1map logoGo to main page

Madrid to Santander from $22: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Santander, Spain

How to Get from Madrid to Santander: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$22 - OtherBest price
341.9 kmDistance
3h 7m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid to Santander with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  7m
Estimated price
$43-227
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
5h  21m
Estimated price
$22-22
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 341.9 km
Duration: 3h 7m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
5h  30m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
5h  15m
Estimated price
$37-57
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  19m
Estimated price
$41-164
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  26m
Estimated price
$80-120

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $22 $22 $22 $28 $39 $28 $39
Train $30 $19 $23 $23 $51 $17 $49
Fly $59 $67 $98 $76 $71 $89 $59
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Santander

Traveling from Madrid to Santander offers you a vibrant city life characterized by art and culture in the capital, which sharply contrasts with the serene coastal charm and stunning beaches of Santander.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santander

Santander boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

El Sardinero
• Iconic beach and stunning ocean views.
• Lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants.
Centro
• Bustling shopping streets and cultural landmarks.
• Close to the historic Plaza Porticada.
Castelar
• Charming residential area with local cafes.
• Quiet parks perfect for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Santander's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Santander's attractions.

Palacio de la Magdalena
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
Santander's Beaches
Weekdays during late spring or early autumn offer fewer crowds.
Centro Botín
Mornings on weekdays provide a quieter atmosphere for art lovers.

Santander Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santander enjoys a maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. The best times to visit are spring and early autumn, when pleasant weather enhances your exploration of the city's scenic beauty and outdoor activities.

Dining in Santander: A Culinary Contrast

In Santander, indulge in the fresh seafood at La Mar Salada, where the flavors of the Bay of Biscay come alive in every dish. Unlike the elaborate tapas scene in Madrid, here you’ll experience a relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes local ingredients, allowing you to savor the true essence of coastal cuisine.

Madrid - Santander operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Santander, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Santander (SDR)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$45-340
Website
aireuropa.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Bilbao (BIO)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$35-280
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Santander

Average Duration
4h 4m
Estimated price
$35-55
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano to Santander E.A.

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$35-55

Bus from Bilbao to Santander E.A.

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$8-13
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Bilbao to Santander

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$11-16
Rideshare
Website
blablacar.com

Rideshare from Madrid to Santander

Average Duration
5h 21m
Estimated price
$22-22

Madrid to Santander: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Madrid and Santander offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Madrid to Santander, covering a distance of 458.7 km. Enjoy a smooth 4-hour and 26-minute drive through the Spanish landscapes. 💰 Explore budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from €74 to €110 for a car journey between Madrid and Santander.
Average price
€74 - €111
Useful tips for car travellers
• On your drive from Madrid to Santander, take the A-67 highway for a scenic route, but be prepared for potential detours due to road work, so check for updates on the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) website before you leave.
• Gas stations are plentiful along the A-67, with petrol prices averaging around €1.55 per liter; consider filling up at stations like Repsol or Cepsa for reliable service and good amenities.
• Upon arriving in Santander, be aware that many areas have restricted traffic zones (ZTL); parking rates in the city center can range from €15 to €25 per day, so plan to park in designated lots or consider using the public parking facilities near the central area.
🚆 **Getting There:** There is no direct train from Madrid to Santander, but you can take a service from Estación de Sol Cercanías to Madrid-Chamartin and then transfer to another train bound for Santander. The total journey time, including transfers, is around 5 hours and 15 minutes. 🎟️ **Ticket Prices:** The cost of a train ticket between Madrid and Santander can vary between €34 to €52, making it an affordable and convenient option to travel between these two Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Madrid-Chamartin station
Arrival Point
Santander station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: The train service from Madrid to Santander typically offers a catering service, with options ranging from snacks and light meals to beverages. The Renfe service includes a cafeteria car where you can purchase sandwiches, pastries, and drinks throughout the journey.
Seating Options: For the Madrid-Santander route, Renfe provides several seating options. In First Class, you can enjoy wider seats and a quieter environment, while in Business Class (Preferente), you'll receive a complimentary meal along with more spacious seating. The Economy Class offers comfortable yet more economical seating with less privacy.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving in Santander, the main train station (Estación de Santander) is relatively small and straightforward. There are luggage lockers available for short-term storage, and restrooms are located in the station. Be aware that showers are not available; however, there are cafes and shops if you need refreshments while you wait.
🛫 Taking a direct flight from Madrid Airport to Santander Airport is the quickest option, with a travel time of just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Iberia provides flights for this route, making it convenient and efficient. 🏖️ The flight from Madrid to Santander offers a scenic journey that lasts around 3 hours and 7 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Santander and Madrid can range from €40 to €209, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a ticket that suits their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Santander Airport
🌊 Enjoy a scenic journey as the bus travels from Madrid to Santander four times a day. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, allowing you to relax and take in the diverse landscapes of Spain. 🎫 Tickets for the bus ride from Madrid to Santander range from €32 to €51, making it a budget-friendly way to explore these two vibrant Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station
Arrival Point
Santander E.A. station