- Must visit
MUSAC - Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León
Contemporary art museum known for its colorful stained-glass façade and strong temporary exhibitions. A major cultural draw in modern León.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santander to León
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$38
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$54
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 29 m
Trains on Sep 18
16
Distance
172 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santander to León is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santander to León will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Santander to León without transferring at least once.
18102 · 182159:20 AM9h05Santander station6:25 PMLeón station$381One-way1 transfer- 18102+
371019:20 AM6h44Santander station4:04 PMLeón station$391One-way1 transfer - 18104+180054:29 PM7h04Santander station11:33 PMLeón station$411One-way1 transfer
- 18102+371799:20 AM10h28Santander station7:48 PMLeón station$411One-way1 transfer
- 37072 · 371017:05 AM8h59Santander station4:04 PMLeón station$431One-way1 transfer
04192+
051837:00 PM3h30Santander station10:30 PMLeón station$661One-way1 transfer- 04142+182151:55 PM4h30Santander station6:25 PMLeón station$651One-way1 transfer
- 04192+180057:00 PM4h33Santander station11:33 PMLeón station$541One-way1 transfer
- 04072+050717:05 AM4h56Santander station12:01 PMLeón station$681One-way1 transfer
- 37072+050717:05 AM4h56Santander station12:01 PMLeón station$671One-way1 transfer
Live departures
Santander to León train times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to León trains for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04072+05071 | On time 7:05 AM Santander station | 4h56 | 12:01 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 04072+05071 | On time 7:05 AM Santander station | 4h56 | 12:01 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 37072+05071 | 7:05 AM Santander station | 4h56 | 12:01 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 18102+37101 | 9:20 AM Santander station | 6h44 | 4:04 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 18102 · 18215 | On time 9:20 AM Santander station | 9h05 | 6:25 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 18102+37101 | 9:20 AM Santander station | 6h44 | 4:04 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 04142+18003 | On time 1:55 PM Santander station | 7h28 | 9:23 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 04142+37179 | On time 1:55 PM Santander station | 5h53 | 7:48 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 04142+18215 | On time 1:55 PM Santander station | 4h30 | 6:25 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 18104+05183 | Delayed 4:29 PM Santander station | 6h01 | 8:30 PM 8:30 PMLeón station | 1 transfer | |
| 18104+18005 | 4:29 PM Santander station | 7h04 | 11:33 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
| 04192+05183 | Delayed 7:00 PM Santander station | 3h30 | 8:30 PM 8:30 PMLeón station | 1 transfer | |
| 04192+18005 | On time 7:00 PM Santander station | 4h33 | 11:33 PM León station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santander to León by bus
Compare 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.
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Sep 24
Why should you book Santander to León trains with Omio?
Renfe ALVIA as well as Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY and more offer trains services from Santander to León.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Renfe ALVIA tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Renfe ALVIA?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Renfe ALVIA, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe, Renfe MD or Renfe INTERCITY to find the best option for your trip from Santander to León.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santander to León
SpainSpain
Trains from Santander to León run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 7:00 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY from Santander to León trainsRenfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe MD, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Santander and León from $21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Renfe ALVIA
About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe ALVIA Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
$14
Renfe ALVIA frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe
About
Renfe is Spain’s national train company operating freight and passenger on Spain’s extensive railway network as well as international routes to neighboring France and Portugal. Renfe has a wide range of ticket types to fit your budget like the Basic, Elige and Premium tickets. Renfe also offers discount cards like the Renfe Gold Card and +Renfe Youth Card 50 for qualified travelers. The Renfe AVE trains run at high speed and serve long-distance routes, Alvia trains combine high-speed and normal speed trains serving domestic routes, Altaria serves domestic routes into southern Spain, Euromed offers domestic routes along the Mediterranean coast, Avant trains serve regional commuter routes and Trenhotel offers night train routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe Duration
3h 43m
Cheapest Renfe Price
$14
Renfe frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and up to three suitcases free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (cafeteria) available on most long-distance trains serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. First class passengers receive at-seat service
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation. Included in some ticket types, additional fee for others. Recommended during peak travel times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe MD
About
Renfe MD, or Media Distancia (Mid-distance), is a division of Spain's national railway company, Renfe, specializing in regional train services. These trains connect cities and towns within the same autonomous community or between contiguous communities, typically covering distances under 300 km. Renfe MD operates various train types, including modern regional services with amenities like power sockets and reading lights, and high-speed Avant trains that reach up to 250 km/h on shorter, high-speed routes. While not as fast as long-distance AVE trains, Renfe MD offers extensive coverage across Spain, providing essential regional connections.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe MD Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Renfe MD Price
$14
Renfe MD frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and light meals. Vending machines available on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Some routes require mandatory seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Renfe INTERCITY
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Renfe INTERCITY Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price
$14
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to León
Things to do in León
Discover the best of León — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect León trip today.
