- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
4 h 23 m
Average duration
4 h 48 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
339 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santander to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santander to Madrid will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 15 trains that leave Santander for Madrid on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 339 km distance in an average of 4 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 23 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 20 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.
04072
04192
04142
04072+
18010
18102+
18004
04142
04192
04072
04142+
08178
18104+
08208Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santander to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 41m. 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 $20, and a flight costs an average of $60.
Distance: 210 miles (339 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$39 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $313 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 47m Average total duration 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg 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 Santander to Madrid:
A train is $27 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santander to Madrid costing on average $66 (€54).
A train is $274 (€222) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santander to Madrid costing on average $313 (€254).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 17m.
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
The journey is about 24m faster (4h 17m by train vs 4h 41m by car) and roughly $42 (€34) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($39 (€31) vs $80 (€65)). 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 Renfe ALVIA, Renfe INTERCITY, 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 Santander to Madrid trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04072 | On time 6:48 AM Santander station | 4h42 | 11:30 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04072 · 04186 | On time 6:48 AM Santander station | 4h47 | 11:35 AM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04072+ 08118 | On time 6:48 AM Santander station | 5h54 | 12:42 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04072+ 05178 | On time 6:48 AM Santander station | 10h03 | 4:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18102+ 08158 | On time 9:20 AM Santander station | 7h12 | 4:32 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18102+ 05170 | On time 9:20 AM Santander station | 7h59 | 5:19 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18102+ 05178 | On time 9:20 AM Santander station | 7h31 | 4:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04142 | Delayed 1:58 PM Santander station | 4h23 | 4:21 PM 4:21 PMMadrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04142+ 04786 | Delayed 1:58 PM Santander station | 6h24 | 6:22 PM 6:22 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04142+ 05792 | On time 1:58 PM Santander station | 5h09 | 7:07 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04142+ 08178 | On time 1:58 PM Santander station | 5h04 | 7:02 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18104+ 04190 | Delayed 4:27 PM Santander station | 6h05 | 8:32 PM 8:32 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18104+ 04366 | On time 4:27 PM Santander station | 5h53 | 10:20 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
18104+ 08208 | On time 4:27 PM Santander station | 5h20 | 9:47 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04192 | 7:00 PM Santander station | 4h31 | 11:31 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Santander to Madrid run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:36, the last at 19:20. The fastest train covers the 210 miles (339 km) distance in 4h 16m.
Distance 210 miles (339 km) |
Average train duration 4h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 16m |
First train 6:36 AM |
Last train 7:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
Spain’s premier art museum, famed for masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. A cornerstone of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art and a top priority for first-time visitors.
Madrid’s leading modern art museum, best known for Picasso’s Guernica alongside major works by Dalí and Miró. Essential for modern and contemporary art lovers.
A major museum spanning European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Its broad collection complements the Prado and Reina Sofía perfectly.
Madrid’s most famous park, ideal for walking, boating, and relaxing among monuments and formal gardens. A top city experience for nearly every visitor.
Madrid’s best-known avenue, lined with historic architecture, theaters, shops, and rooftop views. Energetic by day and night, it is one of the city’s defining walks.
The symbolic heart of Madrid and a major meeting point, home to the Kilómetro Cero marker and famous public celebrations. Constantly busy and central.
Madrid’s signature chickpea stew, traditionally served in stages with broth, vegetables, chickpeas, and assorted meats. It is one of the city’s most emblematic comfort dishes.
A classic Madrid sandwich of fried squid rings in crusty bread, especially associated with bars around Plaza Mayor. It is a simple local staple and iconic snack.
A rich traditional stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla in a paprika-forward sauce. It is a historic tavern dish closely linked to Madrid cuisine.
Prestigious flamenco venue with acclaimed dining, known for refined Spanish cuisine in an intimate historic setting. It combines performance and high-end gastronomy.
Historic traditional restaurant famous for roast suckling pig and Castilian classics. It offers an old-world atmosphere and is one of Madrid’s most iconic dining rooms.
Well-known classic restaurant celebrated for huevos rotos and traditional Spanish cooking. It is a long-established spot with a lively, polished tavern feel.
Moderate for Western Europe. Museums and transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave EUR 1-2 in cafés and 5-10% at restaurants for very good service. Tipping is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Madrid -> Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santander to Madrid trains use the Santander to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need