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Santander to Barcelona from $46: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santander, Spain
to
Barcelona, Spain

How to Get from Santander to Barcelona: 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.

$46 - OtherBest price
544.3 kmDistance
3h 11m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santander to Barcelona 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
Vueling Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
3h  11m
Estimated price
$29-206
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
8h  13m
Estimated price
$46-46
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 544.3 km
Duration: 3h 11m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  8m
Estimated price
$37-153
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
12h  40m
Estimated price
$48-81
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
7h  5m
Estimated price
$49-107
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
9h 
Estimated price
$60-90
Company
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
7h  1m
Estimated price
$62-143
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
9h  48m
Estimated price
$65-100
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  46m
Estimated price
$130-190

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $53 $53 $53 $53 $53 $53 $53
Fly $59 $44 $44 $36 $57 $38 $106
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santander to Barcelona

The journey from Santander to Barcelona offers a fascinating contrast between the serene coastal charm of Santander and the vibrant urban energy of Barcelona.

Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.

Gràcia
• Known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic vibe.
• Offers vibrant plazas filled with local cafés.
Gothic Quarter
• Features narrow medieval streets and historic architecture.
• Home to iconic landmarks like Barcelona Cathedral.
El Born
• Offers trendy boutiques and art galleries.
• Popular for tapas bars and lively nightlife.

Best Times To Visit Barcelona's Attractions

Planning your visits can help you enjoy Barcelona's attractions to the fullest.

Sagrada Família
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid long lines.
Park Güell
Enjoy a quieter experience in the early hours or on weekdays.
Gothic Quarter
Explore early in the morning for a more peaceful stroll.

Barcelona Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. Planning your visit around spring and fall can enhance your experience, as the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Dining Recommendation in Barcelona

For an unforgettable culinary experience, try the traditional Catalan dish, 'Esqueixada,' a refreshing salad featuring shredded salt cod, tomatoes, and olives, at Restaurant Cal Pep. The lively atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients in Barcelona provide a vibrant contrast to the more rustic flavors of Santander's seafood cuisine.

Santander - Barcelona operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
vueling.com

Plane from Santander (SDR) to Barcelona (BCN)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$30-250
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
renfe.com

Train from Santander to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
7h 1m
Estimated price
$60-150

Train from Santander to Madrid-Chamartin

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$35-55

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Barcelona-Sants

Average Duration
2h 57m
Estimated price
$50-75
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
alsa.es

Bus from Santander E.A. to Barcelona Sants Bus

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$60-90

Bus from Santander E.A. to Bilbao

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$8-13

Bus from Bilbao to Pamplona

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$9-13

Bus from Pamplona to Barcelona Nord

Average Duration
7h 10m
Estimated price
$30-50

Bus from Santander E.A. to Zaragoza

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$35-55
Rideshare
Website
blablacar.com

