Madrid to Santander train with Renfe ALVIA

Fri, 01 May
+ Add return
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe ALVIA
Renfe
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe MD
Renfe Viajeros
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Santander

Showing times and prices for 01 May

Cheapest price

$24

Average price

$83

Fastest journey

4 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 44 m

Trains per day

46

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 travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Santander will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $24.

Fast trains

Of the 46 trains that leave Madrid for Santander 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 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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 ALVIA04193
    7:08 PM4h20
    Madrid Chamartín
    11:28 PMSantander station
    $241One-way
    0 changes
  • Renfe MD18063+Renfe ALVIA04193
    12:25 PM11h03
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    11:28 PMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe MD18065+Renfe ALVIA04193
    5:06 PM6h22
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    11:28 PMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe MD18011+Renfe ALVIA04193
    9:36 AM13h52
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    11:28 PMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 change
  • Renfe MD18003+Renfe ALVIA04193
    4:26 PM7h02
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    11:28 PMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 coach costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $38.

Distance: 339 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

$57

Average Price

$54

Average Price

Cheapest

$213

Average Price

5h 7m

Average total duration

4h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 43m

Average total duration

7h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

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

Madrid to Santander train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander trains for today, Thursday, 30 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
RenfeAVANT08069+renfe18101
On time
6:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h00
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08069+RenfeALVIA04073
On time
6:36 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h13
11:49 AM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18001+renfe18101
On time
6:40 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
8h56
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04073+renfe18101
On time
6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h48
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04073
On time
6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h01
11:49 AM Santander station
0 changesdirect
RenfeALVIA04073 · 04143
On time
6:48 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h23
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04261+renfe18101
On time
7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h32
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04261 · 04143
On time
7:04 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h07
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04087+renfe18101
On time
7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h16
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04187 · 04143
On time
7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h51
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04187+renfe18101
On time
7:20 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h16
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08079+renfe18101
On time
7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h45
3:36 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h20
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08079+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
7:51 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h22
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeINTERCITY04687 · 04153
On time
8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h33
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeINTERCITY04687+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
8:40 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h31
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18061+renfe18105
On time
9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
13h23
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18061+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
11h07
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18061+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
9:06 AM Madrid Príncipe Pío
10h05
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeINTERCITY04153
Delayed
7:25 AM 9:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
10h48
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05763+RenfeALVIA04143
Delayed
7:25 AM 9:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
9h46
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05763+renfe18105
Delayed
7:25 AM 9:25 AMMadrid Chamartín
13h04
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05071+renfe18105
On time
9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h33
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h17
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE05071+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
9:56 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h15
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h56
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08109+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h58
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08109+renfe18105
On time
10:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
12h14
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVLO04121+renfe18105
On time
11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
11h06
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
7h48
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVLO04121+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
11:23 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h50
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h08
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08129+renfe18105
On time
12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
10h24
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08129+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
12:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h06
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18063+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
11h03
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18063+renfe18105
On time
12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
10h04
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18063+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
12:25 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h48
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08139+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
1:48 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h25
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08139+RenfeALVIA04143
On time
1:48 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h23
7:11 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08139+renfe18105
On time
1:48 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h41
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA041432:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h06
7:11 PM Santander station0 changesdirect
RenfeALVIA04143+renfe181052:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h24
10:29 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeALVIA04143 · 041932:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h23
11:28 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeALVIA04143+RenfeINTERCITY041532:05 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h08
8:13 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeAVLO05817+renfe18105
On time
2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h06
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h50
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVLO05817+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
2:23 PM Madrid Chamartín
9h05
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeINTERCITY04257 · 04153
On time
2:46 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h27
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
renfe18009 · 181052:55 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h34
10:29 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeAVE05721+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
2:59 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h14
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08159+renfe18105
On time
3:10 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h19
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08159+RenfeINTERCITY04153
On time
3:10 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h03
8:13 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08159+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
3:10 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h18
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeINTERCITY04153+RenfeALVIA041933:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
8h08
11:28 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeINTERCITY041533:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
4h53
8:13 PM Santander station0 changesdirect
RenfeINTERCITY04153+renfe181053:20 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h09
10:29 PM Santander station1 change
RenfeAVANT08359+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
3:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
7h48
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVANT08359+renfe18105
On time
3:40 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h49
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18003+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
4:26 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
7h02
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE04161+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
6h51
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeAVE04161+renfe18105
On time
4:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h52
10:29 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeMD18065+RenfeALVIA04193
On time
5:06 PM Madrid Príncipe Pío
6h22
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04267 · 04193
On time
5:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h51
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change
RenfeALVIA04167 · 04193
On time
5:37 PM Madrid Chamartín
5h51
11:28 PM Santander station
1 change

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, 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 Madrid to Santander trains with Omio?

Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros 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, Renfe MD or Renfe Viajeros 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 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 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 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 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$31
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
4h 20m
First train
6:36 AM
Last train
7:08 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
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

Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo from Madrid to Santander trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo trains will get you between Madrid and Santander from $31. 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 20m
Cheapest Price
$31
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
一件手提行李和最多三件行李免费。
Luggage storage
车顶行李架、车厢末端的行李区,以及座位之间的空间
Cancellation Policy
根据票务条件可取消
Refund
因取消列车而提供全额退款
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
大多数长途列车上设有餐车(自助餐厅),提供热餐和冷餐、小吃及饮料。头等舱乘客享有座位服务。
Seat reservation
可选座位预订。某些票种包含在内,其他票种需额外收费。建议在高峰旅行时段使用。
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
轮椅空间、无障碍厕所和为行动不便的乘客提供的协助服务。
Pets
小型宠物在笼子里可以免费旅行。狗必须系上牵引绳并戴上嘴套,需要购买票。导盲犬可以免费旅行。
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 53m
Cheapest Price
$43
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 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 15m
Cheapest Price
$45
Renfe Viajeros frequency
4 a day

Ouigo

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Price
$41
Ouigo frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Madrid to Santander train

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 $31 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Santander is $57; 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 4h 20m 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 7:08 pm.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Madrid to Santander with Renfe Viajeros. 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, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo 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 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Santander is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Santander including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and 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.
Madrid ChamartínParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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

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