- Must visit
Museo da Catedral de Santiago
Outstanding museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, treasury rooms and major works explaining the city's religious history.
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 3 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
487 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 28 trains that leave Madrid for Santiago de Compostela on Sun, Aug 23, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 487 km distance in an average of 3 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.
04975
04405
04395
04475
04975+
37722
04505
04395
04345
04405
04475Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $40.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $266 Average price | $125 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 51m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Santiago de Compostela:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $79 (€64).
A bus is $200 (€161) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela costing on average $266 (€213).
Other travel options to Santiago de Compostela take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 4m.
Bus takes on average 7h 21m.
The journey is about 1h 55m faster (4h 4m by train vs 5h 59m by car) and roughly $45 (€36) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($79 (€64) vs $125 (€100)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe ALVIA, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04475 | On time 8:26 AM Madrid Chamartín | 3h06 | 11:32 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 0 transfersDirect | |
04475+ 12960 | On time 8:26 AM Madrid Chamartín | 10h01 | 6:27 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04475+ 09120 | On time 8:26 AM Madrid Chamartín | 4h52 | 1:18 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04475+ 09140 | On time 8:26 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h37 | 3:03 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
05273+ 12960 | On time 10:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 8h23 | 6:27 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
05273+ 09120 | On time 10:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 3h14 | 1:18 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
05273+ 09140 | On time 10:04 AM Madrid Chamartín | 4h59 | 3:03 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04515+ 09140 | On time 11:17 AM Madrid Chamartín | 3h46 | 3:03 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04515+ 09160 | On time 11:17 AM Madrid Chamartín | 6h01 | 5:18 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04515+ 12960 | On time 11:17 AM Madrid Chamartín | 7h10 | 6:27 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04345+ 04975 | Delayed 2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 6h44 | 7:24 PM 7:24 PMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04345 | 2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 3h02 | 5:42 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 0 transfersDirect | |
04345+ 37722 | 2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 7h08 | 9:48 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04345+ 09590 | On time 2:40 PM Madrid Chamartín | 4h58 | 7:38 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04975+ 04395 | On time 6:06 PM Madrid Chamartín | 4h13 | 10:19 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04975 | Delayed 6:06 PM Madrid Chamartín | 3h18 | 7:24 PM 7:24 PMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 0 transfersDirect | |
04975+ 37722 | On time 6:06 PM Madrid Chamartín | 3h42 | 9:48 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04975+ 00622 | On time 6:06 PM Madrid Chamartín | 3h42 | 9:48 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 1 transfer | |
04395 | 7:17 PM Madrid Chamartín | 3h02 | 10:19 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:41, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 302 miles (487 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average train duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:41 AM |
Last train 9:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Santiago de Compostela — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santiago de Compostela trip today.
Outstanding museum inside the cathedral complex with cloisters, treasury rooms and major works explaining the city's religious history.
Museum dedicated to Galicia's people, traditions and crafts, set in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval.
Contemporary art center in a striking Álvaro Siza building, featuring changing exhibitions and strong collections of modern art.
Historic square beside the cathedral with lively arcades, cafés nearby and excellent views of Santiago's monumental core.
Peaceful park with historic oaks, shaded walks and classic viewpoints over the cathedral towers and old town skyline.
Traditional market district and square where locals shop, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday life in Santiago.
Traditional almond cake from Santiago, marked with the Cross of Saint James. Dense, sweet, and iconic for pilgrims and local celebrations.
Galician octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt, often on a wooden plate. A classic festive dish across Galicia.
Hearty Galician broth made with grelos, potatoes, beans, and usually pork. A rural staple, especially popular in cooler weather.
Michelin-starred restaurant known for refined Galician tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary setting near the old town.
Traditional Galician restaurant famed for octopus and classic regional dishes. Rustic feel and long-standing local reputation.
Popular modern Galician restaurant focused on seafood and seasonal products, with polished service and a central old-town location.
Moderate for Spain: pilgrim stays and local bars help, but central rooms and tourist dining cost more. Walking keeps transit costs low.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafes; taxi fares are usually rounded up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santiago de Compostela, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Santiago de Compostela trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Santiago De Compostela station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Santiago de Compostela train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.
ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.
Santiago De Compostela is 1 km from Santiago de Compostela city centre. Public transport options include:
Santiago De Compostela has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Santiago De Compostela.
ATMs are available at Santiago De Compostela.
Ticket office support is available at Santiago De Compostela. Information desks are available at Santiago De Compostela.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santiago De Compostela: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santiago De Compostela: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santiago De Compostela.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need