1map logoGo to main page

Santander, Cantabria to Barcelona, Catalonia 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

Traveling from Santander to Barcelona offers a fascinating contrast between the tranquil beaches and lush landscapes of the north and the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Catalonia.

Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

El Born
• Trendy cafes and boutiques line the cobblestone streets.
• Home to the Picasso Museum and stunning architecture.
Gràcia
• Vibrant atmosphere with independent shops and plazas.
• Hosts numerous festivals showcasing local culture.
Eixample
• Known for its iconic Modernist buildings and wide avenues.
• Features high-end dining and shopping experiences.

Best Times To Visit Barcelona's Attractions

Timing can elevate your experience at Barcelona’s iconic sites.

Sagrada Familia
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light.
Park Güell
Weekday mornings offer a quieter experience to explore the park.
Gothic Quarter
Explore in the late morning or early evening for a more leisurely stroll.

Barcelona Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive year-round destination. Generally, spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities, while summer can be hot, influencing your plans for sightseeing and beach time.

Dining Recommendation

Try the traditional Catalan dish, 'escalivada,' a smoky roasted vegetable salad that celebrates the rich flavors of local ingredients, which stands in contrast to the seafood-centric cuisine of Santander. The vibrant atmosphere of a Barcelona tapas bar enhances your dining experience, offering a lively social setting where you can savor diverse flavors and share dishes with friends.

