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Madrid to Santander Trains

Timetable

How to book

Why book with RM

Route overview

Classes

Luggage

Rating & reviews

Train Map

Comparison table

Cities

FAQ

Popular Routes

Related Routes

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Madrid to Santander Train Tickets & Timetable

The Madrid to Santander route features several daily departures, primarily using Alvia trains. These services depart from Madrid Chamartin station and terminate at Santander station. Available classes include Turista (Standard) and Preferente (First Class). It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices. The price range for a one-way ticket is approximately €35-85 ($38-92 USD). For accurate timetable information and ticket availability, use the search page. Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Madrid to Santander train times and departures.

5Apr

Seats

Madrid

Santander

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Day trains

13:40

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

4h 24m

18:04

SantanderStation

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04143

from

10590 USD

4h 24m, Direct

13:40

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

18:04

SantanderStation

from

10590 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04143

Evening trains

19:08

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

4h 20m

23:28

SantanderStation

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04193

from

8671 USD

4h 20m, Direct

19:08

MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

Secondary station

23:28

SantanderStation

from

8671 USD

Direct

High-speed

Renfe ALVIA 04193

First train

07:45

Last train

19:08

Travel duration

4h 23m

Daily departures

Departure station

Madrid

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Santander

Ticket price

$33

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to Santander

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Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for added convenience. Easily adjust your travel plans and modify your Madrid to Santander train tickets based on availability and specific fare conditions.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We are here to ensure the most straightforward reservation service for your trip.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Madrid to Santander route, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online and receive a digital PDF ticket for your journey.

Secure Payment Options

Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy Madrid to Santander tickets. Enjoy a safe booking process with multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Why Book Madrid to Santander Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Madrid to Santander Route Overview

The journey from Madrid to Santander spans the heart of the Iberian Peninsula to the northern coast. Using the Alvia high-speed service, the trip typically takes around 4 hours. The train utilizes high-speed tracks for a portion of the journey before transitioning to conventional lines. Passengers pass through historic regions like Castile and Leon, moving through diverse terrains including plains and mountainous landscapes as the train approaches the Cantabrian Sea.

Travel time

4h 23m

Train type

Fastest trip

4h 20m

Longest trip

4h 54m

Available Ticket Classes

On the Madrid to Santander route, trains generally offer Turista (standard seating) and Preferente (premium seating). Preferente class often includes more spacious seating and access to station lounges. Availability of specific classes depends on the individual train model and time of departure.

from

$4815

Economy Class

from

$5127

Business class

Practical Information for Alvia Travelers

Luggage guidelines on Spanish regional and high-speed services. Below are key points for bringing items aboard your train from Madrid to Santander:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring up to three pieces of luggage. The total weight should not exceed 25 kg, and the sum of the dimensions of all three items must not exceed 290 cm. This allows for standard suitcases and carry-on bags.

Storage Facilities

Trains are equipped with overhead racks for small bags and larger floor-level racks at the ends of each carriage for heavy suitcases. These areas are communal and accessible throughout the trip.

Special Items

Folded bicycles and musical instruments in cases are permitted if they meet size requirements. For larger items, it is necessary to check specific carrier rules, as space is limited on certain Alvia services.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Madrid to Santander Map

Plan your trip between Madrid and Santander using the northern rail corridor. The travel route leaves Madrid Chamartin and passes through cities such as Segovia, Valladolid, and Palencia. The transport system in Spain connects the high-speed infrastructure in the center with the rugged terrain of the north. You will see the change from the plains of Castile to the green mountains of Cantabria before arriving at the coast.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

ALVIA

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 21m

Price from

$33

Departures

Rating

Train

INTERCIT

Changes

Direct

Travel time

4h 53m

Price from

$33

Departures

Rating

Rail travel between Madrid and Santander offers a direct connection from the city center, avoiding the long ground transfers required for flights. While buses provide a lower-cost alternative, they typically take over 5 or 6 hours. The train offers a balance of speed and views of the Spanish interior that are not visible from a plane. For many, the rail remains the most functional choice for this specific northern route.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

4h 23m

$33-$79

Bus

Apprx.

5h 30m

$32-$55

Flight

Apprx.

1h 10m

$45-$180

Cities at Both Ends

Madrid is the Spanish center for art and culture, home to the Royal Palace and vibrant plazas. Departures for the north take place from Chamartin Station. Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region, is renowned for its seaside elegance and historical importance as a royal summer residence. Arrival is at Santander Station, located near the city center. Both cities offer distinct historical layers, from Madrid's Habsburg architecture to Santander's maritime heritage.

Madrid

The capital of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

FAQ about the Madrid - Santander Route

How much is the train from Madrid to Santander?

A one-way ticket typically costs between 45 USD and 110 USD, depending on the class and how far in advance you book. Prices fluctuate based on seasonal demand and ticket availability.

How fast is the train between Madrid and Santander?

The Alvia trains reach speeds of up to 250 km/h (155 mph) on high-speed lines, though they slow down for the mountainous sections in the north. The total journey time is usually 4 hours.

Which station does the train leave from in Madrid?

Trains heading to Santander depart from Madrid Chamartin station, located in the northern part of the city. It is well-connected by metro and local Cercanias trains.

Are there direct trains from Madrid to Santander?

Yes, there are several direct Alvia services daily that do not require any transfers, making it a straightforward way to reach the Cantabrian coast.

Learn more information at our

Country Guide