Rideshare from Santander to Barcelona

Average Duration
8h 13m
Estimated price
$46-46
all-pages.other Show other routes

Other from Santander to Barcelona

Average Duration
6h 46m
Estimated price
$130-190

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

Traveling between Santander and Barcelona 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 an exciting road trip from Santander to Barcelona, covering a distance of 712.9 km. Enjoy approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes of scenic Spanish landscapes as you drive towards your destination. 💸 Explore flexible price ranges ranging from €120 to €175 for the journey by car.
Average price
€120 - €175
Useful tips for car travellers
• On your drive from Santander to Barcelona, take the A-67 and AP-66 to A-1, which offers scenic views and minimizes traffic; regular fuel prices along the route are approximately €1.50 per liter, especially at major service stations like Repsol and Cepsa.
• Upon arriving in Barcelona, be aware that many areas have restricted traffic zones known as 'Zonas de Baja Emisiones'; parking rates can range from €15 to €30 per day depending on the district, so consider parking slightly outside the center and using public transport.
• Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates; pay special attention to speed limits, which differ from the UK, typically being 120 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas to avoid fines.
💰 Ticket prices for the Santander to Barcelona train range from €57 to €132, providing a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation for your travel within Spain.
Departure Point
Santander station
Arrival Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: Tren Renfe offers a catering service on the long-distance trains, including food and drink options available at your seat via a trolley service. You can also pre-order meals through the Renfe app or website for a selection of Spanish cuisine, along with beverages including coffee, wines, and soft drinks.
Seating Options: The Renfe Alvia trains running from Santander to Barcelona feature several seating categories: 'Turista' (Economy) with standard seating at affordable rates, 'Preferente' (First Class) with more spacious seats and complimentary meals, and 'Club' (Business Class), which offers luxury seating and priority access to services. Choose according to your comfort preference and budget.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon your arrival at Barcelona Sants station, be sure to explore the luggage storage service available on the first floor if you need to explore the city without your bags. The station also has clean restrooms and some stations feature shower facilities, although they may be limited to certain areas. To navigate the station easily, refer to the station map displayed prominently throughout.
🛫 Flying from Santander Airport to Barcelona Airport can be quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes with Vueling Airlines. ✈️ The total duration of the flight journey from Santander to Barcelona is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination in good time. 🌍 Prices for flights between Barcelona and Santander can range from €27 to €190, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Santander Airport
Arrival Point
Barcelona Airport
🚌 The journey from Santander to Barcelona by bus is a convenient and affordable option, with direct services departing twice daily and taking approximately 9 hours. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Barcelona and Santander range from €55 to €83, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to explore the beautiful regions of Spain while saving on transportation expenses.
Departure Point
Santander E.A. station
Arrival Point
Barcelona Sants Bus station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To ensure a smooth departure from Santander E.A., arrive at least 30 minutes early, as buses with ALSA often have set boarding times, and you may want to grab a bite at nearby Café Tegal before your trip.
• Once you arrive at Barcelona Sants Bus station, familiarize yourself with the station’s layout by reviewing the map available here, which shows the bus platform locations and available amenities, such as restrooms and dining options.
• Keep an eye on the bus schedule on the ALSA website here, to confirm the latest departure times and pricing between €54 and €81, as they can fluctuate depending on the day of the week and demand.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santander to Barcelona.

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The distance between Santander and Barcelona is approximately 545.6 km by air and 713.3 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 7 hours and 17 minutes to reach Barcelona from Santander. Taking a bus to Bilbao and then flying to Barcelona takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes. By car, the journey from Santander to Barcelona takes around 6 hours and 46 minutes, while traveling by bus typically takes around 10 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santander to Barcelona is by flying. It takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes and can cost between €27-€192. Another option is ridesharing, which takes approximately 8 hours and 13 minutes and costs around €41.
The prices for traveling from Santander to Barcelona vary depending on the mode of transportation. For train travel, prices range from €55 to €129. If you choose to travel by bus, you can expect prices to range from €92 to €147.
To get from Santander to Barcelona without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service. This allows you to find rideshare options with other individuals traveling the same route. The driving distance between Santander and Barcelona is approximately 712.9 km, and it takes around 6 hours and 46 minutes to drive. Prices for carpooling services can vary but typically range from €119 to €174.
To travel from Santander to Barcelona without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 7 hours and 17 minutes and costs between €55 and €137. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes and costs between €27 and €192. Additionally, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes about 10 hours and 15 minutes and costs between €92 and €147.
There is no direct train link between Santander and Barcelona. However, you can take a train from Santander to Barcelona with transfers at Madrid - Chamartín - Clara Campoamor Train Station and Madrid-Puerta De Atocha, which takes approximately 7h 17m. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that operates once daily and takes around 10h 15m. The bus is operated by ALSA.
The flight between Santander and Barcelona typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary from €28 to €189, depending on the specific airline and time of booking.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Barcelona. With over 1986 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at €43 per night, making it possible for visitors to find affordable places to stay.

Trips to Barcelona