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 443 miles in approximately 6 hours and 46 minutes. Enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque Spanish landscapes, making pit stops at charming towns along the way. 💰 The cost of traveling from Santander to Barcelona by car ranges from €120 to €175, offering an affordable and flexible transportation option. Save money and experience the freedom of exploring the country at your own pace, with the convenience of having your own vehicle at your disposal.
Average price
€120 - €175
Useful tips for car travellers
• Plan your fuel stops wisely along the A67 and AP-7; you'll find gas stations, including Repsol and Cepsa, with prices around €1.50 per liter on average.
• Be aware of Barcelona's Low Emission Zone (ZBE); only vehicles that meet specific environmental standards can enter without a fee; check if your car qualifies to avoid fines.
• In Barcelona, parking in the city center averages €20 per day; consider using public transport or park in designated areas outside the center for lower rates, ranging from €10-€15 per day.
🚆 Traveling from Santander to Barcelona by train is a scenic journey that usually requires transfers. The trip, operated by Renfe Viajeros and Renfe AVE, takes approximately 7 hours and 1 minute. 💰 Prices for the train ride from Santander to Barcelona typically range from €57 to €131, offering a convenient and affordable way to explore the beauty of Spain.
Departure Point
Santander station
Arrival Point
Barcelona-Sants station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the Renfe trains from Santander to Barcelona include a dining car offering various catering options. You’ll find snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and sometimes regional dishes; it's best to carry some cash as not all services accept cards. For first-class passengers, there's often a more extensive menu and complimentary refreshments.
• The train service offers multiple seating options including First Class (Preferente), Business Class (Clase Business), and Economy Class (Clase Turista). First Class features more spacious seating with wider seats and additional legroom, while Business Class offers enhanced services and comfort. Economy Class is comfortable but might be more crowded. It’s worth considering First Class for a more relaxing journey.
• Multiple operators run services between Santander and Barcelona, including Renfe (renfe.com) and Avant (avant.com). Make sure to check their websites for exact schedules, ticketing, and any potential discounts. If you're looking for local transport schedules in Barcelona, visit the TMB website (tmb.cat) for comprehensive timetables.
• Upon arrival at Barcelona Sants station, you'll find it well-signposted and easy to navigate. There are luggage storage services available for a small fee, along with clean restrooms. Showers are not typically available, but you can find cafes and small shops within the station for convenience.
• The fastest way to get from Barcelona Sants to the city center is to take the Metro. Board Line 3 (the Green Line) towards 'Trinitat Nova' and get off at 'Catalunya'. This journey takes about 15 minutes. You can also take the bus #59 to reach Plaça de Catalunya directly, which is popular with tourists.
🛫 Flying from Santander to Barcelona is a breeze with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes. Vueling Airlines provides convenient flights between these two vibrant Spanish cities. 👜 The total travel time from Santander to Barcelona by plane is 3 hours and 11 minutes. This gives you more time to explore the stunning sights and delicious cuisine of Barcelona upon arrival. 💸 Flight prices from Barcelona to Santander can range from €27 to €190, offering options for different budgets. Whether you're jetting off for business or pleasure, this air route provides a smooth and efficient way to travel between these enticing destinations.
Departure Point
Santander Airport
Arrival Point
Barcelona Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flight with Vueling Airlines, as they are the primary carrier on this route, often providing the best variety of times and prices; check their website for any current promotions or discounts at vueling.com
• Upon arrival at Barcelona El Prat Airport, expect potential delays at customs; it’s advisable to have a navigation app ready, as the airport can be expansive and signage may be confusing—especially for first-time travelers.
• Taxi fares from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city center typically range from €30 to €40, depending on traffic; alternatively, consider the Aerobus service for a cost-effective option priced around €5.90, with direct links to central locations; schedule can be found at aerobusbcn.com
🛣️ The bus operated by ALSA offers a comfortable ride on the approximately 9-hour trip from Santander to Barcelona. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you make your way to your destination. 💸 Ticket prices for the bus trip between Barcelona and Santander range from €55 to €83, making it an affordable travel option for those looking to explore Spain by road. Plan your journey and enjoy the convenience of bus travel between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Santander E.A. station
Arrival Point
Barcelona Sants Bus station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santander to Barcelona.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Santander and Barcelona is approximately 339 miles by air or 443.2 miles by road. The travel time from Santander to Barcelona by train is around 7 hours and 17 minutes. Taking a bus to Bilbao and then flying to Barcelona takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes. By plane alone, the travel time is approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. Driving from Barcelona to Santander takes about 6 hours and 46 minutes, while taking a bus can take around 10 hours and 15 minutes.
For the most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation options from Santander to Barcelona, flying is the quickest and relatively affordable option. It takes 3 hours and 6 minutes to reach Barcelona by plane. Alternatively, ridesharing is a cheaper option, costing around €41 and taking 8 hours and 13 minutes. Considering both speed and cost, flying would be the recommended choice for travelers looking to reach Barcelona from Santander.
When traveling from Santander to Barcelona, the prices for a train ticket range from €54 to €128. Alternatively, if you choose to take a bus, the prices vary from €91 to €145. It is recommended to compare prices and schedule options to find the most suitable and affordable mode of transportation for your journey.
To travel from Santander to Barcelona without using public transportation, you can consider using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. It offers rideshare options between the two cities, which can be a convenient and affordable alternative. The driving distance between Santander and Barcelona is approximately 443 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 46 minutes to drive. Prices for carpooling services can range from €118 to €172, depending on the specific arrangements made with the driver.
To travel from Santander to Barcelona without a car, the best option is to take a train which takes approximately 7 hours and 17 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €54 to €136. Another option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes and costs between €27 and €190. There is also the choice of taking a bus, which takes 10 hours and 15 minutes and costs between €91 and €145.
There is no direct train from Santander to Barcelona, but there are train services with transfers that take approximately 7h 17m to reach Barcelona. The journey involves changing trains at Madrid-Chamartín and Madrid-Puerta de Atocha stations. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs from Santander and takes approximately 10h 15m to arrive in Barcelona. This bus service operates once daily.
The flight between Santander and Barcelona typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from €28 to €187. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to get the best price for your desired travel dates.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Barcelona. With over 1986 hotels to choose from, travelers are spoiled for choice. Prices start at €43 per night, catering to a range of budgets. From luxury hotels in the city center to charming boutique hotels in the surrounding neighborhoods, visitors can find comfortable and convenient places to stay during their trip to Barcelona.

Trips to Barcelona