How to travel from Madrid to Santander

Sun, Aug 30
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Renfe ALVIA
Alsa
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Renfe INTERCITY
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Renfe ALVIA
Alsa
Iberia
Renfe
Renfe INTERCITY
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Madrid to Santander

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Santander among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $58 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, while a flight costs an average of $355.

Distance: 210 miles (339 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$64

Average price

$58

Average price

Cheapest

$355

Average price

$81

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 51m

Average total duration

4h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 24m

Average total duration

5h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 36m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 34m

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

Renfe

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Santander is a bus with an average price of $58 (€47).

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Santander:

A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Santander costing on average $64 (€52).

A bus is $297 (€241) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Santander costing on average $355 (€287).

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Santander is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 36m.

Other travel options to Santander take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 51m.

Bus takes on average 6h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Santander including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Santander among Omio's users.

Travel options
from Madrid to Santander

How to get from Madrid to Santander by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Madrid to Santander is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • AlsaNormal
    8:00 AM5h50
    Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
    1:50 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses
    $491One-way
    0 transfers

Cheapest

  • AlsaNormal
    8:00 AM5h50
    Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
    1:50 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses
    $491One-way
    0 transfers

Fastest

  • IberiaIB1059
    7:40 AM1h05
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    8:45 AMSantander Airport
    $961One-way
    0 transfers

Other options

  • Renfe AVLO05817+Renfe18105
    2:23 PM8h34
    Madrid Chamartín
    10:57 PMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe AVLO05817+Renfe35205
    2:23 PM9h38
    Madrid Chamartín
    12:01 AMSantander station
    $541One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe MD35063+Renfe18105
    12:25 PM10h32
    Madrid Príncipe Pío
    10:57 PMSantander station
    $611One-way
    1 transfer
  • AlsaNormal
    8:15 AM5h35
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    1:50 PMSantander, Estación de Autobuses
    $491One-way
    0 transfers
  • AlsaNormal
    6:45 PM5h15
    Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
    12:00 AMSantander, Estación de Autobuses
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • AlsaNormal
    6:30 PM5h30
    Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América
    12:00 AMSantander, Estación de Autobuses
    $501One-way
    0 transfers
  • IberiaIB1065
    8:40 PM1h10
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    9:50 PMSantander Airport
    $4111One-way
    0 transfers
  • IberiaIB1063
    3:50 PM1h10
    Madrid Barajas Airport
    5:00 PMSantander Airport
    $4291One-way
    0 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights

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.

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How to get from Madrid to Santander

The Best Way According to our Users

Whether it is for business or leisure, in order to travel from Madrid to Santander, 68,75% of our customers choose the train as their preferred mode of transportation. By traveling by train on this route, you can enjoy the comfort of spacious seats, spectacular views—and in some cases free Wi-Fi—in both second and first class. Our customers have decided that the train is the best way to get from Madrid to Santander and have chosen to enjoy this fast, safe and efficient way to arrive at their destination. Taking the train also avoids long lines or potential expenses for transfers to/from the station—especially since most main railway stations are located in the city center. Train companies in Europe vary from country to country, but most of them offer high-speed train routes, therefore when you add up at the end-to-end journey time, the train is often also the fastest way to get to your destination.

Search on Omio to find cheap tickets from Madrid to Santander. It’s easy to find the most attractive prices and choose your preferred route for your journey. Book on web or app, and travel with your mobile ticket —without the stress of printing your ticket.

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Trenitalia
Easyjet
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF

FAQs: Travel from Madrid to Santander

Travel to Santander easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Madrid to Santander.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Madrid and Santander including taking a train, bus, and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Santander is a bus with an average price of $58 (€47).

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Santander:

A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Santander costing on average $64 (€52).

A bus is $297 (€241) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Santander costing on average $355 (€287).

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Santander is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 36m.

Other travel options to Santander take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 51m.

Bus takes on average 6h 24m.

The distance from Madrid to Santander is approximately 210 miles (339 km).
The average frequency per day from Madrid to Santander is:
  • Around 15 buses per day.
  • Around 3 flights per day.
  • Around 3 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Madrid and Santander as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Madrid to Santander:
  • Flights mostly depart from Madrid Barajas Airport and arrive in Santander Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Madrid Chamartín and arrive in Santander station.
  • Buses mostly depart from Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) and arrive in Santander, Estación de Autobuses.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Madrid to Santander, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus to go to Santander by bus.
  • Travel with Renfe ALVIA, Renfe, Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe MD, Renfe Viajeros, Ouigo to go to Santander by train.
  • Travel with Iberia, Air Nostrum, Vueling, Air Europa to go to Santander by flight.
Yes, there are direct services available from Madrid to Santander with the following travel companies:
  • 14 direct buses per day with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar.
  • 3 direct trains per day with Renfe Viajeros.
  • 3 direct flights per day with Iberia, Air Nostrum.
Omio customers who travel from Madrid to Santander often also extend their vacation to go to Bilbao, Barcelona, Donostia-San Sebastian, Oviedo, Valencia. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Santander and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Santander to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Santander, you can explore the Santander Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture, and enjoy nature at Parque de Mataleñas. Experience local culture at Mercado de la Esperanza and take a leisurely stroll along Paseo de Pereda. Visit the Gran Casino del Sardinero for entertainment and a touch of history. Don't miss the Palacio de la Magdalena for stunning views, Centro Botín for modern art, and Playa del Sardinero for a beach day. Discover marine life at Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico and relax in the Jardines de Piquío.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Santander is ideal to explore its beaches, cultural attractions like the Magdalena Palace, and local cuisine, while allowing some time for leisure activities.
HomeTravelTravel to SpainTravel to SantanderHow to travel from Madrid to Santander

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