- Must visit
Centro Botín
Leading modern and contemporary art center by Renzo Piano, renowned for exhibitions, architecture, and exceptional bay views.
Flights from Madrid to Santander depart on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €17 by train.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 06:30, the last at 21:35. The fastest flight covers the 210 miles (339 km) distance in 1h 5m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 210 miles (339 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Flights per day 3 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 6:30 AM |
Last flight 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Cheapest price
€274
Average price
€296
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 8 m
Flights per day
3
Distance
339 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Madrid 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 to Santander will cost around €296 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €274.
Of the 3 flights that leave Madrid for Santander onWed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct flights cover the 339 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 Wed, Aug 05 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.
IB1065
IB1059
IB1063
IB1059
IB1065
IB1063Omio 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 train with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. 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 train costs an average of €17, and a flight costs an average of €36.
Distance: 210 miles (339 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€233 Average price | €40 Average price Cheapest | €43 Average price | €65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration 5h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Santander:
A train is €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Santander costing on average €43.
A train is €193 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Santander costing on average €233.
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 15m.
Bus takes on average 5h 53m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santander flights for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IB1059 | 8:25 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 9:30 AM Santander Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
IB1063 | 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.
Leading modern and contemporary art center by Renzo Piano, renowned for exhibitions, architecture, and exceptional bay views.
Excellent maritime museum covering Cantabrian seafaring, ecology, fishing, and naval history with aquariums and family-friendly displays.
Art museum focused on Cantabrian and Spanish painting, offering a compact but rewarding overview in a central historic setting.
Iconic peninsula park with palace grounds, beaches, mini-zoo area, and scenic walking routes. One of Santander’s essential outings.
Elegant seafront promenade linking gardens, monuments, and bay views. Ideal for a first walk through central Santander.
Dramatic headland viewpoint with cliffs, lighthouse scenery, and walking trails. A favorite for sunsets and Atlantic panoramas.
Cantabrian anchovies cured in salt or olive oil. Santander is famous for high-quality bocarte landed on this coast and served as a prized tapa.
Fresh hake with green sauce, usually with garlic, parsley, fish stock, peas and clams. A classic northern coastal dish tied to local fishing traditions.
Mountain stew from Cantabria with white beans, collard greens and pork products. Hearty inland cooking that is iconic across the region.
Refined Michelin-starred dining focused on seasonal Cantabrian products. Elegant setting and creative tasting menus with strong local identity.
Well-known dining room specializing in grilled fish and Cantabrian seafood. Smart but relaxed atmosphere with a strong local reputation.
Established seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Santander cooking. Traditional atmosphere near the seafront.
Moderate for Spain. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while local transit and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, small change in cafes, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

Most Madrid to Santander flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to Santander Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Santander airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Santander Airport is 4 km from Santander city centre. Public transport options include:
Santander Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the terminal.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santander Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need