- 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
$24
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palencia to Santander is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palencia to Santander will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 4 trains that leave Palencia for Santander on Sun, Jun 21, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 172 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 19 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.
18105
18101
04143
04193
04193
04143
18105
18101Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palencia to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Palencia to Santander:
A bus is $4 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palencia to Santander costing on average $20 (€17).
Other travel options to Santander take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 48m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Palencia to Santander trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18101 | 10:24 AM Palencia station | 3h19 | 1:43 PM Santander station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04143 | 4:06 PM Palencia station | 2h53 | 6:59 PM Santander station | 0 transfersDirect | |
18105 | 7:17 PM Palencia station | 3h12 | 10:29 PM Santander station | 0 transfersDirect | |
04193 | 8:55 PM Palencia station | 2h33 | 11:28 PM Santander station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Palencia to Santander run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 6:40 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 Airport, Santander -> Santander Railway Station, Santander
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palencia to Santander 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 Santander, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Palencia to Santander trains use the Palencia to Santander station pair, with some services arriving at Valdecilla. Use this guide to compare Palencia and Santander train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Palencia has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Palencia.
ATMs are available at Palencia.
Ticket office support is available at Palencia.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Palencia: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Palencia: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palencia.
Santander 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 Santander.
ATMs are available at Santander.
Ticket office support is available at Santander. Information desks are available at Santander.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander.
Valdecilla is 2 km from Santander city centre. Public transport options include:
Valdecilla has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Valdecilla.
ATMs are available at Valdecilla.
Available at Valdecilla: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Valdecilla: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Valdecilla.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need