
Train Amsterdam - Madrid
Train Berlin - Madrid
Train Brussels - Madrid
Train Barcelona - Madrid
Train Lisbon - Madrid
Train Bordeaux - Madrid
Train Marseille - Madrid
Train Porto - Madrid
Train Nice - Madrid
Train Toulouse - Madrid
Train Valencia - Madrid
Train Málaga - Madrid
Train Alicante - Madrid
Train Perpignan - Madrid
Train Barcelona Sants - Madrid
Train Seville - Madrid
Train Vigo - Madrid
Train Santiago de Compostela - Madrid
Train Montpellier - Madrid
Train Tarragona - Madrid
Train Santander - Málaga
Train Santander - Alicante
Train Santander - Seville
Train Santander - Vigo
Train Santander - Bilbao
Train Santander - Oviedo
Train Santander - Salamanca
Train Santander - Segovia
Train Santander - Pamplona
Train Santander - Llanes
Train Santander - Valladolid
Train Santander - Burgos
Train Santander - Ponferrada
Train Santander - Palencia
Train Santander - Fromista
Train Santander - San Vicente de la Barquera
Train Santander - Ribadesella
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to MadridSantander to Madrid train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone