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Santander to Madrid from $17: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santander, Spain
to
Madrid, Spain

How to Get from Santander to Madrid: 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.

$17 RideshareBest price
212 kmDistance
2h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santander to Madrid 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
Renfe Viajeros
Train
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$39-55
Recommended
Company
various
Rideshare
Average Duration
5h  11m
Estimated price
$17-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 212 km
Duration: 2h 54m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
5h  15m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
4h  56m
Estimated price
$42-163
Company
Iberia
Plane
Average Duration
2h  54m
Estimated price
$43-226
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$80-130

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $22 $22 $22 $25 $33 $25 $33
Train $31 $36 $39 $43 $51 $51 $47
Fly $74 $67 $69 $83 $72 $49 $115
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santander to Madrid

Traveling from Santander to Madrid offers you a striking contrast between the serene coastal vibes of northern Spain and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of the capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Madrid

Madrid boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and appeal.

Malasaña
• Trendy cafes and vintage shops abound.
• Known for its lively nightlife scene.
La Latina
• Famous for tapas bars and bustling markets.
• Charming streets lined with historical architecture.
Chueca
• Vibrant LGBTQ+ community with lively events.
• Offers a mix of modern and traditional Spanish culture.

Best Times To Visit Madrid's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Madrid by visiting attractions at optimal times.

Prado Museum
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Royal Palace
Try to go in the late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Retiro Park
Weekday mornings offer peace and serenity for leisurely strolls.

Madrid Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madrid experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city.

Dining Recommendation in Madrid

While Santander delights you with fresh seafood, Madrid invites you to savor the iconic cocido madrileño, a hearty stew brimming with rich flavors and local ingredients. Dining in Madrid often features bustling tapas bars where you can share small dishes with friends, creating a lively and social atmosphere that contrasts with the more relaxed dining experience in Santander.

Santander - Madrid operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Santander to Madrid-Chamartin

Average Duration
4h
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 Santander E.A. to Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$35-55
Plane Show flights
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Santander (SDR) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$45-340
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
blablacar.com

Other from Santander to Madrid

Average Duration
5h 11m
Estimated price
$17-35

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

Traveling between Santander and Madrid 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 scenic road trip from Santander to Madrid, covering a distance of 460.3 km in approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes. 💰 Prices for this journey by car range from €74 to €119, offering flexibility for varying budgets and travel preferences.
Average price
€74 - €120
🌆 Enjoy a scenic ride through the Spanish landscapes as you travel from Santander to Madrid. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for this convenient train trip range from €36 to €51, offering a cost-effective and hassle-free way to travel between these two vibrant cities in Spain.
Departure Point
Santander station
Arrival Point
Madrid-Chamartin station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard catering services on Renfe trains from Santander to Madrid include a cafeteria offering snacks, sandwiches, and refreshments. In First and Business Class, you may also have a meal served at your seat, depending on the train schedule.
• The train operators for this route are Renfe and Alvia. Renfe offers Economy, Business, and First Class seating. Economy provides basic amenities, while Business and First Class offer more spacious seating, complimentary snacks, and better service. You can find more about their seating options on the following websites: Renfe - renfe.com
• Arriving at Madrid-Chamartín station offers conveniences like luggage lockers for short-term storage and restrooms throughout the station. If you need a shower, check nearby hotels or facilities, as the station does not provide shower services.
🛫 Flying from Santander to Madrid is made easy with direct flights that take only 1 hour and 5 minutes. Iberia provides convenient flight options between these two cities. ✈️ The entire journey from Santander to Madrid by plane typically lasts around 2 hours and 54 minutes. 🏙️ Prices for flights between Madrid and Santander can range from €40 to €208, making it a relatively affordable and convenient way to travel between these vibrant Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Santander Airport
Arrival Point
Madrid Airport
🚌 The journey from Santander to Madrid by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. 🚌 The direct bus departs from Santander E.A. station and arrives at Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano in Madrid. This route is operated by ALSA. 🚌 Travelers can expect the bus ticket prices to range from €32 to €51 for the journey between Santander and Madrid.
Departure Point
Santander E.A. station
Arrival Point
Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santander to Madrid.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Santander and Madrid is approximately 341.2 km by air and 459.5 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes to reach Madrid from Santander by plane, 4 hours and 32 minutes by train, 4 hours and 28 minutes by car, and 5 hours and 45 minutes by bus.
The price for a train ticket from Santander to Madrid ranges from €35 to €50. For a bus ticket from Madrid to Santander, the prices vary between €60 and €92.
To travel from Santander to Madrid without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service, where you can find rideshare options. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 460.3 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes by car. The prices for a car ride from Santander to Madrid range from €73 to €119.
To travel from Santander to Madrid without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes and tickets cost between €32 and €50. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes and costs between €60 and €92. Alternatively, you can fly, which is the fastest option, taking only 2 hours and 51 minutes, with prices ranging from €37 to €211.
Yes, there is a direct bus link between Santander and Madrid. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes and operates daily. There is also a train connection with transfers, which takes around 4 hours and 32 minutes. For those preferring to drive, it is a distance of 459.5 km and takes approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes by car.
The flight between Santander and Madrid typically takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between €40 and €207, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Madrid. With over 1356 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a suitable place to stay within their budget. Prices for hotels start at €38 per night, offering a range of options for different preferences and requirements.