Trains from Santander to London
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Traveling from Santander to London by train
Looking to travel from Santander to London by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 29 hours 24 minutes to travel from Santander to London by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 25 hours 2 minutes though. You'll usually find 5 trains per day running along the 937 km route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes during the journey to London, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be traveling with Eurostar, TGV or Renfe on your way to London, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Santander to London.
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 London by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Renfe, Alvia, SNCF and Eurostar trains from Santander to London
Renfe
Alvia
SNCF
Eurostar
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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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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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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Eurostar is the exclusive high-speed train service that links London to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and the rest of Europe at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All Eurostar trains have modern, comfortable facilities, plenty of room for baggage, and onboard food and beverage car. There are three comfort classes on offer – Standard, Standard Premier (equivalent to Premium Economy, with light refreshments served), and Business Premier (equivalent to First or Business Class, with flexible travel options, priority boarding, lounge access and delicious food and drink included). On October 1, 2023, Eurostar and Thalys joined forces and are now united under the Eurostar name. Eurostar now runs trains on more routes between France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. These trains, with their distinctive red color scheme, have three classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium (equivalent to First Class, with lounge access included).
Eurostar, TGV INOUI, TER and Alvia classes from Santander to London
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurostar, TGV INOUI, TER and Alvia when traveling from Santander to London.
Eurostar
TGV INOUI
TER
Alvia
Standard
In Standard class, you'll find comfortable seats, free WiFi and a large selection of drinks and snacks for sale in the onboard bar car.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
Standard Premier
As well as all the facilities you'll find in Standard Class, in Eurostar Standard Premier you'll also get a light meal served at your seat for trips to and from London. Instead of Standard Premier, Red trains traveling around Europe have Comfort Class. Though you won't get a meal at your seat for trips solely in Europe, you'll get to sit back and relax in comfier seats.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal (1)
- Gourmet menu
- Lounge access
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A meal at your seat is only provided on trains traveling to or from the United Kingdom.
Business Premier
For trains to and from London, Business Premier gives you the freedom to travel on your own timetable, with speedy boarding and Eurostar's exclusive Business Premier lounges where you can relax before your trip. In Premium Class, exclusively on trains in Europe, you'll benefit from complete comfort, including a free meal and free drinks at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Gourmet menu (1)
- Lounge access (2)
- In-seat meal service
- (1) A gourmet hot meal is exclusive to trains to and from the United Kingdom; on trains in Europe, you'll have a cold meal served at your seat.
- (2) Access to the Business Premier lounge is only available for passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, power outlets at every seat and footrests.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy more comfortable seats, more legroom, an in-seat meal service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Onboard services on Eurostar, TGV INOUI, TER and Alvia
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Santander to London.
Eurostar
TGV INOUI
TER
Alvia
Although there's no weight limit for your baggage on Eurostar trains, you must be able to carry your bags safely by yourself.
Each bag must be clearly labeled and must be no longer than 33.4 inches (for trains to and from the United Kingdom) or no larger than 29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches (for trains in Europe).
Are you traveling to or from the United Kingdom? In Eurostar Standard Class, choose from a wide selection of drinks and snacks at the Eurostar Café, the onboard bar car in the middle of the train. Cards and cash (Euros or pounds) are accepted. If you're traveling in Standard Premier, a light meal and a drink will be served at your seat. Travel in Business Premier and you'll be treated to a gourmet meal, as well as a continuous drinks service throughout your journey.
For all other Eurostar trains (red trains, formerly Thalys), head to the bar car and choose from a wide range of hot and cold drinks as well as savory and sweet snacks.
In Premium class, you'll get a free meal served directly to your seat.
Eurostar doesn't have an onboard entertainment portal. However, there is free WiFi available, as well as UK and EU power outlets at your seat so you can charge your devices while traveling.
- Kids of all ages need their passport to travel with Eurostar.
- Children under 4 can travel free on Eurostar trains, as long as they're sitting on an accompanying adult's lap. Alternatively, you can book them their own seat with a child ticket.
- If you're alone with kids, you can pre-book assistance so that a member of Eurostar staff can help you during your journey.
- Kids under 12 must travel with someone over 16, while those aged 12-15 can travel alone if they have an unaccompanied minor form (excluding direct trains to/from the Netherlands).
