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How to travel from Bilbao to Santander by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Bilbao to Santander? Look no further.
There are around 2 trains per day running between Bilbao and Santander, which usually take 17 hours 21 minutes to complete the 46 miles (74 km) journey. It can take as little as 10 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Santander from Bilbao, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. You can travel on this route with Renfe, which is the main train operator in Spain and has the widest network of high-speed trains in Europe. During your trip, you may travel on one of their high-speed or regional services, all of which offer comfort and air-conditioning as standard.
You can save money on train tickets from Bilbao to Santander if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £40.79. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Trains to Santander from Bilbao
It takes an average of 17h 21m to travel from Bilbao to Santander by train, over a distance of around 46 miles (74 km). There are normally 2 trains per day travelling from Bilbao to Santander and tickets for this journey start from £40.79 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bilbao to Santander?
Want to know more about your journey from Bilbao to Santander? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Bilbao to Santander?
What's the distance between Bilbao and Santander by train?
Who runs the trains from Bilbao to Santander?
Can you travel from Bilbao to Santander without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Santander from Bilbao?
What time is the first train from Bilbao to Santander?
What time is the last train from Bilbao to Santander?
How often do trains go from Bilbao to Santander?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Bilbao to Santander?
Is there a return trip from Bilbao to Santander?
Renfe, Alvia and Media Distancia trains from Bilbao to Santander
Renfe
Alvia
Media Distancia
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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Renfe's Media Distancia are regional trains operated by CAF locomotives that run on medium-distance routes not covered by Avant high-speed trains. Most Media Distancia trains have one class. However, there are some that will have Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). These trains also have spaces for bicycles, and all seats are equipped with power sockets and reading lights.
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What Alvia classes are there from Bilbao to Santander?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Alvia when travelling from Bilbao to Santander.
Estándar
Travel in Alvia's Estándar Class (Standard Class) and you'll enjoy many amenities, including air-conditioning, at-seat power sockets and footrests.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
Confort
Upgrade to Alvia's Confort Class (First Class) and enjoy comfier seats, more legroom, an at-seat catering service and access to Renfe's Club lounges.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on Alvia?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bilbao to Santander.
What luggage limits are there? | On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of luggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand luggage. |
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What food and drink is available? | Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand luggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special luggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | 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). |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Santander?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.