- Must visit
Centro Botín
Contemporary art center on the waterfront, designed by Renzo Piano. It is one of Santander’s signature cultural attractions and hosts major exhibitions and rooftop views.
Flights from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander depart on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:40, the last at 20:35. The fastest flight covers the 207 miles (334 km) distance in 1h 5m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 207 miles (334 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€30) |
Flights per day 3 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 5:40 AM |
Last flight 8:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$104
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 8 m
Flights per day
3
Distance
334 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander will cost around $104 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 3 flights that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Santander onMon, Jun 01, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct flights cover the 334 km distance in an average of 1 h 8 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the longest flights will take 1 h 10 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.
IB493
IB1065
IB1059
IB1059
IB1065
IB493Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $38.
Distance: 207 miles (334 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$148 Average price | $51 Average price | $46 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander costing on average $51 (€41).
A train is $102 (€82) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander costing on average $148 (€119).
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 50m.
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander flights for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IB1059 | 7:40 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 8:45 AM Santander Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
IB493 | 3:50 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 5:00 PM Santander Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
IB1065 | 8:40 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 9:50 PM Santander Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight 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.
Discover the best of Santander — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santander trip today.
Contemporary art center on the waterfront, designed by Renzo Piano. It is one of Santander’s signature cultural attractions and hosts major exhibitions and rooftop views.
A leading maritime museum focused on the Bay of Biscay, marine life, navigation, and Cantabrian fishing heritage. Good choice for families and local history fans.
Santander’s main fine arts museum, with collections spanning historic to contemporary works. Central, manageable, and a strong local cultural stop.
Scenic peninsula combining sea views, palace grounds, beaches, and walking paths. One of the best overall areas to explore in Santander.
Central waterfront gardens beside the bay and Centro Botín. A classic promenade area and one of the city’s most pleasant urban spaces.
Dramatic coastal headland with cliffs, walking routes, and sweeping Atlantic views. Highly popular for photos, sunsets, and open-air walks.
Lightly battered fried squid rings, a classic Santander tapa especially popular for aperitivo near the seafront.
Rich buttery sponge cakes from nearby Valles Pasiegos, one of Cantabria's best-known traditional sweets.
A dense baked dessert made with fresh cheese or curd, eggs, sugar, and lemon, traditional across Cantabria.
Established fine-dining restaurant known for modern Cantabrian cuisine, tasting menus, and polished service.
Well-known central Santander restaurant and bar, famous for refined Cantabrian dishes, seafood, and a lively upscale atmosphere.
Historic traditional restaurant with classic regional cooking, strong wine list, and old-Santander character.
Generally moderate by Spanish standards: good value for set lunches and coffee, while seaside dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change is fine in cafes; taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Santander Airport -> Santander Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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