- 16 to 17-year-olds can travel alone if they meet all legal requirements.
- You'll find changing tables on all Eurostar trains, as well as family-oriented seating (4 seats facing one another) where available.
Generally, Eurostar trains running to and from the United Kingdom can't transport fully assembled bikes - though on certain trains between London and Brussels, you may be able to book a bike space by contacting Eurostar. You can, however, take a foldable bike on board Eurostar trains to and from the UK provided that it's no more than 33.4 inches long and it fits in a protective bag that covers the whole bicycle. Folded bikes are treated as standard baggage.
For all other Eurostar trains in Europe, a limited number of non-foldable bikes can be brought on board, provided that the wheels are taken off and the whole bicycle is stored in a suitable cover (max. size 53.1 x 33.4 x 11.8 inches). Foldable bicycles are also permitted and count towards standard baggage limits.
The rules around traveling with your pets depend on whether you're traveling across the Channel or not, so check before you travel:
Eurostar trains to and from the United Kingdom:
- Pets are not permitted on board.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can travel, but they must be accompanied by their owner. You must also reserve a ticket for your assistance dog at least 48 hours before travel, by filling out Eurostar's contact form.
Trains in the rest of Europe:
- Small dogs and other pets weighing less than 13 lbs (6 kg) can travel for free. They must travel in a cage or carrier (max. dimensions 17.7 x 11.8 x 9.8 inches).
- If your dog is larger than this, you must buy them a dog ticket (generally the price is fixed at €30, around $32), and the dog must travel on your lap or on the ground, on a lead and with a muzzle.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs, whatever their size, travel for free.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you should contact Eurostar directly before your trip. To use Eurostar's special assistance program, fill in this contact form at least 48 hours before your journey so that the team can help you.
If you're traveling on trains to/from the United Kingdom:
- Arrive at least one hour before your train's scheduled departure time, then head to the Eurostar Assist desk or ask a member of staff.
- If you have a wheelchair, you must reserve a wheelchair space in either Standard Premier or Business Premier - you'll only pay for a Standard Class ticket. Someone can travel with you at a discounted rate.
If you're traveling on red trains in the rest of Europe:
- Wheelchairs can be transported as long as they're no bigger than 27.5 inches long and 47.2 inches high. The wheelchair's turning circle must be no larger than 59 inches in diameter. The combined weight of the wheelchair, passenger and any baggage must not exceed 661 lbs (300 kg).
- Please note that combustion engine-powered wheelchairs are not permitted on board. However, electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Specific restrictions for trains to/from the United Kingdom:
Liquids:
- There's no restriction on liquids. However, there are restrictions on alcohol: you can take 4 bottles/cans of beer or 1 bottle of wine per person to enjoy on the journey; large bottles of spirits are not permitted. If you're traveling with large quantities of alcohol, you should contact a courier service.
Sports equipment:
- You can travel with a golf bag as long as it's no larger than 47.2 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches.
- You can bring tents or other shelters if they're stored in bags or cases less than 33.4 inches long.
- Camping gas or butane bottles are not permitted on board.
- Camping utensils or tools such as pocket knives and Swiss army knives are permitted provided the blades are less than 3 inches long. Folding knives where the blade locks into place are prohibited.
- You can bring bats, snooker or pool cues and darts on board if they're stored in a protective case.
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
There are no size limits for the baggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any baggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated baggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of baggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Strollers and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand baggage.
Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat service with a wide selection of food and drinks.
On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.
Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.
With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand baggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special baggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.
You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.
Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).
Cheap train tickets from Santander to London
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 to London 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 to London
Want to know more about your journey from Santander to London? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Santander to London take?
The average journey time by train between Santander and London is 29 hours and 24 minutes, with around 5 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 and London by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Santander to London is 25 hours and 2 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Santander to London?
No, there are no direct train services from Santander to London. Travelling from Santander to London by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.
What time does the first train from Santander to London leave?
The first train from Santander to London leaves at 07:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Santander to London leave?
The last train from Santander to London leaves at 19:00. 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 and London by train?
Trains travelling from Santander to London cover a distance of around 582 miles (937 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Santander.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.