- Must visit
Centro Botín
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Cheapest price
$76
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
8 h 45 m
Average duration
8 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
390 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Santander will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santiago de Compostela for Santander on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 390 km distance in an average of 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 8 h 45 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.
Normal
NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $74. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 242 miles (390 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $118 Average price | $478 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santiago de Compostela to Santander:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Santander costing on average $118 (€96).
A bus is $401 (€329) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Santander costing on average $478 (€392).
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 0m.
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
Tickets start at around $77 (€63) compared to roughly $96 (€79) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $19 (€16). The journey takes 7h 10m versus 4h 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Alsa, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $56 |
The table below shows live departures for Santiago de Compostela to Santander buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 9:00 AM Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses | 8h45 | 5:45 PM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Buses from Santiago de Compostela to Santander run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $74 (€61) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 17:45. The fastest bus covers the 242 miles (390 km) distance in 8h 45m.
Distance 242 miles (390 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€61) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 5:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Major contemporary art center on Santander’s waterfront, known for international exhibitions, cultural programming, and its striking Renzo Piano design.
Important archaeological museum presenting prehistoric cave culture, Roman material, and key finds from across Cantabria.
Leading maritime museum covering Cantabrian Sea ecology, fishing, naval history, and aquariums; a strong family-friendly cultural stop.
Scenic headland combining gardens, sea views, beaches, and the palace grounds; ideal for walking and one of the city’s top experiences.
Santander’s best-known beach area, famous for its elegant promenade, broad sands, and lively atmosphere in good weather.
Grand waterfront promenade lined with historic buildings, sculptures, and access to the bay; essential for a first walk through Santander.
Lightly battered and fried squid rings, one of Santander’s most iconic tapas, especially popular for aperitif time by the bay.
High-quality Cantabrian anchovies, usually served in olive oil on bread or as a tapa; a flagship product of the region.
White tuna from the Cantabrian Sea, prized for its delicate texture and often served grilled, stewed, or preserved in olive oil.
Michelin-starred restaurant known for contemporary tasting menus rooted in Cantabrian products, with polished service and elegant ambiance.
Well-known Santander restaurant and tapas bar, famous for refined Cantabrian cuisine, seafood, and a lively central atmosphere.
Historic and established dining room serving classic Cantabrian dishes in a traditional setting with strong local character.
Moderate by Spanish standards: tapas and set lunches are affordable, while waterfront dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change in cafes is enough. Taxis are usually rounded up, and hotel tips are appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Santander, Estación de Autobuses -> Santander Centro
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Santander by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santiago de Compostela to Santander buses use the Santiago de Compostela, Estación de Autobuses to Santander, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Santiago de Compostela and Santander bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need