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Madrid to Santiago de Compostela Trains

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Madrid to Santiago de Compostela Bullet Train Tickets & Timetable

Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains run from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to Santiago de Compostela station on Renfe's Madrid-Galicia high-speed corridor. Direct services are mainly AVE and Alvia trains, with common intermediate stops including Segovia Guiomar, Zamora, A Gudina-Porta Galicia, Ourense, and sometimes A Coruna-bound branches after Santiago. The rail distance is about 599 km, with the fastest AVE services taking around 3 hours 2 minutes and slower direct trains taking about 4 hours depending on stops and train type. There are usually about 5 to 7 direct departures per day in one direction, with additional options requiring a change at Ourense. One-way fares start from about €18 ($20 USD) for advance Basico tickets and can rise to around €120 ($130 USD) for flexible Premium fares close to departure. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead; book earlier for Semana Santa, August holidays, Christmas and New Year, and long weekends in Spain.
16Jul
1
Seats
Madrid
Santiago de Compostela

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:23
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 33m
09:56
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe Avlo 04295
from
49 USD
1
3h 33m, Direct
06:23
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
09:56
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
49 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
08:19
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 13m
11:32
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe AVE 04475
from
145 USD
1
3h 13m, Direct
08:19
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
11:32
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
145 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Day trains

14:33
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 9m
17:42
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe AVE 04345
from
165 USD
1
3h 9m, Direct
14:33
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
17:42
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
165 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
15:25
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 17m
18:42
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe AVE 04565
from
165 USD
1
3h 17m, Direct
15:25
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
18:42
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
165 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Evening trains

19:10
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 9m
22:19
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe AVE 04395
from
165 USD
1
3h 9m, Direct
19:10
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
22:19
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
165 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
20:16
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
3h 9m
23:25
Santiago de CompostelaStation
Direct
Renfe Avlo 04405
from
115 USD
1
3h 9m, Direct
20:16
MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor
23:25
Santiago de CompostelaStation
from
115 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
day

First train

06:23
night

Last train

20:23
distance

Travel duration

3h 10m
daily-departure

Daily departures

7
departure-station

Departure station

Madrid
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Santiago de Compostela
ticket-price

Ticket price

$22
background

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela

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Receive your ticket

4

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Book Official Tickets Easily
Rail Monsters provides official tickets for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains operated by Renfe. Select direct AVE or Alvia services from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor to Santiago de Compostela station and complete the booking online.
Secure Payment Options
Pay for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train tickets with major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other supported digital payment methods. Online payments are processed with secure verification for Spanish high-speed rail bookings.
Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations
Exchange and cancellation rules depend on the Renfe fare chosen for the Madrid to Santiago de Compostela route. Basico fares are more restrictive, while Elige and Premium options usually allow broader change conditions before departure.
24/7 Human Customer Support
Human support agents are available 24/7 by chat, email, or phone for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela ticket questions, schedule changes, seat selection, and station boarding guidance.
Receive Your Tickets Instantly
After booking, your Madrid to Santiago de Compostela e-ticket is sent by email. The ticket can be shown on a phone or printed for inspection before boarding at Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.

Why Book Madrid to Santiago de Compostela Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Rail Monsters offers Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train booking with 24/7 human support, real-time train information, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. A single account lets you manage this Spain booking alongside rail trips in other countries.

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Madrid to Santiago de Compostela Route Overview

The Madrid to Santiago de Compostela route uses the high-speed line across Castile and the mountain section into Galicia, including the long tunnels and viaducts built for the Madrid-Galicia corridor. The approach after Ourense is slower and more winding than the flat high-speed sections near Madrid, which is why stopping pattern and train type affect the total time. Santiago is the rail terminus for many travelers walking or visiting the Camino de Santiago, and the station sits below the old town rather than beside the cathedral area. Seats on AVE and Alvia services are reserved by train and carriage, so passengers should board the specific service printed on the ticket.
time-s

Travel time

3h 10m

fastest-s

Fastest trip

3h 2m

longest-s

Longest trip

3h 33m

Madrid

Madrid is Spain's capital and the country's main long-distance rail hub. Trains to Galicia depart from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor, north of the city center, with Metro, Cercanias, taxi, and long-distance rail connections.

Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor

StationStation

Madrid Atocha

StationStation

Madrid Príncipe Pio

StationStation

Madrid - Atocha Cercanías

StationStation
arrowarrow

3h 10m

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the end point of the main Camino pilgrimage routes. Santiago de Compostela station is south of the historic center, about 15 to 25 minutes on foot from Praza do Obradoiro and the cathedral area.

Santiago de Compostela

StationStation

Practical Information for AVE and Alvia Travelers

Luggage icon
Renfe long-distance trains on the Madrid to Santiago de Compostela route have reserved seating and onboard luggage storage. Keep your ticket accessible for pre-boarding checks at Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.
Luggage Allowance
Passengers on Renfe AVE and Alvia services may bring up to 3 pieces of luggage, with each item up to 25 kg and a combined maximum size of 285 cm when adding length, width, and height. Luggage must be manageable without staff assistance.
Storage Facilities
AVE and Alvia trainsets have overhead racks for cabin bags and luggage shelves near carriage entrances for larger suitcases. Keep valuables at your seat, especially on busy departures from Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor.
Special Items
Folded bicycles, scooters, skis, golf bags, and musical instruments are accepted when packed and kept within Renfe luggage limits. Non-folding bicycles generally require a specific bike space or packaging conditions and should be checked before booking.

Average rating & reviews

4.7
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Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
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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
avatarDenise 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.
avatarMitja Bostner
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avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-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!
avatarAllison Makhoul

Madrid to Santiago de Compostela Map

The Madrid to Santiago de Compostela route leaves Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor and runs north-west through Segovia Guiomar and Zamora before entering Galicia through A Gudina-Porta Galicia. Trains continue through Ourense, then follow the upgraded inland Galician route to Santiago de Compostela. The line crosses the Castilian plateau, the mountain approaches to Galicia, and river valleys near Ourense before arriving south of Santiago's old town.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

AVE

Changes

Direct

Travel time

3h 5m

Price from

$31

Departures

115

Rating

Train

AVLO

Changes

Direct

Travel time

3h 16m

Price from

$22

Departures

72

Rating

The train links Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor with Santiago de Compostela station in about 3 to 4 hours without airport transfers. Long-distance buses between Madrid and Santiago usually take 8 to 9 hours, often using Madrid Moncloa or Estacion Sur and arriving at Santiago's bus and rail interchange. Flights from Madrid Barajas to Santiago Airport take about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air, but security, boarding, and the airport bus or taxi into Santiago add time. Electric rail travel on this corridor usually has lower emissions than flying the same route.
Greener choice

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.

3h 10m

$22-$126

Bus

Apprx.

8h 30m

$30-$65

Flight

Apprx.

1h 15m

$45-$180

FAQ about the Madrid - Santiago de Compostela Route

Does the Renfe Spain Pass cover Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

The Renfe Spain Pass can be used on eligible Renfe long-distance trains, including AVE and Alvia services, but each trip still requires a seat reservation for the selected train. Pass validity and reservation availability depend on the pass conditions. Rail Monsters sells individual tickets for this route.

How long is the train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

The fastest AVE services take around 3 hours 2 minutes between Madrid Chamartin-Clara Campoamor and Santiago de Compostela. Slower direct Alvia or stopping services usually take about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. The rail distance is about 599 km.

How fast is the Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train?

AVE trains on the Madrid-Galicia corridor can reach up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on high-speed sections. Alvia trains run at lower maximum speeds on some sections and may take longer because of additional stops and route conditions after Ourense.

How much is the train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela?

One-way Madrid to Santiago de Compostela fares start from about €18 ($20 USD) for advance Basico tickets and can rise to around €120 ($130 USD) for flexible Premium fares. Prices shown are starting from; final fares depend on class, time of booking, and availability.

How do I book Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train tickets?

Book Madrid to Santiago de Compostela train tickets on Rail Monsters by choosing your travel date, selecting an AVE or Alvia departure, and paying online. Tickets are issued as e-tickets for mobile display or printing. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead, and the iOS and Android apps can be used to manage the booking.
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