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Santander, Cantabria to Madrid, Community of 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 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Bus $23 $23 $23 $27 $35 $27 $35
Train $33 $38 $42 $46 $54 $54 $50
Fly $79 $71 $73 $88 $77 $52 $122
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santander to Madrid

The journey from Santander to Madrid reveals a striking contrast between the serene coastal beauty of northern Spain and the vibrant pulse of the capital city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Madrid

Madrid boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct charms and experiences.

Malasaña
• Trendy shops and street art everywhere.
• Lively nightlife with unique bars and clubs.
Chueca
• Known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
• Charming terraces and excellent dining options.
La Latina
• Offers a maze of tapas bars and restaurants.
• Features beautiful plazas and a relaxed atmosphere.

Best Times To Visit Madrid's Attractions

Optimizing your visit to Madrid's attractions can transform your experience.

Prado Museum
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere.
Royal Palace
Tour in the late afternoon for smaller groups and great lighting for photos.
Retiro Park
Explore on weekday mornings for peaceful strolls amidst stunning gardens.

Madrid Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Madrid enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with long sunny summers and mild winters, making spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) the best times to visit. The weather significantly shapes your travel experience, as mild temps invite outdoor exploration, while summer heat calls for early mornings and late evenings.

Dining Recommendation in Madrid

Don't miss out on trying the traditional Spanish dish, cocido madrileño, at a local favorite like La Taberna de Antonio Sánchez; its hearty stew showcases the rich flavors and diverse ingredients typical of Madrid's cuisine. While Santander offers fresh seafood and coastal dishes, dining in Madrid immerses you in a lively atmosphere filled with local history, transporting you to the heart of Spain's culinary heritage.

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
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
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
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Santander (SDR) to Madrid (MAD)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$45-340
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.

🚗 Experience a scenic road trip from Santander to Madrid, covering a distance of 286 miles. The journey offers diverse landscapes and charming pit stops along the way. 💰 The cost of driving from Santander to Madrid ranges between €74 to €119, providing flexibility for different budgets. Consider carpooling with Blablacar for a shared ride experience and cost savings. 🛣️ Explore the convenience of traveling by car from Santander to Madrid, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes. Enjoy the freedom to discover hidden gems en route to the bustling capital city.
Average price
€74 - €120
Useful tips for car travellers
• Plan your fuel stops along the A-67 and A-1 highways, with gas prices ranging from €1.45 to €1.65 per liter at most stations.
• Upon arriving in Madrid, be cautious of the Madrid Central Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL), which can incur fines; parking costs in the city typically range from €15 to €30 per day.
• Download apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes, especially when approaching Madrid where traffic can become congested during peak hours.
🚆 Traveling from Santander to Madrid by train involves a journey with a few transfers. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes. 🚆 The prices for the train ticket between Santander and Madrid can vary, with fares typically ranging from €36 to €51. Overall, taking the train is a comfortable and efficient option for traveling between these two Spanish cities.
Departure Point
Santander station
Arrival Point
Madrid-Chamartin station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Santander to Madrid, you can enjoy catering services offered by Renfe, the primary operator. The onboard service includes a cafeteria that provides snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and coffee. It's advisable to check the menu online before your trip so you know what to expect and possibly pre-order if you prefer.
• For seating options on Renfe trains, you have three classes to choose from: First Class (Preferente), Business Class (Club), and Economy (Turista). First Class offers spacious seating with additional comfort features and services. Business Class provides quieter carriages and improved meal options, while Economy offers more budget-friendly seating with basic amenities. Make sure to select the class that best fits your travel preferences when booking your ticket on Renfe's website.
• The main operator for the Santander to Madrid route is Renfe, and you might also consider using their AVE services. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website: renfe.com For local transport schedules and Madrid station maps, consider checking the following links: Madrid Public Transport and Renfe Station Info.
🛫 Flying from Santander Airport to Madrid Airport is a quick and convenient option, with the direct flight typically taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes with Iberia. 🌆 Upon arrival in Madrid, you can expect a flight time of 2 hours and 54 minutes from Santander, allowing you to reach the vibrant Spanish capital in no time.
Departure Point
Santander Airport
Arrival Point
Madrid Airport
🚌 The journey from Santander to Madrid by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. There are five daily services available for travelers making this route. The bus departs from Santander E.A. and arrives at Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano. 🚌 ALSA operates the bus services between Santander and Madrid, offering a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the two cities. The buses depart and arrive at Santander E.A. station and Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station, respectively. The prices of a one-way trip vary between €32 to €51.
Departure Point
Santander E.A. station
Arrival Point
Intercambiador Av América Bus Interurbano station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to book your tickets in advance via the ALSA website (alsa.es) to secure the best prices, as fares can range from €32 to €50 depending on the time of day.
• Bring snacks and a reusable water bottle for the journey, since the bus ride lasts approximately 5 hours and may not have frequent stops; having your own refreshments can make the trip more enjoyable.
• Upon arrival at Intercambiador Av América station in Madrid, familiarize yourself with the station's layout by checking the station map (emtmadrid.es) and look for the information desks for assistance with navigating the metro or bus connections to your final destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santander to Madrid.

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The distance between Santander and Madrid is 212 miles by plane, but the road distance is slightly longer at 285.5 miles. By train, it takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes to reach Madrid from Santander. Another option is to take a bus to Bilbao and then fly to Madrid, which typically takes around 5 hours. By car, it takes approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes to drive from Santander to Madrid, and by bus, it usually takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes to make the journey.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santander to Madrid is to rideshare, which costs between €15 and €32 and takes approximately 5 hours and 11 minutes. This option allows you to save money while still reaching your destination. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the fastest option, taking only 2 hours and 51 minutes and costing between €36 and €209. By choosing to fly, you can reach Madrid in a shorter amount of time, but it may be a more expensive alternative.
When traveling from Santander to Madrid, the prices for a train ticket range from €34 to €49. Alternatively, if you choose to take a bus from Madrid to Santander, the prices can range from €59 to €91. The prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the class of service you choose. It is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Santander to Madrid without using public transportation, you can consider using Blablacar's carpooling service. This option allows you to rideshare with others traveling the same route. The driving distance between Santander and Madrid is approximately 286 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes to drive. The prices for carpooling between the two cities range from €73 to €118.
To travel from Santander to Madrid without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes and costs between €32 and €50. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes and costs between €59 and €91. Lastly, you can also fly from Santander to Madrid, which takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes and costs between €36 and €209.
Yes, there is a direct bus connection between Santander and Madrid. The bus service operated by ALSA departs once daily and takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. However, there is no direct train link between the two cities. The train journey, operated by Renfe Viajeros, requires a transfer and takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes.
The flight duration between Santander and Madrid is typically 1 hour and 5 minutes for a direct flight. However, the cost of the flight can vary, ranging from €40 to €205. It is recommended to check with different airlines to find the best deals and prices for your specific travel dates.
There are plenty of accommodations available near Madrid. With over 1356 hotels to choose from, you should have no trouble finding a place to stay that suits your needs and budget. Prices start at €37 per night, offering a range of options for travelers with different budgets. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly options, there are various choices available to ensure a comfortable stay near Madrid.