Train Madrid → Santander
Schedule & travel time
No connections found.
Saving tip: Book via Palencia and save up to 20%!
Instead of Madrid → Santander directly, book Madrid → Palencia+Palencia → Santander separately.
Route overview
4h 10m
Fastest time
4h 30m
Avg. duration
393
Kilometers
4
Trains per day
By train from Madrid to Santander
An important rail connection: The train connection from Madrid to Santander is one of the notable rail routes in Germany. On the ALVIA you reach your destination in just 4h 10m and can travel in comfort.
The route covers a distance of 393 kilometers and is served by about 4 trains every day. Despite the lower frequency, you will still find suitable connections for your trip.
Trains travel via Palencia. This intermediate stop gives you the option to transfer or break your journey if needed. The total distance is 393 kilometers.
Infrastructure: Konventionelle Strecke
Route highlights
- Kantabrische Küste
- Grünes Spanien
More route details
Available train types
This route is served by ALVIA.
Travel sustainably
Taking the train from Madrid to Santander saves you about 62 kg of CO₂ per trip compared with driving. Versus flying you save as much as 96 kg of CO₂. Rail is the most sustainable way to cover this route.
Travel tips
- Book online: bahn.de shows all connections, fares, and BahnCard discounts in one place.
- Use a BahnCard: Benefit from discounts and exclusive Deutsche Bahn services.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train journey from Madrid to Santander?
The fastest connection from Madrid to Santander takes 4h 10m. The average travel time is 4h 30m.
How many trains run daily from Madrid to Santander?
About 4 trains run daily on the Madrid - Santander route. Train types include ALVIA.
What is the route from Madrid to Santander?
Trains travel via Palencia. The total distance is 393 km.
More interesting connections
Preistrend
Rate this route
How was your experience on the Madrid → Santander route?
Thanks for your rating!
Book Connections & Tickets
Booking takes place on our partner websites (Omio, FlixBus, Trainline).
Omio Comparison
Compare Connection — 800+ providers via Omio
* We receive a small commission for bookings through our links. This does not affect the price for you. Learn more
More connections
All connectionsSchedule data last updated: 20/05/2026 · Live data refreshed in real time
Notice: All information on this page (Travel times, Frequencies, Connections) is provided without guarantee and may change at any time. For current and binding information, please visit the official provider websites. This website is not affiliated with Deutsche Bahn AG or other railway companies.
Last update: April 2026
