- Must visit
Museo del Prado
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
487 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 20 trains that leave Santiago de Compostela for Madrid on Fri, Aug 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 21 the direct trains cover the 487 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
On Fri, Aug 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 14 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.
04494
04334
04154
37621+
04494
37621+
04334
04154
04494
04334
09351+
04334
04254+
04334Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid 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 9m. 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 $73.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $270 Average price | $152 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 2m 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 Santiago de Compostela to Madrid:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid costing on average $82 (€66).
A bus is $202 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid costing on average $270 (€217).
Other travel options to Madrid take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 5m.
Bus takes on average 6h 22m.
The journey is about 1h 57m faster (4h 5m by train vs 6h 2m by car) and roughly $70 (€57) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($82 (€66) vs $152 (€122)). 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 Santiago de Compostela to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04154 · 04494 | Delayed 3:47 AM 5:47 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 8h21 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04154 | Delayed 3:47 AM 5:47 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 3h02 | 8:49 AM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
34154+ 04494 | Delayed 5:47 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 8h21 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09061+ 04494 | Delayed 6:33 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 7h35 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04464+ 04494 | Delayed 6:51 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 7h17 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
34364+ 04494 | Delayed 7:43 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 6h25 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04364+ 04494 | Delayed 5:43 AM 7:43 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 6h25 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09071+ 04494 | Delayed 8:16 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 5h52 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09071+ 04334 | 8:16 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 11h35 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
00621+ 04494 | Delayed 8:30 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 5h38 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37621+ 04334 | 8:30 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 11h21 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
37621+ 04494 | Delayed 8:30 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 5h38 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09101+ 04334 | On time 10:33 AM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 9h18 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04494 · 04334 | Delayed 8:49 AM 10:49 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 9h02 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04494 | Delayed 8:49 AM 10:49 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 3h19 | 12:08 PM 12:08 PMMadrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
04314+ 04334 | Delayed 9:48 AM 11:48 AMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 8h03 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09131+ 04334 | On time 2:08 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 5h43 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04254+ 04334 | Delayed 12:37 PM 2:37 PMSantiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 5h14 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
09351+ 04334 | On time 3:39 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 4h12 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 1 transfer | |
04334 | 4:26 PM Santiago de Compostela-Daniel Castelao | 3h25 | 7:51 PM Madrid Chamartín | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Santiago de Compostela to Madrid run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) 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 2h 57m.
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average train duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 5:41 AM |
Last train 9:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch; essential for Spanish and European painting.
Leading modern art museum best known for Picasso’s Guernica, plus major works by Dalí and Miró.
Celebrated collection of European masters from Van Eyck to Hopper in a refined palace setting.
Madrid’s most famous park offers gardens, a boating lake, monuments, and relaxed walks in the city center.
Lively grand avenue known for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop energy from day to night.
Elegant boulevard linking major museums and landmarks, ideal for a classic central Madrid walk.
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables, and broth, especially traditional in Madrid and often served in stages.
Crisp fried squid rings served in a baguette roll. This iconic Madrid street food is especially linked to bars around Plaza Mayor.
Tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla in a rich sauce. A classic old Madrid tavern dish with deep local roots.
Refined two-Michelin-star dining focused on seasonal Spanish produce, with elegant modern cooking in a polished fine-dining room.
Traditional Madrid restaurant known for cocido madrileño served in stages, with an old-school dining room and loyal local following.
Historic century-old tavern famed for roast suckling pig and Castilian dishes in a classic, wood-lined setting near Plaza Mayor.
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels vary, dining is reasonable, and public transport is good value for tourists.
Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela to Madrid trains use the Santiago De Compostela to Madrid Chamartín station pair. Use this guide to compare Santiago de Compostela and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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