Trains from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela
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Traveling from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train
Looking to travel from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 15 hours 33 minutes to travel from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 13 hours 7 minutes though. You'll usually find 2 trains per day running along the 389 km route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change during the journey to Santiago de Compostela, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. Trains on this route are usually operated by either AVE or Renfe. On board you'll find modern comfortable seating and plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela start from $43.99 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Santiago de Compostela by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train
It takes an average of 15h 33m to travel from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train, over a distance of around 242 miles (389 km). There are normally 2 trains per day traveling from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela and tickets for this journey start from $43.99 when you book in advance.
| First train | 09:20 |
|---|---|
| Last train | 16:29 |
| Departure station | Santander Estación |
| Arrival station | Santiago de Compostela |
| Journey time | 13h 7m |
| Distance | 389 miles (242 km) |
| Frequency | 2 trains per day |
| Changes | 1 change |
| Price | From $43.99 |
| Train and bus operators |
AVE, Renfe, Avant and Alvia trains from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela
AVE
Renfe
Avant
Alvia
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
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Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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Able to reach speeds of at 155 mph (250 km/h), Avant trains operate short and medium distance high-speed services. These trains are intended to cover journeys within the same autonomous community or in two neighbouring communities. For this reason, trains generally don’t offer catering services and travel less than 125 miles (200 km). They have two types of comfort classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class).
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Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
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Cheap train tickets from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela
How long does the train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela take?
The average journey time by train between Santander Estación and Santiago de Compostela is 15 hours and 33 minutes, with around 2 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Santander Estación and Santiago de Compostela by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela is 13 hours and 7 minutes.
How much does the train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela cost?
Train tickets from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela can start from as little as $43.99 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela?
No, there are no direct train services from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela. Travelling from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela leave?
The first train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 09:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela leave?
The last train from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela leaves at 16:29. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Santander Estación and Santiago de Compostela by train?
Trains travelling from Santander Estación to Santiago de Compostela cover a distance of around 242 miles (389 km) during the journey.