- Must visit
Museo de San Isidoro
Museum inside the Royal Collegiate of San Isidoro, celebrated for the Royal Pantheon, medieval treasures, manuscripts, and sacred art.
- Recommended
Museo Casa Botines Gaudí
Museum in Gaudí’s Casa Botines explaining the building, the architect, and art from the Fundación España-Duero collection.
- Must visit
Plaza de San Martín
León’s best-known square, lined with arcades and lively terraces. It is the classic place to experience the old city’s atmosphere.
- Must visit
Barrio Húmedo
Historic quarter famous for narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and strong local character. Ideal for wandering between major monuments.
- Recommended
Plaza de Santo Domingo
Elegant central square facing Casa Botines and palace-style buildings. A key orientation point between shopping streets and monuments.
- Gluten-free
Cecina De León
Cured beef from León, lightly smoked and air-dried. It is one of the province’s signature products, prized for its deep flavor and protected regional status.
Cocido Maragato
Robust chickpea stew from the Maragatería area, traditionally served in reverse order: meats first, then chickpeas and cabbage, then soup.
- Gluten-free
Morcilla De León
Traditional blood sausage from León, usually rice-free and richly seasoned. It is a classic tapa and a staple of local charcuterie culture.
Pablo
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern Leonese cuisine, tasting menus, and an elegant contemporary setting.
Mesón Jabugo
Historic traditional restaurant famed for cecina, cured meats, and classic Leonese dishes in a warm old-town atmosphere.
Bodega Regia
Popular bodega-style venue in the Barrio Húmedo, known for tapas, local wines, and hearty regional food in a lively setting.
Euro (€)
More affordable than Madrid or Barcelona. Lodging, tapas, and local transport are moderate, making León good value for city breaks in northern Spain.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menú.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; taxis can be rounded up, and cafés usually just small change.
ALEONBUS
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- €3.00
To the city center
León Station -> Plaza de Santo Domingo, León
- Distance
- 1.7 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- León city buses are operated by ALEONBUS. Check route changes and live information in the official app or on the operator website.
- Card and contactless payment availability on León city buses is not reliably confirmed. Carry cash or a valid transport card for onboard payment.
FAQs: Trains from Santander to León
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander to León 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 León, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Santander to León can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $14, while the average price is around $21.
The train from Santander to León takes 3h 2m and runs 13 per day.
The distance by train from Santander to León is 106 miles (172 km).
The first train from Santander to León leaves at 5:16 AM.
The last train from Santander to León leaves at 7:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santander to León.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santander to León.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santander to León.
The cheapest way to get from Santander to León is by bus, with a cost of around $21.
The train journey from Santander to León offers scenic views of the Cantabrian Mountains, lush valleys, and charming villages, providing a picturesque travel experience.
In León, you can explore the lively Barrio Húmedo, known for its tapas bars and vibrant nightlife. Visit the stunning Catedral de León to admire its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, and explore the rooftop for panoramic city views. Discover the Basílica de San Isidoro with its remarkable frescoes, and Casa Botines, a modernist building by Antoni Gaudí. Enjoy cultural events at the historic Teatro Emperador or the avant-garde exhibitions at MUSAC. Stroll along the Bernesga River for scenic views, and explore the Museo de León to learn about the region's history. Lastly, the Convento de San Marcos offers a glimpse into history with its Plateresque façade.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in León is generally ideal to explore its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and enjoy its renowned gastronomy.
Yes, you can take the train from Santander to León.
Since both Santander and León are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from León include Oviedo, Valladolid, Palencia, Ponferrada, Astorga.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santander to León among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In León, travelers should be cautious of petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and markets. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for taxi rides or tours to prevent overcharging scams. It's advisable to use official transportation services and remain vigilant in busy tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santander to León
Most Santander to León trains use the Santander to León station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and León train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Santander
Arrival train stations in León
Santander39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Santander train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Santander.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Santander.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santander. Information desks are available at Santander.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santander: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santander: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santander.
León24009 León, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to León from León city centre
León is 1 km from León city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
León train station facilities and services
León has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at León.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at León.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at León. Information desks are available at León.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at León: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at León: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at León.
Most popular train connections from Santander
More options for your journey from Santander to León
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from León and Santander
Most popular train connections to León
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